tions for network configuration as laid out The Ultimate Guide to Building and Delivering OSS/BSS in the provisioning system and contact intelligent managers embedded in the network to automatically activate each physical component of the requested service. In an ideal, highly integrated partner environment, it is possible that one partner could send activation requests to the other's network, and vice versa. This functionality would be especially important to IICs relying heavily on resold or wholesale network links. Service Testing. Though service activation tasks have occurred, customers cannot be notified, and billing cannot begin, until the order manager is assured that the service is working correctly. Thus, when the activation system, via the OM workflow manager, notifies the OSS platform that its tasks are complete, testing must occur. The workflow manager would send requests to various testing systems in the network to make sure service is operating. Ideally, intelligent software will coordinate these tests and compare the results against data from the provisioning and activation systems to insure that the right service with the right parameters has been delivered. If the tests fail, trouble management and work force systems must be notified to fix the problem. In a multi-IIC scenario, the requesting IIC is unlikely to have access to its partners' or suppliers' testing equipment. Also, some tests must be performed manually, thus requiring transactions with the work force management system. BILLING TRANSACTIONS Transactions relating to the billing system are critical because of the direct impact they can have on customers. If customer data in the billing system is inaccurate, customers are likely to be billed incorrectly. This common blunder can lead to lost revenue and unhappy customers. Customer Profile Maintenance. Generally, IICs will allow their customers to alter basic account information at will. This can include billing addresses, contacts and other general information. Also, as we have discussed,