Patent ID: 8099716

Claim:
A computer implemented method comprising: defining a multiple object hierarchy for providing an open application environment; providing, in said open application environment, a first plurality of program objects associated with a first object hierarchy level of said multiple object hierarchy; providing, in said open application environment, a second plurality of program objects associated with a second object hierarchy level of said multiple object hierarchy; associating selected ones of said first plurality of program objects and selected ones of said second plurality of program objects to form an application program, wherein the application program provides a first telephony service, wherein said second plurality of program objects comprise infrastructure objects providing foundational element blocks embodying protocol specific functions of services provided by said application program; wherein said associated selected ones of said first plurality of program objects and selected ones of said second plurality of program objects comprises: providing an application framework having a plurality of utilities facilitating interaction between said selected ones of said first plurality of program objects and said selected ones of said second plurality of program objects; and passing object function information with respect to at least one of said first and second plurality of program objects to an object life management utility of said application framework upon a corresponding one of said program object being loaded into said open application environment.