WO1999050995A1

WO1999050995A1 - System for automatically setting up an internet value-added service

Info

Publication number: WO1999050995A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/001595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Werner; Dennis Straub; Karl-Johann PÜTZ; Jan Matthiesen
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 1998-03-31
Filing date: 1999-03-11
Publication date: 1999-10-07

Abstract

According to the invention, a platform for internet value-added services forms an internet service integrator. Said platform automatically selects, integrates and configures the functions according to customer requirements for setting up an internet value-added service. The internet service integrator offers an inexpensive set-up and the operation of an internet value-added service to the operating body and to the customers.

Description

description

System for automatically setting up an Internet value-added service

The subject of the application relates to a system and a method for the automatic establishment of an Internet value-added service.

With the explosive growth of the Internet and its increasing commercial use, the demand for Internet value-added services will continue to grow rapidly. In addition to broad-based services with high sales volumes, such as the electronic processing of payment transactions, which are already mainly occupied by large companies, there will be a large number of specialized services. An Internet value-added service includes a zerfunktionen via web browser accessible and displayable user interface and multimedia information content and groove ^¬ which are placed on one or more networked Websei- th. Such user functions are, for example, the provision of bidirectional communication or data transport services between the provider and the customer, the reservation of storage space for receiving provider and customer data in the course of business transactions and the processing of order, delivery and payment transactions. Additional functions include, for example, service administration (setting up, changing and deleting access rights), recording and evaluating the identity and transaction patterns of service users, automatic data backup and protection of all data from unauthorized access.

The following difficulties currently arise when setting up an Internet value-added service: The vast majority of individual functions of such a service are already available as mutually independent implementations, which, however, ^" are based in part on different standards and differ !!" 2 before the scope of services. The service provider must find the required functions themselves and evaluate their usability individually.

Conventional software packages for implementing the platform services do not have mechanisms for automatic setup and configuration. Adjustments to the performance parameters for the Internet value-added service therefore require the manual configuration of each individual module.

The fact that the combined service modules are not coordinated with one another results in considerable integration and optimization efforts.

The constellation outlined above for setting up and providing value-added services so far also requires operating the actual Internet value-added service, especially for small and medium-sized companies:

• high investments

• extensive expertise

• large lead time • qualified, expensive staff

• HW & SW installation and support work

• high entrepreneurial risk

The factors time, sales, costs and quality are decisive for the successful implementation of new business ideas on the Internet. The above-mentioned current requirements and framework conditions for setting up Internet value-added services run counter to these demands. A high risk perceived by the entrepreneur also reduces the tendency to realize attractive business potential.

The problem described above has not yet been solved automatically. The basic steps required to set up an Internet value-added service include:

• Selection and rental of Internet connection and transmission capacity

• Selection, acquisition and operation of server hardware

• License acquisition, configuration and operation of a software platform for value-added services

• Conception and implementation of the specific service offer

• Design / procurement and technical provision of appealing information content

So far, these necessary steps have often been taken independently by the company offering the value-added service. The associated high effort, however, is usually justified only for broad applications with corresponding sales expectations.

Some of the basic functions are tailored for

Value-added services have already been implemented and integrated by specialized service providers. However, the use of specialized design and hosting companies is costly and time-consuming due to the associated qualified personnel expenditure and the wide range of possibilities.

For Internet services with severely restricted functional requirements, which can be handled, for example, by simply presenting websites, there are already offers which include a minimum amount of storage space on the hosting server and the provision of a web design software tool and allow the customer to freely design his website. The resulting solutions are indeed 4 cheaper than the creation of a specialist, befrie ^¬ but ended not from the standpoint of professional rare design or in terms of functionality.

The subject of the application is based on the problem of specifying a system which avoids the stated difficulties.

The problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1.

The object of registration offers an automatic configuration of the functionalities required for the provision of an Internet value-added service based on the interaction with the user through a configuration manager communicating with the function modules.

The contribution of the object of registration lies m:

• Automate the process of service setup and configuration

• Direct interaction with the future provider of the Internet value-added service

• The concept of a configuration manager for coordinating the administrative processes (the configuration manager complements the core functions in the software architecture of the overall platform with a higher-level configuration and management system.

• The integration of existing function modules of a switching system.

The object of registration thus enables the operator to:

• the quick and flexible setup as well

• the secure operation of specific value-added services on the Internet • at affordable costs

• with little initial investment

• with manageable specialist knowledge

• without additional technical staff • with little support for the services purchased.

The illustrated invention of an automated, customer-activated integral platform for Internet value-added services (Internet Service Integrator) solves the shortcomings outlined at the beginning for a conventional system for Internet value-added services by means of a technical system which automatically performs the functions required to set up an Internet Value-added service selected, integrated and configured.

The system has the following properties:

• Provision of all basic functions (building blocks) from a single source.

• The basic functions are preconfigured and optimized for interaction.

• Interface modules are available for the respective sub-functions.

• With the help of a "Configuration Manager", the customer's configuration requests regarding the Internet value-added service to be set up are recorded and implemented in the configuration instructions of the required modules.

• The Configuration Manager is connected to the interface modules of the individual, coordinated functionalities via a common message bus (Fig. 3). These provide the functions requested by the Configuration Manager.

• The requested service is set up for the customer immediately. In contrast to the manual procedure practiced so far, the approach proposed here has the following basic features: • Provision of a comprehensive range of high quality

Functions for the interactive, direct value-added service configuration by the future value-added service provider. Such functions are e.g. Customer registration, access control, communication channels, security, transaction logging and invoicing.

• Automation of the creation, provision and modification processes of service components on the service platform on the basis of customer requests, which are recorded interactively through web forms. • Use of a mediation computer platform to support the functions customer registration, security, transaction logging and billing.

In addition to the basic performance features, the illustrated invention has a number of additional features:

• By working with a switchboard SW (for: switch), such as. B. the manufacturer-specific switching system EWSD (Electronic Dialing System ^ Digital) special properties can be implemented in the implementation of the solution in such a way that the system components present in the switching system for authentication and for billing by connecting the dialing device to the Internet service integrator via a switchmg System interface can be used (Fig. 3).

• The implementation of the Internet Service Integrator can be distributed across the locations of an election switching system. The local provision of value-added services means that access via the election 7 communication system achieve a particularly high access speed.

Information about the charging and authentication of users can be exchanged between geographically distributed components of the Internet Service Integrator connected to the switching system via the central signaling channel No. 7 of the switching system SW.

• By using the databases of the dialing system SW for charging and authentication, special access rights and charging modes for the services of the Internet Service Integrator can be realized.

When providing open interfaces to the authentication, charging and switching functions of the switching systems, the solution according to the invention can also be implemented in an integrated form with other switching systems.

The solution according to the invention can be implemented as an autonomous system without connection to switching systems, providing the necessary functionalities.

Advantageous further developments of the subject of the application are specified in the subclaims.

The subject of the application is explained in more detail below as an exemplary embodiment to the extent necessary for understanding with reference to figures. 1 shows a basic illustration of a system according to the prior art that offers Internet value-added services, FIG. 2 shows a basic illustration of an automated, customer-activated integrated Grail platform for Internet value-added services (Internet Service Integrator)

3 shows a structure of how the service integrator interacts with subscriber devices, a dialing switch SW, an access device to the Internet POP (for: point of presence) and the Internet PI (for: public Internet) and

4 shows a basic representation of the SW (software) architecture of the Internet service integrator.

In the figures, the same designations denote the same elements.

Fig. 1 shows a system as it is traditional for Internet value-added services. In the areas of responsibility of a network service supervisor (operator), a service provider (service provider) and a program seller (SoftWare vendor), core functions, such as B. a fee offered by the service provider A (billmg), a subscriber identification offered by the service provider B (authentication), a data processing facility offered by the service provider C for World Wide Web - Internet services (WWW- Server), an infrastructure offered by the service provider A, own services offered by the service provider D (Generic Service offered by Service Provider), own services offered by the service provider E, own services offered by the service provider F. given. In the area of responsibility of the service provider, the errands and the compilation of the necessary functions are carried out. In the business customer area of responsibility, there is an Internet-based service. 9 Fig. 2 is m the area of competence of a supervisor with Netzdienste- services integrator (Operator Service with inte grator ^¬) a plurality of different Emzelfunktionen such. B. Infrastructure, subscriber identification (authentication), billing (billmg), data processing device for World Wide Web - Internet services (WWW server), as well as various own services (generic service), which interact with a configuration device Configuration Manager CM. An Internet-based service is in the area of responsibility of business customers

(Internet Based Service), which interacts with the institutions in the area of responsibility of the network service supervisor with Services Integrator.

3 shows how subscriber terminals TEI, TET, a dialing switching device SW, an access device to the Internet POP (for: Point of Presence), the Internet PI (for: Public Internet) and the services integrator formed by the configuration device CM and the core functions ( Service integrator).

The Configuration Manager is connected to the interface modules of the individual, coordinated functionalities (core functions) via a common message bus CMB. These provide those requested by the Configuration Manager

Functions ready. The configuration device CM has a central administration of the subscriber database (central administration of customer database) and a control of the configuration (control of configuration).

The services integrator is in each case via an interface, such as. B. an interface of the type Switchmg System Interface connected to the SW switch and the access device to the Internet POP. The end-of-line direction for Internet TEI and the end-of-line direction 10 for telephone services TET are connected in a manner known per se via a digital line unit DLU and a line trunk group LTG to the switching network SN (for: Switchmg Network) of the dialing switching device. Via a line trunk group LTG, the switching network SN of the dialing switching device, which is otherwise controlled by a central processor CP (for: Central Processor), is connected to the modem pool of the access device to the Internet POP. The modem pool is connected on the one hand via an IWU collaboration device (for: Inter Workmg Unit) and on the other hand directly to an access routing device for the Internet (IP Access Router) which is connected to the (Public) Internet.

The SW (software) architecture of the Internet-Servive-Integrator, shown in FIG. 4, is divided by a dashed-line separating plane m, a service usage and a service configuration. On the side of the service configuration, the configuration device CM, as represented by a double arrow, is operatively connected to the operator. The configuration device is, as represented by double arrows, via interface modules for partial functions (partial service interfaces) with functional modules for partial services FM m active connection. On the side of the service use, there is a web server, as represented by a double arrow, with a subscriber end direction for Internet TEI active connection. The web server is, as shown by double arrows, via interface modules for partial functions (partial service interfaces) with functional modules for partial services FM m active connection. The web server is as provided DAR by a double arrow, with the configuration device CM m Wirkverbin ^¬ dung.

1. A user (1) who wants to set up an Internet value-added service dials into the modem pool of the subscriber to the dialing system via the dialing system (2). 11 closed POP (Pomt-of-Presence, 3) em and calls in

POP the Internet service integration function.

2. This connects the user to the Common Message Bus (5) of the Internet Service Integrator (β) via the POP interface (4). The configuration manager (7) accepts the request via the common message bus, generates an appropriate entry form (wizard) and activates the authentication of the user by means of the authentication module (8), which queries the database of the configuration manager. In addition, the Authentication Module can query the authentication database of the connected dialing system via the Common Message Bus and the Switchmg System Interface (9) and thereby determine additional user information. The result is transmitted to the Configuration Manager via the Common Message Bus.

3. In the event of successful authentication, the user is given the opportunity to set up his personal Internet value-added service. To do this, the Configuration Manager activates a Configuration Wizard, which first uses an overview form to determine which partial services the user requires. Afterwards, the Configuration Manager submits suitable, subordinate entry forms for the desired sub-functionalities of the Internet value-added service and completes them by the user. The user is offered preconfigured standard modules for each service, eg web page empty forms with header, rare division, navigation bar and background image for the presentation of the service. The user only has to choose from a finite number of options, for example on the basis of checklists for the preferred variant of electronic payment, or make specifications in text form, for example for the company Internet address. Furthermore, the specification or It is possible to select values for predefined scalar parameters, for example the number of websites required, the size of the buffer memory provided or the available bandwidth of selected communication channels. 4. After complete entry of the for the Internet

Value-added service required parameters and 'confirmation by the user, the complete data record is transferred to the Configuration Manager via the Common Message Bus and stored in the Customer & Configuration Database (10).

5. From the data record m in the Customer & Configuration database, the relevant parameters for the resources selected by the user are sent from the configuration manager via the common message bus to the corresponding interfaces of the configuration modules of infrastructure and

Transfer partial service management systems and thus set up the infrastructure and the partial services according to the user input. 6 The usage of system resources by the user is transmitted from the respective modules via the Common Message Bus to the Billmg Module (11) for the corresponding fee and after completion and confirmation of the selected configuration by the Billmg Module of the Internet Service Integrator via Switch Switch System Interface (9) to the billing database of the election determination system. From there, the fee information from the Internet Service Integrator m can be used to transfer the operator's fee processing and thus be billed to the user.

After completing the configuration, the user is notified of the establishment of the Internet; added value service defined by him. From this point on, the service is available for use by the customer via the Internet.

Claims

13 claims

1. System for automatically setting up an Internet value-added service at which the Internet Service Integrator ISI is formed by

- Function modules (FM) which implement different functions and which can be connected to a configuration device CM (for: Configuration Manager), wherein

- the configuration device according to a customer require- ment function modules required selected, grated inte ^¬ and configured.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that - the Internet Service Integrator interacts with a switching system.

3. System according to claim according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the function modules and the configuration device CM is given via a common bus CMB (for: Common Message Bus).

4. System according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that

- The switching system has an interface with access to the functional modules of the switching system on the one hand and the common bus CMB of the Internet Service Integrator on the other.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the interface is given by one of the Switchmg System Interface type. 14

6. System according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the components of the Internet service integrator are arranged at separate locations of the switching system and information can be exchanged between the components via the central signaling channel No. 7 of the switching system.

7. System according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the components of the Internet service integrator are arranged at several switching nodes of the switching system in separate locations.

8. Procedure for user-stimulated, automatic establishment of an Internet value-added service accordingly

- the modem pool of the access device to the Internet POP connected to the dialing system is selected by a subscriber end device (TEI) - the Internet service integration function is called in the access device to the Internet POP,

- The subscriber end device is connected to the configuration device CM via the POP interface and a bus CMB of the Internet service integrator, - the configuration device CM accepts the request via the bus CMB, generates a corresponding registration form (wizard) and checks the authenticity of the User activated by the authentication module, - the result is transmitted to the configuration device CM via the bus CMB

- If authentication is successful, a customized Internet value-added service can be set up,

upon activation by the configuration device CM on the part of the subscriber end direction, the need for partial services is determined on the basis of an overview form, 15

- upon activation by the configuration device CM in accordance with the need for partial services determined in the overview form, the desired partial functionalities of the Internet value-added service for the subscriber terminal device are determined on the basis of subsequently selected entry forms,

- After input and confirmation of the parameters required for the Internet value-added service by the subscriber terminal, the data record is transmitted to the configuration device CM via the bus CMB and stored in the database,

- The relevant parameters for the resources selected by the subscriber terminal are transmitted from the data record in the database by the configuration device CM via the bus CMB to the corresponding interfaces of the configuration modules of infrastructure and partial service management systems, thus the infrastructure and the partial services be set up according to the specifications of the subscriber terminal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the database of the configuration device CM is queried by the functional authentication module to check the authenticity of the user.

10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9 characterized in that for the determination of user information, the authentication data base is interrogated approximately the selector averaging system tication by the authen ^¬ modules via the bus CMB and the switching system interface. 16 11. The method according to claim 8 to 10, characterized in that the use of system resources is transmitted by the user from the respective modules via the bus CMB to the billing module for the corresponding billing and after completion and confirmation of the selected configuration by the billing module of the Internet Service Integrators is transferred via the Switching System Interface to the charging database of the dialing system.