The Revolution of Software Defined Networks

On July 23, 2012, VMware bought Nicira for $1.26B validating this revolution in Networking.Next week, Oracle acquired Xsigo. Just recently Cisco acquired vCider. Upstarts claim they will commoditize the expensive networking gear sold by the incumbents, with standards like Software Defined Networking (SDN), and OpenFlow (OF). Already, Google and Facebook deploy their own network hardware and software – and not the proprietary offerings of incumbent networking players. Many entrepreneurs are betting on SDN and OpenFlow. VLAB engages a robust discussion on SDN.

Are we ready for chasm crossing?
Is Cloud Computing driving SDN?
Who else is using SDN and why?
Is SDN a tectonic technology shift, or just a niche?
Will incumbents co-opt SDN with closed proprietary implementations?
Are we to have a win-win between users and vendors?
Where are the opportunities?

Moderator:

Matt Palmer, Partner at Wiretap Ventures, Partner and co-curator at SDN Central

Panelists:

Michael Beesley, Chief Technology Officer, Platform Systems Division at Juniper Networks

Kelly Herrell, Chief Executive Officer at Vyatta

Awais Nemat, Chief Executive Officer at PLUMgrid

Jake Flomenberg, Partner at Accel Partners

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