Identity management and web services as service ecosystem drivers in converged networks

This article describes a Web service-based framework supported by federated identity management technologies, which enables fixed and mobile operators to create a secure, dynamic, and trusted service ecosystem around them. With this framework, new service providers can be incorporated automatically, dynamically negotiating and accepting service level agreements to control their activities. Furthermore, it is based on identity management, not only to keep user identities private and protected, but also to enable the creation of value-added services using network resources and user profiles. This service ecosystem is not limited to third party providers but also can be extended through collaboration agreements between operators.