International applications of AT&T's intelligent network platforms

Abstract

On November 7, 1988 the Digital Derived Services Network (DDSN) in the United Kingdom began providing switch-based Freephone service to British Telecom's (BT) customers. On January 29, 1990, advanced Freephone services were first offered to BT's customers. With the deployment of DDSN in the U. K., AT&T became the first equipment vendor to implement an intelligent network (IN) outside its base country. In addition to DDSN, in 1990 AT&T installed an IN in Spain, and is currently installing another in Italy. AT&T's experience with its international customers has encouraged developing a platform to address international IN needs. This paper discusses the critical components of this platform, and describes the IN architecture and operations systems of the British, Spanish, and Italian networks. It also presents a strategy for evolving these networks in a world of new and evolving services and standards.