(19)

(11)

EP 1 019 812 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/29 (21) Application number: 98945409.5 (22) Date of filing: 01.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 9/46, G06F 17/60 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9802/944 (87) International publication number: WO 9917/194 (08.04.1999 Gazette 1999/14)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 01.10.1997 EP 97307745 (71) Applicant: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company London EC1A 7AJ (GB)	(72) Inventors: PUROHIT, Bharat Northwood Hills,Middlesex HA6 1QJ (GB) SHEPHERDSON, John, William Sudbury,Suffolk CO10 6LA (GB) JUDGE, Donald Ipswich,Suffolk IP4 4RN (GB) ODGERS, Brian, Robert County Armagh BT66 7TE (GB) (74) Representative: Dutton, Erica L. G. et al BT Group Legal Services,Intellectual Property Department,8th Floor, Holborn Centre120 Holborn London EC1N 2TE London EC1N 2TE (GB)