Integrated middleware framework for service mediation and value-added service provisioning in 3G/B3G networks

The provisioning of value-added-services (VAS) to mobile users is crucial for the proliferation and early adoption of converged voice and data networks, 3^rd generation/beyond 3^rd generation networks (3G/B3G). In this paper, we describe a VAS provisioning middleware framework for deployment in 3G mobile operator networks. Through this framework, we enable on-demand selection of 3^rd party services in 3G/B3G networks. The main contribution, in terms of novelty, is that the framework introduces a new service provisioning paradigm called on demand service selection. The service selection (a requested user task can be accomplished by many similar service offerings, therefore the need for selecting a particular service) is driven by the 3G operator business policies, user profile/preferences and runtime context information. Also, the framework adapts the service selection to changing business-technical performances of the 3rd party CP/SP, and specific user preferences and context