Abstract: A remote maintenance board (RMB) that interfaces a monitored system with a communications network is either functionally connected to the monitored system or to the communications network, but never to both at the same time, thereby isolating the monitored system from unauthorized access via the communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the dynamic allocation of processing tasks using variable performance hardware. In addition, the present invention allows tasks to be assigned to computer resources according to the ability of a computer resource to perform the task. In particular, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a computer resource may reject a task of a type that is incompatible with the computer resource or that cannot be performed by the resource in a timely manner. The task may then be assigned to another computer resource. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a table containing information concerning the available capabilities of computer resources associated with a system is maintained. This table may be updated dynamically, as computer resource capabilities change. Tasks may then be assigned with reference to the table to ensure that only computer resources capable of performing a task in a timely manner are assigned that task.

Abstract: When an automatic call redirection operation is to be performed, a semantic process is used to determine semantic information being received back from the destination endpoint to which the call was directed. Advantageously, the semantic process will determine that the call has been redirected to a destination point which is no longer valid. Utilizing the semantic information received about the destination endpoint from a system to which the destination endpoint was connected, the semantic process extracts the new telephone number if it is present. This new telephone number is then utilized to update the database utilized by the automatic call redirection operation.

Abstract: During the final testing of a printed circuit board, a test set inserts the actual serial number of a printed circuit board into one or more memory devices on the printed circuit board after reading the serial number from the printed circuit board. Further, the serial number is uniquely identified by the manufacturer in the manufacturer's database. The serial number is then transmitted to the manufacturer's database where it is stored and associated with the telecommunication switching system that the printed circuit board will be inserted into.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the dynamic allocation of processing tasks using variable performance hardware. In addition, the present invention allows tasks to be assigned to computer resources according to the ability of a computer resource to perform the task. In particular, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a computer resource may reject a task of a type that is incompatible with the computer resource or that cannot be performed by the resource in a timely manner. The task may then be assigned to another computer resource. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a table containing information concerning the available capabilities of computer resources associated with a system is maintained. This table may be updated dynamically, as computer resource capabilities change. Tasks may then be assigned with reference to the table to ensure that only computer resources capable of performing a task in a timely manner are assigned that task.