This volume sets out to provide professionals with a comprehensive survey of current and emerging intelligent telecommunications networks, including underlying software, implementation, deployment and standards. It assesses the influence of mobile networks and IP technology on the directions that IN is taking now, and discusses the role of IN in tomorrow's network. It also focuses on emerging software architectures for programming and deploying value-added services, and proposes a vision of value-added services in the network of the future.

It presents cutting-edge technologies that help practitioners to effectively handle the new challenges brought on by the rapid growth of cellular mobile networks and the internet. This book should be of interest to: researchers, engineers and managers engaged in the creation and provisioning of telecommunications services, as well as students and professors interested in this area.