There are multiple dimensions in migrating to a software defined infrastructure, but just one plane of reality

Amol Pahdke explains that for network operators and service providers migration from a legacy infrastructure and the current organisational set-up (including current products, customers and the network itself) to a software-defined infrastructure has three distinct dimensions, all of which must be addressed if the migration is to be successful. The three dimensions are technology, business and operational. What is more, each of the primary dimensions have facets (i.e. dimensions) of their own and thus the migration is a very complex task. It is a mammoth undertaking to migyyate a legacy network and business (including all current products and customers as well as the network itself) first to IP and then to SDN/NFV. It has to be done across different network layers and also involves the overhaul of extant OSS/BSS systems if they are to bill properly for a complex series of new services rather than network products. CSPs will also have to manage a very large ecosystem of small suppliers instead of the handful that used to provide vertically integrated solutions.