Software-Defined Networking, more commonly referred to as SDN, is one of the leading trends in networking today and we cover it here quite a bit. When you think about the inherent virtualization characteristics of the cloud, the inevitable shift in networking taking place right now in the form of SDN is a force to be reckoned with. Examples of rapid change and success are emerging from datacenters everywhere. This story caught my eye – A Petaluma, CA-based company called Cyan Inc released a product called Blue Planet software earlier this week that uses Open SDN platform to allow network virtualization from all types of service providers.

Developed in response to demand from network operators, Blue Planet builds on the virtualization, service orchestration, and hardware simplification principles that have fundamentally altered the cloud data center environment.

By doing so, Blue Planet promises to obliterate legacy cost structures, make more efficient use of network assets, and radically accelerate service delivery.

They cite a case study of NTT Communications, where the Blue Planet product is being used in a number of geographical markets. NTT is seeing faster service deployment and cost efficiencies throughout these implementations. At its core is a compilation of third-party apps, service orchestration, and hardware simplification strategy that utilizes the Open SDN framework. The case study is specific to telecom, where Cyan has its roots, and the result is a massive advantage in that specific field because of its agnostic nature and its add-on proposition. The two-way API structure is unique, allowing hardware to communicate with applications and vice-versa. The read is a significant vindication of the SDN strategy.

“We are at an important moment in the evolution of the network,” said Cyan President Michael Hatfield. “For years, service providers and other network operators have been searching for ways to break free of expensive and restrictive legacy architectures mandated by incumbent equipment suppliers. SDN has begun to accomplish this in data center environments by virtualizing resources and flattening cost structures. Cyan is taking the next logical step by applying these principles to wide area and metro networks.”

The changes and success that NTT is experiencing and made possible by Cyan are a compelling story of the advantages of SDN. Clearly companies like VMware, Cisco, Juniper and HP are playing hard in the SDN space as it is the current and next step in networking evolution.