Parlay/OSA
Parlay/OSA is a standardized, open application programming interface (API) for current and next-generation communication networks. Using this API, you can create exciting applications using today's telecom network capabilities, such as SMS, MMS, location information, user status, call control and user interaction (announcements and interactive voice response). The Parlay/OSA API opens up the capabilities of the telecom network to the IT world, creating enormous potential for new applications.

Parlay/OSA provides an additional layer of abstraction for application developers. It lets operators and service providers offer the same services to all existing underlying networks (fixed networks, IP networks and all mobile standards) without having to adapt applications to network-specific protocols. Developers no longer need to be concerned with operators' network protocols.

The Parlay/OSA API is open to everybody. It has been defined by the Parlay Group (a non-profit organization supported by major telecom suppliers), the IT industry and telecom network operators.

Applications that can be created with Parlay/OSA include:

• Tele-voting with call control, SMS and MMS     
• News distribution via mobile phones     
• Advertising via SMS and MMS         
• Mobile blogging     
• Location-based services that can send maps via MMS     
• Voice response applications     
• Enterprise applications (fleet management, Virtual PBX, e-mail)

What is Ericsson Network Resource Gateway?
Ericsson Network Resource Gateway offers operators the possibility to cost-efficiently launch new applications based on combined network capabilities, such as voice, SMS, MMS, user status/presence, location-based information and user interaction (dial tone multi-frequency, interactive voice response support). These applications can be run in the operator's environment, as well as by third parties (application service providers or enterprises). Ericsson Network Resource Gateway supports security mechanisms for opening up operators' networks to third-party applications, making this possible.

The standardized Parlay/OSA API, together with the Ericsson Network Resource Gateway software development kit (SDK), offers a high level of abstraction for the underlying telecom network interfaces, such as CS1+, CAP, SIP, MM7, IMAP, MPP and LDAP. This makes it easy for developers to quickly create advanced applications without having to know the details of the telecom network.

Ericsson's comprehensive SDK for developing Parlay/OSA-based applications contains JAVA API sets, a network simulator with a graphical user interface, example applications, and much more. The Parlay Simulator.available since 2001 - has undergone major improvements and is now known as the Ericsson Network Resource Gateway Simulator. In addition to the simulator, the new Ericsson Network Resource Gateway SDK comprises a set of tools, libraries and documentation for application development and testing, all available for free download from Ericsson's website.

The following services can be combined with Parlay/OSA:

• User Location - to know where the phone is     
• User Status - to know if the phone is on, off or busy                
• SMS - to send and receive SMS messages       
• MMS - to send and receive MMS messages       
• E-mail - to send and receive e-mail messages       
• WAP-push - to send WAP-push messages      
• PIM Contact - to have access to the contact list of a user      
• PIM Calendar - to have access to the calendar of a user       
• Call Control - to set up phone calls to a user      
• Multi-Party Call Control - to set up phone calls to many users, such as conferencing       
• User Interaction - to ask a user to type in digits on his or her phone. It can also play announcements to the user

More information is available on the Parlay Group's website www.parlay.org