1. A method for template derivation comprising: generating a plurality of templates using a processor, each template having a plurality of unfixed attributes for a network services device configuration and excluding telecommunications devices; storing the plurality of templates in a non-transient data memory; retrieving one of the plurality of templates using the processor; interactively fixing one or more of the unfixed attributes of the retrieved template from a user interface to implement a state change for the network services device in response to deployment of a modification to a network service; storing the modified template as a new template having a plurality fixed attributes and a plurality of unfixed attributes.