Abstract: Data processing is performed by multiple “plug-in” processing modules controlled by an execution management framework. The framework includes an order determining mechanism that controls the plug-in processing modules to execute in series, or in parallel, to speed processing by the plug-ins while accommodating computational dependencies. In one embodiment, the order determining mechanism can include a dependency counter associated with each plug-in processing module for determining an operational sequence position of the associated plug-in processing module, and means for conditioning the count value (e.g., decrementing or incrementing the count value) in response to operation of another of the plug-in processing modules on whose output the associated plug-in processing module depends, so that the associated plug-in processing module will commence operation in the proper order when the count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: For communication services, a metering and processing system for processing metered information incorporates configurable processing modules and a configuration manager. The system can by readily and flexibly configured, responsive to operator directions, to process metered information to meet the needs of data consumers, such as NSPs and ISPs. Each processing module performs a specific sub-part of a computation on the metered information, and the configuration manager generates a configuration file for specifying the order of operation, computation sub-part, and other operational parameters for the individual processing modules. A mechanism is provided for tracking and enforcing the ordering of data processing by the processing modules so as to take into account dependencies between them.

Abstract: Data processing is performed by multiple “plug-in” processing modules controlled by an execution management framework. The framework includes an order determining mechanism that controls the plug-in processing modules to execute in series, or in parallel, to speed processing by the plug-ins while accommodating computational dependencies. In one embodiment, the order determining mechanism can include a dependency counter associated with each plug-in processing module for determining an operational sequence position of the associated plug-in processing module, and means for conditioning the count value (e.g., decrementing or incrementing the count value) in response to operation of another of the plug-in processing modules on whose output the associated plug-in processing module depends, so that the associated plug-in processing module will commence operation in the proper order when the count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: For communication services, a metering and processing system for processing metered information incorporates configurable processing modules and a configuration manager. The system can by readily and flexibly configured, responsive to operator directions, to process metered information to meet the needs of data consumers, such as NSPs and ISPs. Each processing module performs a specific sub-part of a computation on the metered information, and the configuration manager generates a configuration file for specifying the order of operation, computation sub-part, and other operational parameters for the individual processing modules.