Taxonomy - Network Services

Network Services

Network services are provided to support distributed applications requiring data access and applications interoperability in heterogeneous or homogeneous networked environments.

A network service consists of both an interface and an underlying protocol.

Data communications, which include interfaces and protocols for reliable, transparent, end-to-end data transmission across communications networks. Data communications services include both high level functions like file transfer, remote login, remote process execution or PC integration services and low level functions (like a sockets API) giving direct access to communications protocols.
Electronic Mail services including the capability to send, receive, forward, store, display, retrieve, prioritize, authenticate and manage messages. This includes the capability to append files and documents to messages. Messages may include any combination of data, text, audio, graphics, and images and should be capable of being formatted into standard data interchange formats. This service includes the use of directories and distribution lists for routing information, the ability to assign priorities, the use of pre-formatted electronic forms, and the capability to trace the status of messages. Associated services include a summarized listing of incoming messages, a log of messages received and read, the ability to file or print messages, and the ability to reply to or forward messages.
Distributed data services provide access to, and modification of, data/metadata in remote or local databases. In a distributed environment, data not available on the local database are fetched from a remote data server at the request of the local client.
Distributed file services provide for transparent remote file access. Applications have equivalent access to data regardless of the data's physical location. Ancillary services for this function can include: transparent addressing, cached data, data replication, file locking and file logging.
Distributed name services provide a means for unique identification of resources within a distributed computing system. This service is available to applications within the network and provides information that can include: resource name, associated attributes, physical location, and resource functionality. Note that all system resources should be identifiable, in all information systems, by the distributed name. This permits physical location to change, not only to accommodate movement, but also load balancing, system utilization, scaling (adding processors and moving resources to accommodate the increased resources), distributed processing, and all aspects of open systems. Distributed name services include directory services such as X.500 and network navigation services. Distributed name services include ways to locate data objects both by name and by function. The paragraph on Object Services describes equivalent services under naming services and trading services respectively.
Distributed time services provide synchronized time co-ordination as required among distributed processes in different time zones. An equivalent service is described under time services in the paragraph on Object Services.
Remote process (access) services provide the means for dispersed applications to communicate across a computer network. These services facilitate program-to-program communications regardless of their distributed nature or operation on heterogeneous platforms. Remote process services including remote procedure call (RPC) and asynchronous messaging mechanisms underpin client/server applications.
Remote print spooling and output distribution services provide the means for printing output remotely. The services include management of remote printing including printer and media selection, use of forms, security and print queue management.

The following functional areas are currently supported mainly by application software, but are progressing towards migration into the Application Platform:

Enhanced telephony functions, including call set-up, call co-ordination, call forwarding, call waiting, programmed directories, teleconferencing, automatic call distribution (useful for busy customer service categories), and call detail recording.
Shared screen functions that provide audio teleconferencing with common workstation windows between two or more users. This includes the capability to refresh windows whenever someone displays new material or changes an existing display. Every user is provided with the capability to graphically annotate or modify the shared conference window.
Video conferencing functions that provide two-way video transmission between different sites. These functions include call set-up, call co-ordination, full motion display of events and participants in a bi-directional manner, support for the management of directing the cameras, ranging from fixed position, to sender directed, to receiver directed, to automated sound pickup.
Broadcast functions that provide one-way audio or audio/video communications functions between a sending location and multiple receiving locations or between multiple sending and receiving locations.
Mailing list functions that allow groups to participate in conferences. These conferences may or may not occur in real time. Conferees or invited guests can drop in or out of conferences or subconferences at will. The ability to trace the exchanges is provided. Functions include exchange of documents, conference management, recording facilities, and search and retrieval capabilities.