With the appropriate architecture, telecommunications services can work with computer applications components to support networked information services. ANSA is an architecture that enables telecommunications services and computer application components to work together despite diversity of programming languages, operating systems, computer hardware, networks, communications protocols and management, and security policies. The architecture is relevant to telecommunications, manufacturing, sales, cooperative working, banking, health service, research, and other applications. It provides a framework for the design and implementation of distributed computer systems supporting networked information services. The framework ensures that different design choices, made for particular applications, present the maximum opportunity for interworking. >