Configuration of IP telephony and other systems

A method for configuring a network telephone device comprising:

• connecting said device to a network;
• accessing within said device a pre-defined address of a first configuration server located on said network, said first configuration server operated by a provider of said device;
• sending a configuration request for a telephony service;
• said configuration request sent from said device to said first configuration server;
• said configuration request including a device identifier unique to said device within said network, and a plurality of telephony service options, said options include at least one of a selection of a service provider from a plurality of service providers and a telephone calling plan;
• receiving said configuration request at said first configuration server and upon request from said device, said first configuration server providing information on said plan from said plurality of service providers to said device;
• preparing a configuration profile for said device at said first configuration server and a second configuration server in communication with said first configuration server, said second configuration server operated by a provider of said service, whereby the providers of said device and said service are independent;
• said configuration profile contains a service address for the device and an address on said network for the service provider that will provide said telephony service;
• and
• sending said profile to said device from either of said first or second configuration servers.