The Ultimate Guide to Software-defined Networking
A curated UK edition of TechDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for Software-defined Networking (SDN).
What to know about Software-defined Networking
Software-defined Networking (SDN) represents a transformative approach to managing and operating computer networks by decoupling the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized and programmable network control through software applications.
Recent developments in SDN highlight its expanding role across various sectors, including education, telecommunications, enterprise, and cloud environments. Partnerships between major vendors like Cisco, Ericsson, Brocade, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise underscore the collaborative push to enhance network flexibility, automation, and security through SDN and related technologies like Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN).
Readers exploring this section will gain insights into how SDN drives cloud migration strategies, supports mobile-first networking, and revolutionizes WAN architectures to accommodate 5G, IoT, and distributed workforces. Emphasis on integration with security frameworks and AI-driven network automation also reveals the evolving landscape of network management.
Whether you are an IT professional seeking to understand how SDN can reduce costs and increase agility, a business leader aiming to future-proof your network infrastructure, or a technology enthusiast interested in the latest innovations and market trends, this collection of stories will keep you informed about the state and direction of software-defined networking.
UK Software-defined Networking News
Regional stories with direct local relevance
Harmonic unveils AI fibre tools for European operators
Harmonic pitches AI-driven fibre operations and open customer device choice as European broadband groups seek lower rollout costs.
Building stronger foundations for the future of retail
Retailers are overhauling networks and governance to cut complexity, support store innovation and prepare for AI-driven operations across multiple markets.
b<>com offers free Open XG Hub for 5G & 6G testing
b<>com launches Open XG Hub, a free 5G/6G testbed to help labs trial open RAN components, private networks and new architectures.
Expereo appoints Kevin Brown as Chief Operating Officer
Expereo names Kevin Brown COO to drive global operational integration and digital transformation across its managed network services.
Phoenix consultant is UK's first female VCF Knight
Phoenix consultant Leaha Torres becomes the UK's first female Broadcom VCF Knight - NSX at 25, bolstering the firm's VMware expertise.
Why the channel is key to driving a new network operating model
AI-era networks demand the IT channel pivot from colocation hardware refreshes to cloud-native, automated architectures by 2026.
Analyst Insights
Research and market analysis connected to Software-defined Networking
Extreme says Platform ONE cuts network costs by 32%
Cato Networks' ARR surges past USD $350m amid SASE boom
NETSCOUT boosts 5G slicing visibility for operators
Fortinet reports strong Q3 revenue growth & SASE adoption surge
Fortinet named leader in Gartner's 2025 hybrid mesh firewall
Expert Columns
The Death of the Firewall
Building stronger foundations for the future of retail
How Apograph uses proactive firewall upgrades to protect clients and control costs
Why businesses need wired, wireless, and power-over-ethernet (PoE) firewalls
Why the channel is key to driving a new network operating model
Navigating the fragmented future: why enterprise connectivity needs a rethink
Everyone's talking about SASE. Few understand what it really takes
Peering and SASE: How Europe is minimizing latency while maximizing security
The AI fintech advantage: From transaction to decision in milliseconds
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the network
Recent Software-defined Networking News
Phoenix gains top VMware partner & consulting status
Phoenix secures VMware Pinnacle and Expert Advantage consulting status, signalling top-tier cloud and data centre expertise in the UK market.
Infovista unveils VistAI agentic AI for telecom ops
Infovista launches VistAI, an intent-driven agentic AI framework to automate cross-domain telecom operations and cut network complexity.
Navigating the fragmented future: why enterprise connectivity needs a rethink
As MPLS declines and the internet fragments, enterprises must build resilient, intelligent networks or see AI ambitions stall.
RANsemi, Radisys unveil all-in-a-box 5G for defence
RANsemi and Radisys unveil an all-in-a-box private 5G platform for rapid, resilient mission-critical defence and public safety deployments.
Vespertec partners with Celestica on open data centres
Vespertec has struck a channel deal with Celestica to deliver open, software-defined data centre networking and storage across the UK.
Peering and SASE: How Europe is minimizing latency while maximizing security
Europe uses software-defined peering and SASE to cut latency and boost security, enabling agile, cloud-based digital infrastructure for industries and IoT.
Nick McKeown wins 2025 Marconi Prize for SDN innovations
Professor Nick McKeown has won the 2025 Marconi Prize for pioneering software-defined networking, shaping the architecture of global networks.
The AI fintech advantage: From transaction to decision in milliseconds
AI-powered payment systems now approve credit and detect fraud in milliseconds, revolutionising the speed and security of financial transactions.
Hammer partners with iQuila to deliver secure unified networking
Hammer Distribution partners with iQuila to offer secure, software-defined Ethernet overlay networking across diverse connections in the UK.
UK public sector networks lag in readiness for smart spaces adoption
Less than a third of UK public sector networks are ready for smart space tech, with local government least prepared and the NHS leading at 39% readiness.
Viatel adopts Highlight platform to boost SD-WAN transparency
Viatel partners with Highlight to integrate its Service Observability Platform, enhancing transparency and management of Cisco Meraki SD-WAN services.
Six Degrees launches managed SASE service with Fortinet tech
Six Degrees launches Managed SASE service using Fortinet technology, offering secure, scalable connectivity with three tiers for UK businesses.
Capita launches AI-driven cloud networking service with AWS WAN
Capita has launched an AI-driven managed cloud networking service using AWS Cloud WAN, offering scalable, secure, and automated connectivity solutions for enterprises.
UK firms face GBP £4m losses as outages shift tech focus
UK firms face up to GBP £4 million losses annually from network outages, prompting a major shift in tech investment towards connectivity over AI and cybersecurity.
Expereo becomes Starlink reseller for global connectivity
Expereo has become a Starlink Authorized Reseller, enhancing global internet connectivity through satellite solutions for businesses, especially in remote areas.
UK study shows spike in cyber threats due to remote working
UK firms face rising network security threats, with 69% reporting increased risks. Remote work, cloud apps strain infrastructures, prompting calls for SD-WAN adoption.
NG Bailey forms partnership with PlatformX to boost connectivity
NG Bailey IT Services partners with PlatformX Communications to bring enhanced end-to-end communications solutions to multiple sectors, promising GBP £500,000 in new business annually.
Juniper Networks launches UK cloud instance for AI-Native solutions
Juniper Networks unveils a UK-based cloud instance aimed at bolstering its AI-Native solutions, enhancing local data storage.
Neos Networks & Securus secure McArthurGlen's connectivity
Neos Networks and Securus Communications have partnered to provide secure, reliable connectivity for McArthurGlen's nine UK outlet sites, notably bolstering network visibility and security.
WAN accelerating Santa's data centre shack this Christmas
Santa's sleigh goes high-tech with Big Data and AI as he gears up for a surge in Xmas demand. Rudolf takes a break!.
