Abstract: The distribution of load modules to processors of a telecommunication platform (20) vis facilitated by software allocation manage objects (SWA-MAOs). Each software allocation manage object associates a hardware location manage object (representing a hardware or equipment location within the platform or node) with a repertoire (R-MAO). The repertoire is a manage object which specifies one or more hardware entities, and for each specified hardware entity provides a list of one or more potentially downloadable load modules. When the presence of a new hardware entity is detected at a hardware location in the telecommunications node or platform, a node support function downloads an appropriate load module(s) to the new hardware entity, using the repertoire forming the software allocation manage object which affects the hardware location to determine which load module(s) are appropriate for the downloading.

Abstract: Software in the form of a program (60) is replaced (e.g., upgraded) on a telecommunications platform (node) (620, 20) without shutting down the telecommunications functions of the platform. The old program (601.0) that is replaced is of a type which stores state information in a state storage system (200). In connection with a software (program) replacement operation for the old program, after a new program (601.1) is started either a shutdown (2-4) instruction is sent to the old program, a software support function of the platform activates a conversion program (80). The conversion program renders the state information of the old program as converted state information which is usable by the new program.

Abstract: A telecommunications platform (20) comprises a cluster (32) of processors (30) which perform a platform central processing function. The platform central processing function includes a cluster support function (50) which is distributed to the cluster of processors. For sake of redundancy, programs (PGMs) are distributed throughout the cluster so that at least some of the processors of the cluster have active versions of at least some of the programs and standby versions of others of the programs, e.g., an intermixing of assignments of active and standby versions of programs. Moreover, programs and programs comprising them can be loaded, started, shutdown, stopped, and upgraded without terminating overall operation the platform. In its various aspects, the cluster support function (50) includes a state storage system (200) and a name server system (300) for facilitating restart and switch over of programs and programs executed by processors of the cluster.