Intelligent Networks: A Discussion of Current Developments

Abstract

Many see the Intelligent Network (IN), which is today the prevalent means of providing services based on manipulation of voice call setup, as a starting point for the service delivery platform of the future. In this chapter we outline the basic elements of the IN as it exists today. We then discuss some of the technical and commercial limitations that are currently driving the development of IN. The following three sections summarize Internet/information technology and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) integration standardization work carried out by the IETF (PINT/SPIRITS), the Parlay consortium (Parlay) and the OMG (IN/CORBA Interworking) respectively. The final two sections identify important common trends in the development of IN and some issues for which immediate solutions are not apparent.