Abstract :
The full impact of the `Intelligent Network´ (IN) or the `Advanced Intelligent Network´ (AIN) is being felt in Europe. The main driving forces for AIN are the new revenue opportunities for service providers which make use of the ubiquity of their networks. This paper outlines steps towards ensuring that equipment has the necessary capability/functionality (intelligence) to realize the potential of these opportunities. `Call Centres, shows how complex high value applications can be built up. `Global VPNs´ illustrates the global potential of AIN services. The functional units of the IN architectures are outlined for Europe and for North America. Some of the challenges to equipment suppliers that follow from these architectures are discussed. In a European context these challenges are technical, organizational, and regulatory
