Method and system for correlating usage data in a distributed architecture

摘要

A method and system for providing a dynamic key in usage records for correlating the usage data records created in a distributed computer or telecommunications network. The dynamic key is a composite structure which captures and reflects the control flow between the service components. The method as been implemented in a software object that would be resident in each component of a distributed telecommunications system. Specifically, the keys created are dynamic key comprised of at least two fields. The first field is a unique identifier that identifies the session. The second field is number that identifies the position within the sequence of invoked components that the present component was invoked. This dynamic key is forwarded to the next component and is used as the unique identifier and becomes the first field in the next component's key. These keys allow for correlating usage data records from disparate sources to accomplish such activities as billing and/or fraud detection.