Support of a plurality of different applications utilizing a next generation network having a network layer is provided by an application services middle layer between the applications and the network layer that includes a plurality of common infrastructure elements usable by the different applications. The common infrastructure elements provide services associated with use of the network and services that are not associated with use of the network. The common infrastructure elements may provide a common infrastructure element to an end user such that use of the service by the end user is accessible to each of the different applications utilizing the at least one common infrastructure element. A common infrastructure element may be accessible by an end user so as to provide a common infrastructure element to the end user for the different applications. The different applications may include both third party applications and network service provider applications.