5 Big Influencers in Software Defined Networking

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has become a hot topic of late, and with good

reason. This technology has the potential to dramatically improve the configuration of

networking solutions. Traditionally, data has been housed in a static fashion, with the

development of network intelligence, focused on individual routers and switches. This is

problematic with today’s vast and ever-expanding data pool, with central automation of

data management quickly becoming the ideal solution. SDN is an answer to this

challenge, and a good one.

Big Switch

Big Switch is a major competitor in the SDN market, targeting larger firms like

Cisco.They have been featured by the Economist and recognized by Network World.

They are offering the first available open product suites focused on SDN. This suite is

built upon Big Network Controller, and as such, it generates a common data model from

which to build up. They utilize a three-tier architecture that includes northbound open

APIs for app developers, an open-core controller, and southbound industry-standard

data plan communication protocols. As a company, they are committed to remaining

open-source as well, viewing it as an essential and key component to supporting a solid

architecture that is responsive and innovative.

Brocade

Brocade is also pushing to get ahead of Cisco, something they made a play at most

recently by purchasing Vyatta, a private company that was focused on network

visualization and included SDN and cloud computing platforms, which Brocade can

combine with its existing infrastructure. Since Brocade has been a strong and early

supporter of OpenFlow, this merger has put them in a solid position to be an industry

leader in SDN, particularly since the merger gives the company more agility to operate

as it lowers costs while developing their products.

Cisco

Cisco isn’t slouching in the race to claim the bigger prize in the SDN market. They

recently spent $141 million to acquire Cariden, a company that focuses on network

planning and optimization software for ISPs. This purchase lets Cisco gain access to a

respected company that is well-versed in SDN, which allows Cisco to provide SDN to

their core ISP customers. Overall, Cisco is downplaying their focus on SDN while

carefully aligning themselves to be competitive as the technology spreads.

HP

HP is coming out swinging while developing their own SDN portfolio that they claim is

the most complete package out of any vendor offering on the market. They have their

own controller, 25 open-flow-enabled switches, and an assortment of applications. HBO

and CERN are already established as beta customers for their SDN package. Future

plans include allowing their clients to create their own isolated cloud networks within

public clouds and additional applications developed specifically for its controller.

Juniper

While Cisco and HP focus on larger clientele, Juniper is gunning for an alternative niche

within the SDN market. They are positioning themselves to be a cornerstone within the

open source SDN community, with the hopes of becoming equivalent to Linux and

Apache within open source operating systems. To this end, they have partnered with

other industry players in their production of an alternative SDN controller that can

compete with Cisco and others. Their plan is to create a solid open source controller that

becomes the standard, with a strategy that includes adding support for OpenFlow to

some of their product line as the year advances. Juniper has also recently released their

“four-step roadmap” to SDN with new software and services

Strategic Brilliance Bonus Mention:

VMware

This company is a clear leader in the field, and recent acquisitions have put them down

as a strong contender against Cisco. With the purchase of Nicira, a company whose

founders developed OpenFlow, VMware has gained powerful hardware that virtualizes

data to split workload from hardware resources. This, combined with the previous

acquisition of DynamicOps, puts them in a powerful position within the industry, running

a knockout package of exceptional software and hardware, all whilst maintaining their

already stellar reputation for high quality.

The bottom line is that SDN promises to be a disruptive force to the network market.

Many hands are making a grab at market share by attempting to out-innovate and

provide more than their challengers. The end result will be beneficial to potential

consumers of SDN technology.