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Ovum hails software-defined networking as the catalyst to flexible, scalable, intelligent networks(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) London -- Traditional network architectures are struggling to keep pace as applications and services become more dynamic. This is according to Ovum, the global analyst firm, which believes that software-defined networking (SDN) is the answer to enabling future networks to become significantly more flexible, scalable, and intelligent. In a new report*, Ovum examines the vendor and product landscape of the SDN market, profiling 37 companies and highlights the period of extreme innovation and transformation facing networks today. Ovum reveals that the three-tier hierarchy (access, aggregation, and core) of network architecture is going away in favour of flatter architectures, virtualized application software is replacing network appliances, and network infrastructure is becoming much more programmable. SDN has already had a major impact on the communications industry by providing a focal point for a revitalized interest in networking, says David Krozier, principal analyst in Ovums Network Infrastructure Telecoms team. SDN provides an opportunity to completely reexamine network architectures, introduce virtualization, and provide truly innovative solutions. With SDN the focus of networking has moved from the feeds and speeds of the data plane to the intelligence inherent in the control plane and related network services. Instead of crafting applications to operate within the constraints of the network, with SDN the network will dynamically adapt to provide the connectivity services that best serve the application. Its too early in the evolution of SDN to draw conclusions about which approach will win or the exact architecture of future networks as there is too much innovation yet to happen, and vendors and their customers have yet to reach a common agenda, comments Krozier. But the search by vendors and network operators to find a better approach will eventually produce networks that are much more flexible in providing new services (monetizing the network) and more efficient in their use of resources (cost-effective). In a follow up to this report, Ovum will address SDN in carrier networks, how equipment used in carrier transport networks will evolve with SDN, and how and why carriers will deploy SDN. Another installment will address the SDN enabled data center and service provider network service portfolio. NOTES TO EDITORS *Software-Defined Networking: Vendors and Product Landscape (Oct 2012) To arrange an interview or for further information please contact Claire Booty on +44 (0) 20 7017 7916, or email [email protected] ABOUT OVUM Ovum provides clients with independent and objective analysis that enables them to make better business and technology decisions. Our research draws upon over 400,000 interviews a year with business and technology, telecoms and sourcing decision-makers, giving Ovum and our clients unparalleled insight not only into business requirements but also the technology that organisations must support. Ovum is an Informa business. ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected])). (c) 2012 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |