The ability to set up new communications services for customers automatically. Carriers use automated provisioning to set up their network based on customers' requirements. Such systems control all network devices from a central console and greatly speed up deployment time from days to minutes. When automated provisioning is in place, customer self-service (user provisioning) can be implemented, which extends the backoffice interface to the customer. Customers can order, cancel and modify services over the Web. See provisioning.