05/18/2021
Gartner, Inc. | 4001639 Page 1 of 18
Market Guide for Cloud Networking Software
Published 17 May 2021 - ID G00740639 - 26 min read
By Analysts Andrew Lerner, Arun Chandrasekaran, Joe Skorupa, Jonathan Forest
Initiatives: Cloud and Edge Infrastructure
A market is emerging to address "inside the cloud" and multicloud networking
challenges, as there are notable gaps from existing vendors. I&O leaders should look
to cloud networking software products to address functionality gaps and improve
operations within cloud and multicloud environments.
Overview
Key Findings
Recommendations
I&O leaders responsible for cloud and networking should:
Client interest in cloud networking has increased dramatically (over five times) in the past 12 months.
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The native networking capabilities of public cloud providers are insufficient for some production
enterprise workloads.
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Virtual routers and virtual appliances offered by established vendors often don't meet the
requirements of cloud and DevOps teams, particularly around programmability, integration or
licensing.
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Networking features and operational approaches vary widely across public cloud providers, which
creates management challenges, particularly in multicloud deployments.
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Enable flexibility to address changing needs by making short-term investments with a one- to three-
year time horizon. We expect the market to be dynamic with new entrants and a high level of change
and innovation. This is a departure from typical network planning cycles, which are often three to five
years.
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Optimize cloud networking software investments by preferring lightweight, "cloud-aware" products
that are offered via consumption-based pricing, with robust and well-documented APIs.
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Exploit the benefits of public cloud providers by preferring their native capabilities when starting out or
when there is a single cloud provider strategy. Don't forklift traditional networking strategies into the
public cloud.
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