Never before have communications technologies moved so quickly or changed so dynamically. The use of standard computing hardware and the influence of the Internet have lead to so-called next-generation networks.

This book explores the evolution to the new world of 'Next-Generation Networks' and services: The telecommunications industry is facing one of its toughest challenges yet - the transition from circuit-switched to packet-switched voice networks. Companies need to seize the opportunity of the convergence of voice networks and the Internet to deliver exciting and useful services. "Next Generation Network Services" explains technologies that have, and will influence this change, and brings together technologies such as softswitching, IP telephony, network directories and application frameworks.

Features:
* Fixed and wireless telephony.

* Internet technologies.

* Standards.

* Understanding business goals in implementing a next-generation telecommunications network.

* A forward look at future services via telecommunications networks and their implications.

* Network-based services and hosted solutions for customers from computer telephony integration (CTI) through to the rise of the Application Service Provider.
This book will interest telecommunications professionals as well as engineers who are working on current circuit-switched and future networks.

Ausgehend von einem historischen Abriss der Telekommunikation und der Entwicklung des Internet widmet sich der Autor dieses Bandes im wesentlichen drei Themenbereichen: Technologien (von der verbindungsorientierten zur paketorientierten Telefonie), Dienste/Architekturen/Anwendungen sowie Folgerungen (Ausnutzung moderner Trends durch die Telekommunikationsindustrie). Zu den besprochenen Details gehören Internetzugänge, E-Commerce, Call Centers, ASP, UMTS, WAP, Abrechnungsmethoden, Sicherheitsaspekte und Verzeichnisdienste. Durch seine Consultingtätigkeit verfügt der Autor über gro e Erfahrung bei der Installation und strategischen Planung von Netzwerken.