Abstract: An embodiment is a method of providing services to users. A system receives an XML command at the network system from a service provider system. It parses the XML command and translates at least a portion of the XML command, which it uses to authorize an action. The system receives and translates the authorization result to produce an XML response, and transmits the XML response.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method of providing services to users. A system receives an XML command at the network system from a service provider system. It parses the XML command and translates at least a portion of the XML command, which it uses to authorize an action. The system receives and translates the authorization result to produce an XML response, and transmits the XML response.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method of providing services to users. A system receives an XML command at the network system from a service provider system. It parses the XML command and translates at least a portion of the XML command, which it uses to authorize an action. The system receives and translates the authorization result to produce an XML response, and transmits the XML response.

Abstract: A gateway device and associated method are provided that facilitate communications with external devices by utilizing a uniform communications format. The gateway device includes a subscriber interface for adapting to a subscriber computer that is connected to the gateway device. The subscriber interface facilitates communications between the subscriber computer and at least one network or on-line service without requiring the subscriber computer to be reconfigured and without requiring the subscriber computer to support XML commands and responses. The gateway device also includes an XML interface for communicating with an external device via a series of XML commands and responses. The XML commands and responses can relate to a variety of matters, including various subscriber management matters.