This book shines a spotlight on software-centric networks and their emerging service
environments. The authors examine the road ahead for connectivity for both humans and 'things'
considering the rapid changes that have shaken the industry.The book analyses major catalytic
shifts that are shaping the communications world: softwarization virtualization and cloud
computing. It guides the reader through a maze of possible architectural choices driven by
discriminating and sometimes conflicting business considerations. The new ICT capabilities lead
us toward smarter environments and to an ecosystem where applications are backed up by shared
networking facilities instead of networks that support their own applications. Growing user
awareness is a key driver towards the softwarization process.Softwarization disrupts the
current status quo for equipment development networks operations and business. It changes
radically the value chain and the involved stakeholders. The dilemma is between a 'slow burn'
traditional step-by-step approach and a bold transformation of the whole infrastructure and
business models. This book is essential reading for those seeking to build user-centric
communication networks that support independent agile and smart applications.The book gives an
insightful account of modern telecom networks pinpointing the radical transformations of the
last 20 years. This is the perfect read for those who are interested in the grand challenges of
networks and in the socio-economic reasons why the telecom industry to embrace the Internet of
Things and cyber-physical systems.Prof. Antonio Liotta Eindhoven University of TechnologyThis
book fulfills an urgent need to thoroughly analyze the entanglement of network and software
architectures by taking into account the increasing softwarization. It highlights important
issues behind today's business models and opens the road for sustainable futureapproaches to
provide user appreciated valuable services.Dr. Eng. Hendrik Berndt former CTO of NTT DOCOMO
Communications Laboratories Europe
