focused on a packet-based environment for applications like unified messaging, which requires support for network APIs to accomplish converged service functionality. Such converged service offerings by Internet-IN focused service providers are changing the telephony landscape.Next-generation networks need an application hosting environment (AHE) to centrally host the services with the same reliability and scalability as traditional service control points (SCPs). These AHEs will require services that are scalable. Therefore, AHEs impose inherent operations, administration, IntroductionWhile existing intelligent network (IN) product offerings continue to have a role in the circuitswitched networks market, there is an opportunity to develop new products that align with the emerging converged network. These products can leverage increased computing power combined with the capability to distribute service functionality throughout the network. These new products have to be aligned with the emerging protocols in this converged network. Service creation environments (SCE) have to facilitate rapid creation and deployment of new services in these networks. Next-generation

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