Abstract: A system and method for managing network elements in a communication network. The system includes a storage unit for storing one or more cartridges, where the one or more cartridges contain network element-specific information. The storage unit also contains a generic framework for managing the one or more network elements via use of the one or more cartridges. Finally, the storage unit includes a processor for using the one or more cartridges and the generic framework to manage the one or more network elements.

Abstract: A model is provided for embedding complex operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) interface business rules in a system in a manner that enables the system to effectively perform collection and batch-mode application of transactions through complex OAM interfaces. The configuration method for collection and batch-mode application of transactions defined by settings for a target system having an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) interface includes the following steps: constructing a virtual representation in a software model of the target system, where the virtual representation emulates the OAM interface of the target system; providing collection tools to interact with the virtual representation of the target system to establish values for the plurality of settings; and applying the established values for settings to the target system in a batch-mode. The configuration system and method will permit more effective implementations of user-friendly task-flow (i.e. wizard) programming.