Evolutionary trends in intelligent networks

A number of groups are currently developing technologies aimed at evolving and enhancing the capabilities of intelligent networks. In this article we discuss three of these initiatives: PINT, Parlay, and IN/CORBA interworking. The IETF PINT work addresses how Internet applications can request and enrich telecommunications services. The Parlay consortium is specifying an object-oriented service control API that facilitates the access, control, and configuration of IN services by enterprise IT systems. The OMG's IN/CORBA interworking specification enables CORBA-based systems to interwork with existing IN infrastructure, thereby promoting the adoption of CORBA for the realization of IN functional entities. We address how all three of these technologies could be deployed together in order to provide a basis for a more flexible and open IN architecture. We also identify a number of common trends and potential pitfalls highlighted by current work on the evolution of IN.