Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the licensing and managing media resources in a converged services platform. A novel central pool of resource points representing a licensed level of media resource capability is created, the central pool for the storage of all default and any additional licensed resource points represented by the converged services platform, where portions of the central pool are dynamically allocated to one or more media resource cards.

Abstract: A media resources card for use with a converged services platform. The media resources card, which includes one or more arrays of digital signal processors (DSPs), s operable to perform a variety of communication services including recording and playback of voice recorded announcements. A caching arrangement is provided in which a given recording (file) may have either a persistence level or timer expiration attribute or both.

Abstract: Apparatus operable as a standalone, open programmable switch, a node an expandable telecommunications system, or a gateway includes a voice/data access concentrator (VDAC) card for providing voice over IP (Internet protocol) capability. The VDAC card includes an array of digital signal processors (DSPs) which may be programmed to perform desired protocol conversions between circuit-based protocols, such as T1, E1 or J1, and packet-based protocols, such as IP. The apparatus is scalable and may readily incorporate other cards which provide both subscriber supplementary services and network signalling as required to meet the needs of a particular application.