Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing new services is disclosed whereby a model of the system implementing the new service is created by a function referred to herein as a Service Designer and then different views of that service from the perspective of an individual OSS subsystem is published at a Service Hub for use in configuring new services. When a request for service arrives at a subsystem in the network, such as an ordering system, that subsystem will illustratively request a view of the service from the Service Hub. This view is representative of the interfaces and attributes common between the requesting subsystem and other network components; with interfaces to the requesting subsystem. The requesting subsystem then uses this view to transmit values of attributes that are defined to be communicated between the requesting subsystem other network components.

Abstract: A digital content distribution system uses a Digital Rights Management Controller that performs a set of arbitrary tests against the transfer request from one user to another such as user A to user B. Assuming these tests are successful, the DRM sends an encryption key to transferring user A. This encryption key E is taken from a table of encryption key/hash pairs which have been provided to the DRM Controller by an external authority such as the content rights holder. User A encrypts the content using they key provided by the DRM controller and then optionally calculates a hash over the encrypted form of the content E(X) and returns this value to the DRM Controller. On checking the returned hash against the hash from the table the DRM controller knows that user A does indeed have the digital content X in good condition. The DRM Controller then instructs both users A and B that the transfer may proceed. The encrypted form of the content E(X) is transferred from A to B.

Abstract: Input data queries directed at a plurality of target databases and originating from any of a plurality of sources are first converted to validated canonical forms, which are then used to query the target databases. Specifically, upon receiving an input data query, a relatively accurate reference database is selected based on the type of the input data. This reference is then queried for the input data with the intent of finding an exact matching record or a near-matching record that can be considered an exact match and thereby validating the input data. Otherwise, the requesting source is instructed to provide a new query. Once having a validated record, it is converted to a canonical form, which is then used to query the target databases intended to be searched. In a further embodiment, multiple reference databases are queried to determine a canonical form of the data or to determine multiple canonical forms of the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and method for delayed answering of a call to a cellular phone which can operate in either a distributed or a centralized manner. In particular, the system and method according to the present invention allows the cellular phone user upon receiving a call to play a message to the caller, such as informing the caller to “hold on” for a short time and that the user will be available shortly. The present invention provides a number of advantageous alternatives to provide a cellular phone user flexibility in answering incoming calls.