Intelligent networks services and architecture

The author reviews the European scene on intelligent networks (INs) and discusses the progress made toward worldwide standards for intelligent networks. The main technical objectives for the IN can be summarized as: the ability to introduce services rapidly and economically, to provide a split between service logic and switching capabilities, and to contain well-defined interfaces that lead to flexibility in the procurement of network equipment. The IN represents a range of solutions for overcoming the increasing complexity of service provision in today´s telecommunications environment. The fact that implementable standards for IN have been produced in less that two years reflects the benefits perceived by the telecommunications community for such standards