End user administration of an intelligent network

It is noted that the most flexible and feature-rich implementations of intelligent networks are based on centralized databases. The resulting architectural and hardware separation between the database and switching functions assures continued high network call processing capacity while simultaneously optimizing the use of dedicated computing resources for the database function. It is demonstrated that similar advantages are obtained from the architectural separation of the function of end-user access to the databases to monitor and change the way the network handles the user´s needs. Dedicated computing resources for the user-access function allow a highly responsive and user-friendly interface and protect other critical parts of the network from unintended slowdowns. An example of such a system, AT&T´s NETSTAR, which is used to support intelligent networks provided by AT&T to its overseas customers, is discussed. The NETSTAR realization of this function is explained, with an indication of how it meets both current and future needs of the users of intelligent networks