XNM-an interface for a network management system

A method for executing commands in a telecommunications system including one or more service modules is provided. The method comprises: providing an interface configured to receive commands for services from a client, the interface configured to process commands in a generic syntax; receiving a command specifying a service from the client at the interface, the command in a first language and following the generic syntax understandable by the interface; parsing the command to determine the service; determining if the service is supported by a service module in the one or more modules; and if the service is supported, sending a command for the service in a second language to the service module.