Enabling hybrid services in emerging data networks

For a number of years, the network, software, and telecommunication industries have been working on a number of key technical issues dealing with the infrastructure support for hybrid services. From the end users' perspectives, hybrid services utilize various networks while hiding the underlying network technologies such as the wireless networks, phone system, and data networks. To this end, however, the data networks lack necessary power to support next-generation hybrid services. It is now generally understood that there is great value in creating a three-level network model with the middle level supporting a service platform that would contribute certain common services. Such a data network would provide the common services at its edges close to its points of presence (POPs) while maintaining control over all network components belonging to a specific network provider. It would interoperate with other networks to offer a uniform view and management of all hybrid services. This article describes the nature of the enhanced emerging networks and outlines the structure of a service platform that would support its functions