Software-Defined Networking Poised for Massive Growth

Software-defined networking (SDN) is gaining momentum and is expected to experience a massive increase in adoption by data centers and enterprise networks, according to a new forecast from the International Data Corp. (IDC), which predicts that "the worldwide SDN market for the enterprise and cloud service provider segments will grow from $960 million in 2014 to over $8 billion by 2018."

The report, "SDN Momentum Builds in Datacenter and Enterprise Networks," examines the SDN market and ecosystem and provides analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with SDN that may be of particular interest to data center and enterprise network managers. The forecast covers in-use physical network infrastructure, controller and network-virtualization software, SDN network and security services and related applications and SDN-related professional services.

According to IDC, factors contributing to the growth of SDN include:

  • Increased adoption of cloud applications and services;
  • Focus on converged infrastructures for computing, storage and networking as well on the software-defined data center;
  • Experience with benefits and best practices of server virtualization; and
  • Demand for network flexibility to support cloud, mobility, big data and Internet of things (IoT) applications, also known as "3rd Platform" technologies.

IDC identifies the following use cases for SDN:

  • Web scaling for hosting and public cloud providers;
  • Private and hybrid cloud deployments;
  • Network programmability and customization; and
  • Security applications.

"SDN is taking center stage among innovative approaches to some of the networking challenges brought about by the rise of the 3rd Platform, particularly virtualization and cloud computing," said Rohit Mehra, vice president, network infrastructure at IDC, in a prepared statement. "With SDN's growing traction in the datacenter for cloud deployments, enterprise IT is beginning to see the value in potentially extending SDN to the WAN and into the campus to meet the demand for more agile approaches to network architecture, provisioning and operations."

The full report is available for purchase from IDC. Further information can be found on IDC's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.