allows applications to work together using the CCI to link them together. In this way, each application only requires one interface (to the CCI) rather than many (to other applications). The complexity is therefore reduced to one of order n, rather than n2. The CCI may also provide other services, including security, data translation, etc. Contract defined interfaces Given the description above of how applications interface to the CCI, it's clear that we need a way of documenting those interfaces, both in terms of the technology employed (e.g. is it Java/JMS or Web services/SOAP?) but also the functionality of the application, the data used, the pre- and post-conditions, etc. The Frameworx contract specification provides a means to document these interfaces, and these are therefore contract defined interfaces. Frameworx contracts can be seen as extensions of Application Programming Interface (API) specifications. Deliverables Process model The eTOM (enhanced Telecom Operations Map, pronounced ee-tom) is the Frameworx business process framework. Shared information model The Frameworx Information is the Shared Information/Data Model (SID). Lifecycle model The Frameworx lifecycle model is aimed at defining the use and deployment of Frameworx within an organisation, and provides a framework for using the SID, eTOM and the Frameworx architecture. The model is based on considerable earlier work, including Zachman Framework, Kernighan, Yourdon, and the Object Management Group's Model Driven Architecture. The Frameworx lifecycle divides systems development into 4 stages: requirements, system design, implementation and operation. Contract Specifications As stated earlier, the Frameworx Contract is the fundamental unit of interoperability in a Frameworx system. Interoperability is important for each of the four views defined by the Frameworx Lifecycle. For example, the Contract is used to define the service to be delivered, as well as to specify information and code that implement the service. The Contract is also used to monitor, administer and maintain the service and ensure that any external obligations of the contract (e.g., from an SLA (Service Level Agreement)) are met and to define what measures to take if they are violated in some way. Telecom Application Map The Applications Framework (formally Telecom Application Map (TAM)) is one of the primary Frameworx artifacts. It considers the role and the functionality of the various applications that deliver OSS (Operations Support System) and BSS (Business Support System) capability. In doing so it enables procurement documents to be written with reference to the framework, thereby providing clear unambiguous statements of