Software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking (IBN) offer an ability to revolutionize the modern network architecture. Both concepts are relatively new, and your chief technology officer (CTO) has only heard them in passing. In fact, she pawned them off as the new marketing fad dressed up as a new concept. Since you have researched both technologies, you understand this is not a fad. When used in combination with virtualization and cloud computing, you know SDN and IBN could revolutionize how the organization operates, providing for reduced costs, efficiency, better management of the network assets, and security.

However, you need to develop a white paper for the Caduceus CTO to highlight these benefits. Given the CTO has only heard the term in passing, you must describe in this white paper, the SDN and IBN concepts, their benefits, and what it would take for the organization to implement.

In your white paper, use additional sources of information but also describe the concept in laymans terms. Use visuals where appropriate. Describe how an SDN/IBN architecture would look different than network architectures we have traditionally deployed. Compare and contrast the network architectures and discuss the pros and cons of each.

discussion on how virtualizing the desktop and now back-end infrastructure are complementary and related
discussion of how SDN and IBN are related

Scenario:
Great news, reports Eliza, your CTO. Our cloud solutions document has been received really well, and everyone is pleased with our teams work. This will advance the companys competitive edge.

Ive been thinking, says Steve, one of your co-workers. Dont you think we could push our network even further using a software-defined networking (SDN) architecture? It would really help facilitate changes and increase reliability

We dont have time to try every new fad out there, says Eliza. We could waste resources following trends that are obsolete within the year.

But it isnt a fad, says Steve.

Look, Ill be honest. Im swamped here and havent read up on SDN, Eliza admits. Why dont you pick some people on the team to put together a white paper on this architecture and well see where we go from there.

On it! says Steve. And then he turns to you: I could use some help on this. Can you lend me a hand?