What is the intersection between a Software Defined network and an ADC?

The entire concept of Software Defined Network (SDN) is about abstracting hardware to enable new types of network streams. Although many early discussions on SDN are concentrated on routers and switches, SDN does not stop here. SDN has many functions, including helping WCO and application delivery controller (ADC) businesses.

Recently, network vendor Riverbed has joined the web content optimization market with its Stingray product series, which also includes the application delivery controller (ADC) function.

Arpuva Dave, product marketing director at Riverbed, said his company's Steelhead WAN optimization technology was initially using physical hardware. He pointed out that for the Steelhead product, the customer needs to install two devices on both ends of the network. In many cases, IT teams prefer physical devices to simplify deployment and management.

"This is very different from single-ended solutions such as the application delivery controller (ADC), where the application delivery controller (ADC) is only located in the data center," Dave said. "So in this environment, software makes sense."

Dave added that we have not just entered the cloud environment, but already entered the complex software defined network (SDN), so the software-based application delivery controller (ADC) it is more suitable for cloud environments or SDN environments.

Dave said: "Our current strategy focuses on software-based ADC, which is also a frequent occurrence of interruptions and a concern for Enterprises ."

Dave said that Riverbed is part of the Open Network Foundation (ONF) and ONF is one of the main organizations leading the development of SDN Technology (especially the development of OpenFlow protocol.

"We strongly agree with the software defined network and OpenFlow," Dave said. "Our goal is not just openFlow, but to build an infrastructure that can be integrated with SDN, regardless of the Protocol or method used."

Riverbed plans to be involved in SDN because SDN is related to its Stingray WCO/ADC platform. Dave said Stingray can easily work with SDN.

"We can easily work with smart controllers because we have built powerful APIs for applications and cloud operators," Dave said. "SDN dynamics are very suitable for products like Stingray ."

SDN is not just a proof-of-concept that exists in the Riverbed lab. Dave said that Riverbed already has some major cloud vendor customers who are using Riverbed as part of SDN network deployment.

Dave said: "In the cloud environment, you will see the soaring evolution of SDN ."

Dave also expects that SDN will play a good role in some enterprise departments, especially as part of the IT team as a service provider within the enterprise.

Dave said: "In these circumstances, the IT team's goal is to serve as a cloud service provider, which is also a place for SDN to take advantage ."