Software-defined networking (SDN) applies principles of virtualization to the network layer to create more flexibility. SDN makes it possible to control all switches, routers and controllers through software - making it far easier to add or reconfigure devices. Legacy networking architectures that rely on tiers of switches, routers and protocols essentially tie applications to specific servers, which require days or even weeks to reconfigure when changes are necessary. This is directly opposed to the move toward a more agile and efficient IT infrastructure.

In a software-defined data center (SDDC), the infrastructure is fully virtualized to create new levels of standardization and consolidation. Physical equipment can be right sized for power and cooling requirements, with servers and other hardware ramped up or down depending upon demand.