Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and implementing telecommunications services are disclosed. The system comprises a service development platform that includes a communications module, and application server, and at least one auxiliary module. The communications module enables data to be transmitted to and from the development platform to facilitate the implementation of telecommunications services. The application server can store a telecommunications service creation tool that can be used by an individual to generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service or that can automatically generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service. The application server can also store the code needed to implement the telecommunications service and can transmit data to and receive data from the communications module as necessary for implementing the telecommunications service.

Abstract: A system and method provide an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) service for a packet-based telephone subscriber using an Intelligent Negotiator Node (INN), the INN capable of communicating using a packet-based communication protocol. The INN includes an application server that receives a service request message at the INN, including information in a packet-based protocol, the information including an identification of a packet-based telephone subscriber. The application server determines an AIN service subscribed to by the packet-based telephone subscriber, and performs the AIN service. Performance of the AIN service may include using a media server of the INN to provide a voice message to a packet-based telephone subscriber during the providing of the AIN service, thereby incorporating the INN into the voice path of a telephone call. Performance of the AIN service may include the INN retrieving information from the Internet, that is used in the providing of the AIN service.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and implementing telecommunications services are disclosed. The system comprises a service development platform that includes a communications module, and application server, and at least one auxiliary module. The communications module enables data to be transmitted to and from the development platform to facilitate the implementation of telecommunications services. The application server can store a telecommunications service creation tool that can be used by an individual to generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service or that can automatically generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service. The application server can also store the code needed to implement the telecommunications service and can transmit data to and receive data from the communications module as necessary for implementing the telecommunications service.