What do you currently see trending in the optical switching field?

SDN is the most important enabler of optical switching, as the standards continue to address dynamic optical flow switching. Port/matrix, density and price will always continue to push the envelope but the key enabler of a dynamically scheduled controlled network will be the evolution of SDN.

How big is the market opportunity for SDN-enabled optical switching? Where do you see it making the biggest impact?

The Global Optical Switching market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 36.69 percent over the period 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the requirement for high bandwidth and flexibility. SDN-enabled optical switching will become an increasing part of this market and will benefit from these capital expenditures.

Where do you see solution providers/VARs making money off SDN-enabled optical switching systems?

SDN is enabling completely new network architectures that enable new capabilities.  There is tremendous value in a dynamic and flexible fiber network. 

The challenge is finding the right partner to deliver the appropriate integrated solution. Partnering with the right VAR will bring together the appropriate vendor technologies, equipment and software to provide that complete and turnkey solution for the customer. There is tremendous value in that knowledge set. The right VAR enables a win – win for both the customer and equipment vendors that are part of the solution.