Abstract: An unbound, out-of-band identification concept for identifying video frames and/or other data sets within a transport stream. The identification may include the use of reference markers to identify the video frames independently of a transmission protocol used to facilitate the transport stream. This type of ubiquitous generation of reference markings may allow the reference markers to be easily propagated and used with disparate transmission protocols and transport streams.

Abstract: A data driven test system for web service or other service dependent on message exchange between service points or other communicating entities is contemplated. The testing system may be configured as a multi-stage tester having capabilities to conduct sequence, structure, and content test in order to narrowly identify errors of service points while subjected to a test protocol.

Abstract: An unbound, out-of-band identification concept for identifying video frames and/or other data sets within a transport stream. The identification may include the use of reference markers to identify the video frames independently of a transmission protocol used to facilitate the transport stream. This type of ubiquitous generation of reference markings may allow the reference markers to be easily propagated and used with disparate transmission protocols and transport streams.

Abstract: A data driven test system for web service or other service dependent on message exchange between service points or other communicating entities is contemplated. The testing system may be configured as a multi-stage tester having capabilities to conduct sequence, structure, and content test in order to narrowly identify errors of service points while subjected to a test protocol.

Abstract: A network architecture is provided for enhanced support of network services. The architecture includes an operations gateway defined by a number of agents that take responsibility for accomplishing support system related functions including financial transaction functions. Messages are conveyed to the agents that have informational elements containing data or other information useful in accomplishing the necessary functions. Preferably, the network is defined to comprise one or more layers including a service layer, a service instance layer, a connection layer and a connection instance layer. Each layer has associated with it one or more management, fulfillment, charging and booking agents. The operations gateway enables service providers to rapidly introduce new services while optimizing the interchangeability of system components or equipment that are useful in supporting the network services.