Next generation service creation using XML scripting languages

The next generation of scripting languages for creating value-added services in converged networks will be based upon XML. Industry forums, like Parlay, JAIN and OSA, have developed open standard application program interfaces (APIs) to enable service creation in converged next generation networks (NGN). While services can be developed in traditional programming languages (e.g. Java or C++) using these APIs, XML-based scripting languages offer some advantages. While not as flexible or powerful as a programming language, scripting languages are typically easier to learn, and are language and platform independent. We describe the architecture and framework (creation, deployment and execution) of XML-based service scripts in NGN. We focus on the service control markup language (SCML) being developed by the JAIN forum for call control scripts that is closely tied to the JAIN Java call control (JCC) API. SCML is intended to be part of a family of NGN service scripting languages that include facilities for user interaction, mobility, and other open NGN API functions. We compare SCML to the call processing language (CPL) defined by the IETF and note that SCML offers several advantages. We also briefly compare it to the requirements that are being developed by the W3C voice browser working group.