Integrated Middleware Framework for Service Mediation and Value-Added Service Provisioning in 3G/B3G Networks

Abstract:
The provisioning of value-added-services (VAS) to mobile users is crucial for the proliferation and early adoption of converged voice and data networks, 3rd Generation/Beyond 3rd Generation networks (3G/B3G). In this paper, we describe a VAS provisioning middleware framework for deployment in 3G mobile operator networks. Through this framework, we enable on-demand selection of 3rd party services in 3G/B3G networks. The main contribution, in terms of novelty, is that the framework introduces a new service provisioning paradigm called On Demand Service Selection. The service selection (a requested user task can be accomplished by many similar service offerings, therefore the need for selecting a particular service) is driven by the 3G operator business policies, user profile/preferences and runtime context information. Also, the framework adapts the service selection to changing business-technical performances of the 3rd party CP/SP, and specific user preferences and context.