In my industry, we see some hype about some cutting edge technology every 3-5 years. I recall from the recent past IMS (IP-Multimedia System) as one of the most hyped item which fell apart. Now a days the most hyped (or abused) word is SDN.
SDN stands for Software Defined Network and it's been positioned by many vendors as the next big thing in Telecom/networking industry.
After listening to the same 'promises' for over an year and after speaking to many Tier-1 Telco CTO's/Architects, I deduce that SDN is not going to change any of the market dynamics(atleast in Asia) in next decade. Now, the problem is the attitude and the business models in APAC. Almost all the operators (expect some in Korea, Japan and now China) are modelled after a business entity which need to look in to cashflow in the short term. There are many, led by accountants, or finance folks but not by engineers. I don't see any great engineers in these firms but more of administrators 'managing' the networks with 90% help from the vendors. Also they are looking for 'cost efficiencies' but not some sort of innovation. Also another key issue is the 'risk avoidance/transfer' at all costs. i.e. it shouldnt go down, if it does then there has to be someone responsible.
Also the size of the networks (unlike USA/Australia our geography, and demands are diff) makes a big deal. If it's in the pure data centre model, then some operators may take a chance but how many of these operators going to implement a 'OEM' switch to carry mission critical applications? IMHO, almost none.
So here you go. SDN. Not so soon for us.
SDN stands for Software Defined Network and it's been positioned by many vendors as the next big thing in Telecom/networking industry.
After listening to the same 'promises' for over an year and after speaking to many Tier-1 Telco CTO's/Architects, I deduce that SDN is not going to change any of the market dynamics(atleast in Asia) in next decade. Now, the problem is the attitude and the business models in APAC. Almost all the operators (expect some in Korea, Japan and now China) are modelled after a business entity which need to look in to cashflow in the short term. There are many, led by accountants, or finance folks but not by engineers. I don't see any great engineers in these firms but more of administrators 'managing' the networks with 90% help from the vendors. Also they are looking for 'cost efficiencies' but not some sort of innovation. Also another key issue is the 'risk avoidance/transfer' at all costs. i.e. it shouldnt go down, if it does then there has to be someone responsible.
Also the size of the networks (unlike USA/Australia our geography, and demands are diff) makes a big deal. If it's in the pure data centre model, then some operators may take a chance but how many of these operators going to implement a 'OEM' switch to carry mission critical applications? IMHO, almost none.
So here you go. SDN. Not so soon for us.
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