Methodology and tools for intelligent network service specification

A key motivation for the intelligent network (IN) is rapid service development. IN services are implemented by exchanging protocol messages and data between network elements. Services must be specified in unambiguous detail without limiting flexibility for modification and customization. The service specification process interacts with many service development functions. A 3-level service specification methodology was developed and used successfully in the GTE IN Testbed to specify services. The methodology combines text, graphics, and finite state descriptions into a coherent set of specifications in increasing detail. Tools were developed to manage the specification process and facilitate the stabilization, derivation, validation, and presentation of information