Mobile core, IMS/VoLTE and RAN to account for 40% of service provider software-centric network spending by 2020

(Source: PR Newswire (press release)) By eliminating reliance on expensive proprietary hardware platforms, NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) and SDN (Software Defined Networking) promise to reduce service provider CapEx. In addition, both technologies can significantly slash OpEx due to a reduction in physical space, labor and power consumption.