MEF, with architecture, service, and test/measurement being the three others. MEF has generated substantial deliverables on telecom management of Ethernet networks including areas of element management, net- work management, and OAM. The work involves development of requirements, models, and definitions to ensure effective management and interoperability across Metro Ethernet platforms. This has lead to a decrease in the CAPEX and OPEX of Ethernet network management. Certification of products and services is another offering of MEF. Some of the certifications provided to ensure compliancy to MEF specifications are: Service Certification for Equipment Manufacturers (MEF 9/MEF 18) Service Certification for Service Providers (MEF 9) Fundamentals of EMS, NMS and OSS/BSS Traffic Management Certification for Equipment Manufacturers (MEF 14) Traffic Management Certification for Service Providers (MEF 14) Only corporate level membership is permitted with MEF. Only corporate can join MEF by paying a predetermined annual fee and no paid individual membership. An unlimited number of employees from a corporate member company can par- ticipate in technical or/and marketing activities of MEF. Completed/released speci- fications of MEF can be downloaded or viewed by anyone from the MEF Web site while working documents can be viewed only by members. Web site: www.metroethernetforum.org 7.8 ATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions) The ATIS is a standardizing body based in the United States and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It works on developing technical and operations standards in communication and information technology. Most of the standards of ATIS are intended to promote interoperability between networks, network equipment, and customer premise equipment. The functional framework for organizing and marketing work of ATIS consists of 10 areas classified under two categories. The categories are: Universal functions: There are five functional areas under this category. They ar