(19)

(11)

EP 1 038 214 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/39 (21) Application number: 98955765.7 (22) Date of filing: 24.11.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 3/023 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9803/502 (87) International publication number: WO 9930/222 (17.06.1999 Gazette 1999/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FI FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 11.12.1997 GB 9726380 (71) Applicant: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company London EC1A 7AJ (GB)	(72) Inventors: CLIFFE, Nigel Bentley, Ipswich,Suffolk IP9 2DN (GB) JONES, Mary, Linda, Ruth Ipswich,Suffolk IP3 9JT (GB) (74) Representative: Lidbetter, Timothy Guy Edwin et al BT Group Legal Services,Intellectual Property Department,8th Floor, Holborn Centre,120 Holborn London EC1N 2TE London EC1N 2TE (GB)