API control flow-based next generation service creation environment

We describe a next generation service creation environment (SCE), which is designed to support efficient service application development for IP networks. Considering the IP-network environment we extract the features required for the next generation SCE and propose an architecture for the next generation SCE based on design concepts to provide these features. In our approach, we do not create large components, such as service features, or construct chains of them. Instead, we define application-programming interface (API) control flows through which we utilize existing APIs, such as open APIs. Since service providers, such as ASPs and third parties, must have some knowledge of the APIs, this capability will enable the development of services that correspond to various service provisioning patterns as well as to differentiation of services from those offered by other providers, without the addition of service components. The feasibility and productivity of the next generation SCE are evaluated by developing sample services, including a general Voice over IP (VoIP) service using a Parlay API and a presence service using a presence and availability management (PAM) API. Evaluation shows that the environment not only assists in the development of service applications but also raises the productivity of the next generation SCE itself, thus confirming its effectiveness the rapid, economical development of high-quality IP network services.