System and method for managing workflows associated with a document exchanged between a first service provider and a second service provider

Abstract

A system and method manages workflows exchanges a document between a first server associated with a first service provider and a second server associated with a second service provider over a network. A first workflow engine associated with the first service provider is configured to apply the document to a first workflow based on a first set of rules. A second workflow engine associated with the second service provider is configured to apply the document to a second workflow based a second set of rules. The first and second workflow engines run the first workflow at first service provider asynchronous to the second workflow at the second service provider. The system and method transports a document between the first service provider and second service provider. A first server encrypts the document to create an encrypted document and append an unencrypted header to the encrypted document. The header comprises a pairwise relationship identifier.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention generally relates to the field of software services and more specifically to a software service used for exchange of documents and content.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the field of telecommunications, interconnection refers to connections between carrier service providers for the physical linking of their networks. An interconnection between two carriers interconnects calls originating in one carrier's network and terminating in the other carrier's network and vice versa. Termination rates are rates that telecommunications carriers charge each other on a wholesale basis for terminating calls on their respective networks. An interconnection agreement between two carriers sets forth bilateral conditions for various terms, such as termination rates, capacity, carrier commitment, etc.[0003]The explosion of voice and data traffic, as well as next generation networks, have created information overload, extra complexity and data exchange in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and method for managing workflows by exchanging documents between two service providers. It uses a first and second workflow engine to apply different rules to the document and produce different sets of states for the document. These states are then stored in a shared database. The invention also allows for the document to be converted from editable form to read-only form, with the conversion process done without revealing the identity of the service providers. The technical effect of this invention is an efficient and secure way of managing documents and workflows between service providers.

Problems solved by technology

The explosion of voice and data traffic, as well as next generation networks, have created information overload, extra complexity and data exchange inefficiencies between the telecommunication carriers.

The increasing complexity and volume of price lists, invoices, declarations, data formats and other business documents used in the interconnect business has created a paperwork nightmare for service providers.

Conventional manual processes for executing bilateral contracts amongst service providers result in delays due to incorrect data, back-and-forth communication, unsynchronized document exchange and conferences calls.

Lack of adequate documentation has created an internal dilemma for management to account for network costs and business case justifications.

As a result, the length of time and cost for getting signed and verified quotations and contracts has increased dramatically.

Furthermore, conventional workflow models do not have the capabilities to handle the complexities of interrelationships in executing e-contracts amongst a large number of service providers having bilateral relationships.

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