System and method for accessing a service on a services network

A system for setting up a new service on a services network using a set of generic functions and a generic session layer protocol, wherein the generic functions and generic session layer protocol can be used with any new service, the system comprising:

• a first means for establishing a connection between an application and the service, wherein the first means resides in an application interface and said means for establishing comprises means for sending a connection identifier and a service identifier;
• a second means for transferring a packet between the application and the service, wherein the second means resides in the application interface and said means for transferring includes means for sending a connection identifier and data;
• and
• a third means for terminating the connection between the application and the service, wherein the third means resides in the application interface and said means for terminating includes means for sending a connection identifier and a server identifier.

A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform generic method steps for establishing access between an application and a service in an operator services network, said method steps comprising:

• (1) calling a first function to establish a connection between an application and the service, wherein the first function resides in an application interface and said step of calling a first function includes sending a connection identifier and a service identifier;
• (2) calling a second function to transfer data between the application and the service, wherein the second function resides in the application interface and said step of calling a second function includes sending a connection identifier and data;
• and
• (3) calling a third function to terminate the connection between the application and the service, wherein the third function resides in the application interface and said step of calling a third function includes sending a connection identifier and a server identifier.