Softwarization of telecommunications

Abstract

Abstract This paper argues that SDN and NFV principles are going to impact not only the evolution of current networks, but also the services and applications platforms. In fact, SDN and NFV, together with Cloud and Edge Computing, can be seen as facets of a broader systemic innovation wave (called softwarization) which is transforming the overall telecommunications and ICT ecosystems. Specifically, the paper proposes the vision of Software Defined Infrastructures (SDI) as highly dynamic and pervasive telecommunications and ICT frameworks of logical resources capable of executing (with a trade-off of centralisation and distribution) any network and service functions. Eventually, it is argued that, in this evolution towards SDI, the border between the networks and the Cloud-Edge Computing platforms will gradually disappear. On the other side, also the distinction between the networks and the future “terminals” (e. g., including machines, smart things, drones, robot) will blur. This transformation will have profound techno-economic implications for the telecommunications and ICT ecosystems, paving the way to the Digital Society and the Digital Economy.