Efficient integration and translation of value added services for converging networks using middleware platforms

Value added services known from legacy telecommunications networks are predominantly based on ITU´s intelligent network (IN) definitions. Due to the forthcoming network convergence to IP-based networks and the tremendous growth of telecommunications markets these services have to be distributed over a wide range of heterogeneous hardware platforms. Nevertheless, the interconnection to existing circuit-switched networks has to be taken into account. This paper discusses different design aspects for a gateway between CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) and IN-based services and suggests a dynamic as well as a static approach. Ongoing studies will optimise and evaluate these approaches