1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.