For carriers, SDN, NFV and Cloud has become the ICT transformation keywords. And in order to "separate data and control, software and hardware decoupling" is characterized by SDN already determined the status to the next generation network architecture evolution direction. China Telecom Group, Wei Leping CST has pointed out, SDN open network IT process, is an important breakthrough in the direction to telecommunications technology, as well as IT and software business breakthroughs channel telecommunication barriers, suggesting a large adjustment of industrial structure pattern.

Because of the unique nature SDN technologies, and bring the network fundamental change, the demand for the design, deployment and operation of SDN growing by the data center, innovative deployment of enterprise network extended to the operator's network, SDN commercial process will continue accelerated. TMR latest report shows, SDN market is growing at 61.5% compound annual growth rate soared (2012-2018 years), we estimated that in 2018 the market size will reach $ 3.52 billion.

Globally, operators have opened the SDN validation and small-scale pilot projects, for example, Huawei has been in cooperation with leading operators, carried out more than 40 SDN joint innovation projects, involving multiple levels of core and transmission.

IHS said the latest report released by the operator seeking to improve service flexibility and network operational efficiency in order to remain competitive drive, is expected to operators worldwide software-defined network (SDN) software, hardware and services market will grow from $ 103 million in 2014 , soared to 2019's $ 5.7 billion. Mainstream operators SDN strategy survey results show that 82% of respondents have or are deploying SDN, or SDN program evaluation within this year.