MML: CCITT Man-Machine Language

The International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) has produced Recommendations for a ManMachine Language (MML) to facilitate the operation and maintenance of stored program controlled (SPC) switching systems in telecommunications networks. As electromechanical machines are replaced by SPC systems linked by high-speed communication facilities, the centralization of operations and maintenance functions is possible. MML provides a standardized interface for these functions performed either on site or at a centralized location. This paper provides a history of the development of MML, a description of the language as it is specified today, current status of the standard, its applications and implementations, and future evolution.