The ALEX service-a technical overview

Bell Canada´s new interactive communications service provides customers with a wide range of electronic information and transaction applications. The author presents a technical overview of the ALEX network architecture and service standard that led to the successful introduction of the service. The key implementation decisions made for developing an easy-to-use service targeted at the general public are detailed. The work accomplished to ensure the congeniality and quality of the services being offered is also highlighted. It is concluded that the ALEX technicl and user interface specifications issued to service developers and the technical support provided have contributed to the availability of fault-free and easy-to-use applications