Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring conditions at a location and for controlling devices at the location. The inventive system includes: a data link in communication with an electronically readable instrument, the data link having a transceiver configured for wireless digital communication; and a data gate having a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with one or more data links, the data gate also having an interface for connection to a communication network such as a land-line telephone network, cellular/pcs network, satellite communication network, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the data gate communicates with a server via the communication network where the information from the electronically readable instrument is processed and made available to other devices over a computer network.

Abstract: Originating instructions are generated from a functional definition of a plurality of interacting modules. These modules have respective internal functional specifications and interfacing specifications. The originating instructions are converted into control instructions that are downloaded for execution by said telecommunications switching means. Instructions are tested using testing procedures before the control instructions are downloaded. The testing procedures are generated by processing the interfacing specifications.

Abstract: The operationality of instructions arranged to control a telecommunications switch is tested by referring to originating instructions. A module of instructions forming part of encoded sets of originating instructions is identified, and the module is processed to obtain definitions of its interactivity with other modules of the instruction set and the interactivity with signal transmissions external to the module. This facilitates the generation of upgraded or replacement originating instructions from which new executable instructions are obtainable after being embedded within the telecommunications switch.