 other edge routers. This offloads the work from the edge and core routers allowing for scale and separation of control and data plane processing. 2.5.10 SERVICE PLATFORMS For most of the twentieth century, the basic capabilities of a network were the customer service, a fixed point-to-point circuit between two customer locations or the ability to request a temporary nar- row band voice connection between two network end points through a switch. Investment in a ser- vice platform beyond the core network was largely focused on the OSS, BSS systems, and processes to support the delivery and monetization of the network. Business functions included customer ordering, billing, and directory assistance based on a subscription business model. Operational functions included inventory, planning, installation, maintenance, and diagnostics. The customer services of transport and switching were an integral part of the network design, expanding the availability of this basic universal service was more attractive than enhancing services that would require investment to upgrade many end points. As fundamental improvements in transport and computing technology reduced unit cost and increased capabilities of transport and end point devices, enhanced services became feasible. Circuits were replaced by packets, switching replaced by session establishment, and service platforms based on IP protocols emerged to support: simpler and faster connection setup; a range of end point devices that were programmable; increased security of data in transit; interoperability between different services and networks; policies to control network behaviors based on service or customer; multiple types of standard data and media streams; and delivery of rich context to enhance communication. As technology advanced and architectures converged on IP, customers themselves demanded more than circuits and media sessions, and the need for a common platform became evident from the isolated islands of infrastructure dedicated to a service. The following parag