A method for deploying a service in a communication network by performing the steps of: invoking a service deployment engine by a request for the service, retrieval of deployment templates, retrieval of service deployment policies, determination of a current configuration of at least one network element involved in providing the service, and selection of a deployment template from the retrieved deployment templates based on the service deployment policies and configuration. Further, a method for configuring a network element via a network element controller through the intermediary of a network element proxy.