FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to rendering value added services (VAS) in a telecommunication network and in particular relates to managing the VAS subscription across multiple network operators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

With the advent of communication through mobile or landline phone networks and advent of smart phones in recent years, subscription of different value added services has surged in the past decade or so. While the subscriber has the benefit of selecting a particular VAS as per his business/education/social requirements, the network operators are also benefitted equally owing to an extended business opportunity in addition to rendering standard voice calls and fax transmissions.

As the subscription of different type of VAS is maintained not only separate from each other but also from the subscription of core services (e.g. voice calls and fax transmissions) owing to technical and economic constraints, a substantial number of users with rigid mindset remain discouraged from subscribing a particular VAS and accordingly remain non-benefitted from an otherwise beneficial VAS. The network operator’ efforts to voluntarily extend selected one or more VAS for a limited time period to non-subscribers have not been much successful. Accordingly, the operators continue to incur losses owing to an underutilization of deployed VAS nodes and corresponding infrastructure. In addition, a large number of telephone subscribers are not able to reap substantial benefit from their existing subscription and have to resort to external means (e.g. radio, television, internet enabled computing systems) to access an information that otherwise would have been available through a particular type of VAS in no time.

Some of the publications reciting the state of the art in the present technical field are as follows:

WO 2008072255 describes system and method for providing value added services to users. In one embodiment, the system is used for providing information to a user making use of the mobile technology. The access to right information by user is achieved by personalization of user experience while accessing the service using artificial intelligence.

WO 2013041261 describes systems and methods of utilizing a Master Service Control Point to provide inter-operator value added and supplementary services to subscribers belonging to varied and independent network operators and service providers. A master SCP acts as a central node providing communication between multiple SCP's of different network operators using diameter protocol messages. It facilitates provisioning of operator- specific services as operator-independent services for use by/among subscribers associated to varied network operators.

However, there still remains a long felt need to enable a subscriber of any network operator at accessing a particular VAS service rendered through the home network operator like a bonafide subscriber, although the subscriber has not availed subscription for that particular VAS.

Another need of the hour is to enable a user driven selection of one or more VAS and one or more subscribers for availing such selected VAS, irrespective of the network operator associated with the targeted subscribers.

Yet, another need of the hour is to enable a management of subscription of such one or more VAS that have been selected to be rendered in respect of one or more selected subscribers of same or multiple network operators.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for enabling a subscriber with any network operator at availing a particular VAS through corresponding network operator, wherein the particular VAS otherwise has not been subscribed by said subscriber.

It is another object of the present invention to enable a subscriber in selecting one or more VAS and thereafter selecting at least one other subscriber for availing usage of said selected VAS, wherein such other subscriber may either belong to a home network operator or a different network operator.

Yet another object of the present invention to enable a centralized management of subscription of said selected VAS that are being availed by said selected subscribers of same or different network operators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators. The method comprises receiving a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator; provisioning a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least the first subscriber; and retrieving an access related parameter of the selected VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators. The apparatus comprises a receiving module for receiving a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing the selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator; a processing module for provisioning a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the first subscriber and the second subscriber; and a retrieving module for retrieving an access related parameter of the selected at least one VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

The present invention further provides a method of managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment. The method comprises registering a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator; linking at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber based upon a user selection; activating said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator based upon a criteria associated with at least the user; and monitoring an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to said user.

The present invention furthermore provides an apparatus for managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment. The apparatus comprises a registration module for registering a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator; a mapping module for linking at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber based upon a user selection; a processing module for activating said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the user and said at least one registered subscriber; and a tracking module for monitoring an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to the user.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a flow chart corresponding to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a detailed internal construction of the apparatus in accordance with first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a flow chart corresponding to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a detailed internal construction of the apparatus in accordance with second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a detailed internal construction of the apparatus as described in Fig. 2 and 4;
Figure 6 shows an exemplary implementation of the apparatus corresponding to the first and the second embodiment of the invention in a networking environment; and
Figure 7 shows an exemplary control flow diagram as applicable within the implementation described in Fig. 6.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Now referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the present invention provides a method of managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators, said method comprising:
receiving (step 102) a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator;
provisioning (step 104) a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least the first subscriber; and
retrieving (step 106) an access related parameter of the selected VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

In an embodiment, wherein said receipt of selection comprises receiving a selection of one or more VAS for sharing with each subscriber out of a pre-determined number of subscribers associated with at least one second network operator.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein said provisioning comprising ascertaining through an interface said criteria associated with the first subscriber, said criteria comprising at least one of: a post-paid subscription, and a pre-determined balance in case of availing a pre-paid subscription.

In still another embodiment, wherein the at least one second subscriber is at least one of a pre-paid subscriber or a post-paid subscriber.

In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein said retrieving comprises retrieving through an interface said access related parameter of the at least one selected VAS from the designated node, said access related parameter corresponding to at least one of a subscription of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber within the at least one second network operator; and a usage of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber through the at least one second network operator.

In another embodiment, wherein said first subscriber operates at least one of: interactive voice response (IVR), SMS, USSD, etc. to select at least one VAS for sharing.

In yet another embodiment, wherein said designated node of the at least one second network operator corresponds to a VAS node within the at least one second network operator

In a further more embodiment of the invention, wherein said provisioning comprises interacting through an interface with a designated interface of the designated node to activate the selected VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber associated with the at least one second network operator.

In a further embodiment, the present invention further comprises sending (step 108) through an interface to the first subscriber in the first network, at least one of: a service renewal to remotely renew the subscription of selected VAS at the at least one second network operator; and a quantitative data associated with the usage of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber operating within at least one second network operator.

In a further more embodiment of the invention, the invention further comprises deactivating through an interface at least one VAS with respect to the at least one second subscriber based upon at least one of: an incompatibility of the at least second network operator with said at least one selected VAS; a non-eligibility of the first subscriber; a rejection of the at least one selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber; and discontinuation of subscription with said at least one second network operator by the at least one second subscriber.
Referring to Figure 2, the present invention also provides an apparatus (200) for managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators, said apparatus (200) comprises:
a receiving module (202) for receiving a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing the selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator;
a processing module (204) for provisioning a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the first subscriber and the second subscriber; and
a retrieving module (206) for retrieving an access related parameter of the selected at least one VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

Now referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the present invention further provides a method for managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment, said method comprising:
registering (step 302) a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator;
linking, (step 304) based upon a user selection, at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber;
activating (step 306) said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator, based upon a criteria associated with at least the user;
and
monitoring (step 308) an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to said user.

In an embodiment, wherein said provisioning comprising ascertaining said criteria associated with said user, said criteria comprising at least one of: a post-paid subscription; and a pre-determined balance in case of availing a pre-paid subscription.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the at least one subscriber is at least one of a pre-paid subscriber or a post-paid subscriber.

In still another embodiment, wherein said user is a subscriber within a network operator that is different than said at least one network operator.

In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein said activating comprises simultaneously rendering said VAS in respect of said user as well as said subscriber through their respective network operators.

In yet another embodiment, wherein said activating comprises provisioning via an interface a designated VAS node of said at least one network operator to invoke the correspondingly linked at least one VAS.

In yet another embodiment, wherein said provisioning comprises interacting with at least one designated interface of the designated VAS node to invoke the correspondingly linked at least one VAS in respect of said subscriber.

In yet another embodiment, said monitoring comprises retrieving through an interface the access related parameter from a designated VAS node of the at least one network operator associated with said at least one subscriber linked with said at least one VAS.

In yet another embodiment, wherein said access related parameter is denoted by at least one of: a subscription of the said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber within said at least one network operator; and a usage of the said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber through said at least one network operator.

In yet another embodiment, wherein said communicating comprising sending though an interface to said user, at least one of: a service renewal reminder notification to remotely renew the subscription of said at least one VAS at said at least one network operator; a service renewal request to remotely re-activate an expired subscription of the said at least one VAS at said at least one network operator; and a quantitative data associated with the usage of the said at least one VAS by said at least one second subscriber operating within said at least one network operator.

In still another embodiment, the present invention further comprises deactivating through an interface said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked subscriber based at least upon: an incompatibility of said at least one network operator with said at least one VAS; a non-eligibility of said user or said subscriber; a rejection of said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber; and discontinuation of subscription with said at least one second network operator by said at least one subscriber.

In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein said at least one user is an online account holder while being a subscriber with any network operator.

In a further embodiment of the invention, further comprising de-linking through an interface said at least one VAS from said at least one registered subscriber based upon a user request.

Referring to Figure 4, the present invention also apparatus (400) for managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment, said apparatus comprising:
a registration module (402) for registering a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator;
a mapping module (404) for linking at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber based upon a user selection;
a processing module (406) for activating said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the user and said at least one registered subscriber;
and
a tracking module (408) for monitoring an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to the user.

Referring to figure 5, yet another typical hardware configuration of the apparatus 200, 400 in the form of a computer system 200, 400 is shown. The computer system 200, 400 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system 200, 400 to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed. The computer system 200, 400 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computer system 200, 400 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system 200, 400 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single computer system 200, 400 is illustrated, the term "system" shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

The computer system 200, 400 may include a processor 502 e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor 502 may be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processor 502 may be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processor 502 may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data The processor 502 may implement a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed).

The computer system 200, 400 may include a memory 504, such as a memory 504 that can communicate via a bus 508. The memory 504 may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory 504 may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory 504 includes a cache or random access memory for the processor 502. In alternative examples, the memory 504 is separate from the processor 502, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 504 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc ("CD"), digital video disc ("DVD"), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus ("USB") memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory 504 is operable to store instructions executable by the processor 502. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor 502 executing the instructions stored in the memory 504. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

As shown, the computer system 200, 400 may or may not further include a display unit 510, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The display 510 may act as an interface for the user to see the functioning of the processor 502, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory 504 or in the drive unit 516.

Additionally, the computer system 200, 400 may include an input device 512 configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of system 200, 400. The input device 512 may be a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, such as a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the computer system 200, 400.

The computer system 200, 400 may also include a disk or optical drive unit 516. The disk drive unit 516 may include a computer-readable medium 522 in which one or more sets of instructions 524, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 524 may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions 524 may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory 504 or within the processor 502 during execution by the computer system 200, 400. The memory 504 and the processor 502 also may include computer-readable media as discussed above.

The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions 524 or receives and executes instructions 524 responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network 526 can communicate voice, video, audio, images or any other data over the network 526. Further, the instructions 524 may be transmitted or received over the network 526 via a communication port or interface 520 or using a bus 508. The communication port or interface 520 may be a part of the processor 502 or may be a separate component. The communication port 520 may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware. The communication port 520 may be configured to connect with a network 526, external media, the display 510, or any other components in system 200, 400, or combinations thereof. The connection with the network 526 may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or may be established wirelessly as discussed later. Likewise, the additional connections with other components of the system 200, 400 may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. The network 526 may alternatively be directly connected to the bus 508.

The network 526 may include wired networks, wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, 802.1Q or WiMax network. Further, the network 526 may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

In an alternative example, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement various parts of the system 200, 400.

Applications that may include the systems can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more examples described may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The system described may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in a non-limited example, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement various parts of the system.

The system is not limited to operation with any particular standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) may be used. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed are considered equivalents thereof.

Further, the apparatus 200, 400 includes a specific application programming interface (API) within each of the modules as depicted in Fig 2 and 4 to discharge corresponding functions in a networking environment.

In the following paragraphs, a detailed description about exemplary implementation of the invention and a control flow within such exemplary implementation has been provided. It should however, be understood every implementation of as claimed method and apparatus need not follow the components and steps as described mentioned in the following paragraphs. Thus, the scope of the claims is intended to be restricted only on the basis of the claims and their equivalents and not on the basis of the examples provided herein below.

EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATION IN A NETWORKING ENVIRONMENT

Fig. 6 depicts a technical and exemplary implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2 and Fig 4 in a networking environment, wherein the apparatus 200, 400 is communicatively linked with more than one network operator associated with either of a mobile phone network or a landline network. At least one subscriber or user belonging to at least one network operator acts accesses the apparatus 200, 400 to allocate or share a particular VAS with another subscriber who may belong to either home network operator or a separate network operator. In an implementation, the apparatus 200, 400 is accessible by the user through a mobile/landline phone via an interactive voice response (IVR), SMS, USSD based features. In other implementation, the apparatus 200, 400 is accessible online by the user upon providing his/her credentials as a telephone subscriber.

In an implementation, the apparatus 200, 400 may be referred as a VAS universe platform that connects with different mobile network operators 602-1, 2, 3 via known protocols and standardized communication interfaces within the network operator nodes i.e. VAS nodes 1, 2 and 3. In an example, the communication interface may be an application programming interface (API). Accordingly, the present apparatus 200, 400 is configured to automatically activate a particular VAS within any network operator 602-1, 2, 3 through its corresponding VAS node. Also, the apparatus 200, 400 retrieves parameters related to usage/access of the particular VAS done by a selected subscriber through the corresponding VAS node of the network operator 602-1, 2, 3.

As far as interacting with a user that accesses the apparatus 200, 400 to allocate/share one or more VAS is concerned, the apparatus 200,400 provides a user interface (e.g. GUI) through which the user, is able to interact with or control the apparatus 200, 400 by providing inputs and receiving outputs or acknowledgements. As an initial most interactive action with the apparatus 200, 400 the user registers one or more intended recipients or beneficiaries that may be home network subscribers or subscribers belonging to other network operators, thereby creating a user specific profile. Thereafter, as further interactive actions, the user selects one or more particular VAS from a list of available VAS as being applicable in a particular territory (state or country) and links the same with one or more intended recipients. In other example, the apparatus 200, 400 allows the user to register different VAS services intended for linking. Accordingly, during the runtime, the user is enabled to merely link one or more registered VAS with one or more intended recipients. Specifically, the linking denotes mapping one or more VAS with a group of intended recipients belonging to the home network operator of the user or same network operator that is different than the home network operator.

In an example, the user, who is a subscriber with a particular network operator may be currently availing one or more particular VAS as linked with the intended recipients. However, the user is also equally eligible to link such types of VAS that have been historically availed by the user or even have not been availed at all.

Further, the present apparatus 200,400 may be extended to cover various other analogous exemplary scenarios/mechanisms of linking different types of VAS with one or more intended recipient subscribers. In addition, the present apparatus 200,400 also allows the user to de-link a certain recipient subscriber from a linked VAS or altogether delete a particular intended recipient/VAS.

In a further example, in case the user is a pre-paid phone subscriber, the apparatus 200,400 debars the user from operating in case of insufficient balance. The reason may be attributed to the fact the present apparatus 200,400 eventually allows the user to bear the liability (e.g. expenditure) related to VAS usage/subscription expenditure of the recipient subscribers and accordingly expects a minimum guarantee from users. However, the present condition may not apply in a scenario where the user is post-paid subscriber.

Upon having received the aforesaid user defined linking, the apparatus 200,400 activates a selected VAS with respect to the corresponding intended recipient upon having received an approval from the intended recipient. In an example, the apparatus 200,400 includes an application programming interface (API) to interact with a corresponding API of an authorized VAS node of recipient’s network operator activation so as to configure said VAS node towards invoking the particular VAS in terms of the particular one or more recipient subscribers.

Further, the apparatus 200,400 may reject the user request to link a particular VAS with a particular intended recipient subscribers based on various conditions. The exemplary scenarios include: the intended recipient’s network operator is incompatible with the selected VAS, a rejection/non-acceptance of a particular VAS by the intended recipient, and the recipient subscriber giving up his subscription with a particular network operator. Further, the apparatus may also automatically de-activate an already activated VAS in respect of the recipient subscriber in exemplary scenarios where the recipient subscriber’s network operator becomes incompatible with the selected VAS, a relinquishment of a particular VAS by the recipient subscriber, and the recipient subscriber moving from a current network operator to another network operator.

Further, the apparatus 200,400 continuously retrieves a VAS access related parameter in respect of each allocated/shared VAS from the authorized VAS node of each of the network operators as associated with the recipient subscribers. Such access related parameter may either relate to a periodic subscription or usage of the each of the allocated/shared VAS by the recipient subscribers within respective network operators. Accordingly, each allocated/shared VAS is related to a unique access related parameter that may be in turn related to either a single or multiple recipient subscribers. For example, in case there are more than one recipient subscriber in a network operator availing a same VAS, the corresponding access related parameter retrieved from the authorized VAS node denotes access by both. However, in case the same recipient subscriber is availing two different VAS, there may be two access related parameters with respect to the same recipient subscriber.

Based upon the access related parameters, the present apparatus 200,400 communicates reminders to the user through an API in terms of renewing subscription of one or more VAS as being utilized by the one or more recipient subscribers. Such reminders may be sent at particular instances based on nature of subscription of VAS. For example, the reminders may be sent i.e. periodically (say after ever month in case rendering of the VAS is evaluated monthly) or when the VAS usage (e.g. no of minutes, hours, days) have reached a threshold, i.e. an upper limit of usage. Moreover, the renewal of subscription of a particular VAS availed by a recipient subscriber depends upon the terms as applicable with the corresponding network operator. In an example, an amount for subscription renewal is decided in consonance with the corresponding network operator’s tariff.

Further, in a preferred example, the renewal of subscription denotes any act that is done prior to expiry of VAS subscription associated with recipient subscriber and has the effect of either increasing the VAS usage time period, VAS validity time period, or simply preventing the VAS subscription from getting deactivated. In other examples, the renewal of subscription may also denote re-activating an expired VAS subscription of the recipient subscriber.

In further example, the aforesaid renewal reminder also acts as a means to help the user in actually renewing the VAS subscription of the recipient subscriber. For example, upon receiving and accepting the reminder, the user may be directly led to a payment interface.

In other example, the present apparatus 200,400 communicates a quantitative data associated with the VAS subscription as availed by the recipient subscriber. Such quantitative data may comprise a fixed numerical sum (e.g. monthly rent) or variable sum depending upon the extent of usage of the availed VAS (e.g. hour based or day based usage). In addition to this, the quantitative data may also include usage parameters (number of hours, number of days), applicable tariff at the recipient subscriber’s network operator, recipient subscriber’s identifier, period of usage or subscription (e.g. May-June, July-August etc), government prescribed taxes (surcharge, service tax, etc), deadline of subscription renewal etc.

EXEMPLARY CONTROL FLOW:

Fig. 7 depicts a work flow associated with the exemplary apparatus 200, 400 as described in the preceding figures. As aforementioned, the apparatus 200, 400 operates to allocate or share certain types of VAS with such intended recipients that otherwise do not have a subscription of that particular VAS through their corresponding network operator. In addition, the network operators of the recipient subscriber may be same as the user’s network operator or different.

In step 7002, the user (say M1) of any network operator (operator M11) registers with the apparatus 200, 400 upon providing his telephone subscription details and thereby starts accessing the apparatus 200, 400 through various known mechanisms like IVR, SMS, USSD etc, that may rendered through circuit or packet switching. As a part of accessing the apparatus 200, 400, the user registers/adds certain VAS and subscribers that belonging to same or different network operators with the apparatus 200, 400 and accordingly selects at least one particular VAS for one or more intended recipient subscribers. In other example, the different types of VAS may be pre-registered with the apparatus 200, 400 and the user only registers intended recipients and selects one or more recipient subscribers.

In step 7004, the apparatus 200, 400 configures, through an API, the respective VAS nodes 602-1, 2 of the network operators M1 to activate the selected one or more VAS for the intended recipient subscribers. It may be understood that prior to such provisioning, the apparatus 200, 400 evaluates various conditions as described under the description of Fig. 5 through another API to ascertain whether or not to activate the particular VAS in respect of intended recipient. The step 7004-1 denotes provisioning of the VAS node 602-1 of the home network operator M11 of the user M1 to activate the VAS in terms of the intended recipient M1-1, while the step 7004-2 denotes provisioning of the VAS node 602-2 of a different network operator M22 to activate the VAS in terms of the intended recipient M2.

As an extension of the present step 7004, the VAS nodes 602-1,2 further communicate an intimation to the subscribers M2, M1-1 vide steps 7004-3,4 towards accessing the newly instantiated one or more VAS.

In step 7006, the apparatus 200, 400, vide another API, re-interacts with corresponding VAS nodes 602-1, 2 through their designated API. Such re-interaction is made while such VAS nodes 602-1, 2 are currently rendering the selected one or more VAS towards the subscribers M2, M1-1. As a part of such re-interaction, the apparatus 200, 400 retrieves or enquires about an access related parameter that comprises the subscription details (monthly, weekly, fortnightly) or usage based parameters (number of minutes, hours, days, etc) related to one or more VAS being availed by the recipient subscribers. The steps 7006-1, 2 denote enquiring from the VAS nodes 602-1, 2.

As a response to the steps 7006-1, 2, the VAS nodes 602-1, 2 communicate an applicable access related parameter to the apparatus 200, 400. In other examples, the VAS nodes 602-1, 2 may voluntarily communicate said access related parameter to the apparatus 200, 400 periodically without any formal enquiry or request from the apparatus 200, 400.

As a further extension of the step 7006, the apparatus 200, 400 through a designated API may also deactivate or suspend the applicability of a particular VAS with respect to a particular recipient subscriber based on various conditions as outlined in the description of Fig. 6. For such purpose, the apparatus 200, 400 through its designated API interacts with a concerned API of the VAS node of the corresponding network operator to deactivate the service in respect of the particular recipient subscriber.

In step 7008, the apparatus 200, 400 communicates, through another API, service renewal reminders or a quantitative data associated with subscription details or usage details in respect of the particular VAS to the respective recipient subscribers M2, M1-1. Such details correspond to the terms of VAS subscription/usage as outlined by the respective network operators. In an example, the usage tariff of a particular VAS in a particular network operator shall be a deciding factor in deciding VAS usage details to be communicated to the apparatus 200, 400. Further, various examples of communication of service renewal reminder and quantitative data comprising the subscription/usage details have been already elaborated under the description of Fig. 6.

In view of various technical, operational, implementation and other features of the invention, a centralized VAS management platform has been provided that enables cross operator sharing of VAS, thereby providing higher penetration of available VAS into the telecom subscriber base and a consequential monetary benefit to the mobile network operators.

As a very specific advantage, friends and family member subscribers spread across different circles, operators, countries ,etc., with respect to a particular telecom subscriber are largely benefitted as the present invention enables integration of different network operators’ VAS nodes through cloud computing.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A method of managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators, said method comprising:
receiving (102) a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator;
provisioning (104) a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least the first subscriber; and
retrieving (106) an access related parameter of the selected VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receipt of selection comprises receiving a selection of one or more VAS for sharing with each subscriber out of a pre-determined number of subscribers associated with at least one second network operator.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said provisioning comprising ascertaining through an interface said criteria associated with the first subscriber, said criteria comprising at least one of:
a post-paid subscription; and
a pre-determined balance in case of availing a pre-paid subscription.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one second subscriber is at least one of a pre-paid subscriber or a post-paid subscriber.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retrieving comprises retrieving through an interface said access related parameter of the at least one selected VAS from the designated node, said access related parameter corresponding to at least one of:
a subscription of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber within the at least one second network operator; and
a usage of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber through the at least one second network operator.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first subscriber operates at least one of: interactive voice response (IVR), SMS, USSD, etc. to select at least one VAS for sharing.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said designated node of the at least one second network operator corresponds to a VAS node within the at least one second network operator.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said provisioning comprises interacting through an interface with a designated interface of the designated node to activate the selected VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber associated with the at least one second network operator.

9. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising sending (108) through an interface to the first subscriber in the first network, at least one of:
a service renewal notification to remotely renew the subscription of selected VAS at the at least one second network operator; and
a quantitative data associated with the usage of the selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber operating within at least one second network operator.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising deactivating through an interface at least one VAS with respect to the at least one second subscriber based upon at least one of:
an incompatibility of the at least second network operator with said at least one selected VAS;
a non-eligibility of the first subscriber;
a rejection of the at least one selected VAS by the at least one second subscriber; and
discontinuation of subscription with said at least one second network operator by the at least one second subscriber.

11. An apparatus (200) for managing a value added service (VAS) across different network operators, said apparatus comprising:
a receiving module (202) for receiving a selection of at least one VAS from a first subscriber associated with a first network operator for sharing the selected VAS with at least one second subscriber associated with at least one second network operator;
a processing module (204) for provisioning a designated node of the at least one second network operator to activate the selected at least one VAS in respect of the at least one second subscriber, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the first subscriber and the second subscriber; and
a retrieving module (206) for retrieving an access related parameter of the selected at least one VAS from said designated node for associating with the first subscriber.

12. A method of managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment, said method comprising:
registering (302) a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator;
linking (304), based upon a user selection, at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber;
activating (306) said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator, based upon a criteria associated with at least the user;
and
monitoring (308) an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to said user.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said provisioning comprising ascertaining said criteria associated with said user, said criteria comprising at least one of:
a post-paid subscription; and
a pre-determined balance in case of availing a pre-paid subscription.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one subscriber is at least one of a pre-paid subscriber or a post-paid subscriber.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said user is a subscriber within a network operator that is different than said at least one network operator.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said activating comprises simultaneously rendering said VAS in respect of said user as well as said subscriber through their respective network operators.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said activating comprises provisioning via an interface a designated VAS node of said at least one network operator to invoke the correspondingly linked at least one VAS.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said provisioning comprises interacting with at least one designated interface of the designated VAS node to invoke the correspondingly linked at least one VAS in respect of said subscriber.

19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said monitoring comprises retrieving through an interface the access related parameter from a designated VAS node of the at least one network operator associated with said at least one subscriber linked with said at least one VAS.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said access related parameter is denoted by at least one of:
a subscription of the said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber within said at least one network operator; and
a usage of the said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber through said at least one network operator.

21. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said communicating comprising sending though an interface to said user, at least one of:
a service renewal notification to remotely renew the subscription of said at least one VAS at said at least one network operator;
and
a quantitative data associated with the usage of the said at least one VAS by said at least one second subscriber operating within said at least one network operator.

22. The method as claimed in preceding claims, further comprising deactivating through an interface said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked subscriber based at least upon:
an incompatibility of said at least one network operator with said at least one VAS;
a non-eligibility of said user or said subscriber;
a rejection of said at least one VAS by said at least one subscriber; and
discontinuation of subscription with said at least one second network operator by said at least one subscriber.

23. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one user is an online account holder while being a subscriber with any network operator.

24. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising de-linking through an interface said at least one VAS from said at least one registered subscriber based upon a user request.

25. An apparatus (400) for managing a value added service (VAS) in a networking environment, said apparatus comprising:
a registration module (402) for registering a plurality of VAS and a plurality of subscribers, wherein each of said plurality of subscribers are associated with at least one network operator;
a mapping module (404) for linking at least one registered VAS with at least one registered subscriber based upon a user selection;
a processing module (406) for activating said at least one VAS with respect to the correspondingly linked at least one subscriber by provisioning the corresponding at least one network operator, based upon a criteria associated with at least one of the user and said at least one registered subscriber;
and
a tracking module (408) for monitoring an access of said at least one VAS with respect to said at least one subscriber within the corresponding at least one network operator and communicating an access related parameter to the user.