The Rayno Report has released its first premium report, “The Software Defined Network Revolution: An Ecosystem Report,” which details how innovation in Software Defined Networking (SDN) will reshuffle billions of dollars worth of networking markets and create at least another $20 billion in value.

New open networking platforms, analytics programs, and networking management frameworks represent the biggest technology shift in the networking market in 20 years. Startups and incumbent providers alike have opportunities to create entirely new product lines, via organic development or through acquisition.

How, exactly, you ask, will all this value be created? Analytics and automation will drive it. By automating the networks and enabling IT managers to simlutaneously monitor both their network and compute platforms, you'll see the creation of a more efficient network architecture than can deploy and manage applications and services faster than ever. Time is money. Service providers, data centers, and enterprise networks all need ways to more efficiently deploy and monitor applications.

Rayno Report research shows that the valuations of private SDN startups are growing rapidly, and at least two more $1B SDN companies are in the making -- probably several more. We've already seen how valuable SDN companies can become. There have already been two big acquisitions in the space, with Nicira ($1.25B) and Insieme ($900M). Expect more. Our research reveals at least ten hot startups in this market that are likely to be acquired. Arista Networks has filed for a $200 million IPO, and $600 million has already been invested in the SDN at the venture capital level. Expect at least a billion more in investment, and many more exits, as the race to deploy SDN technology accelerates over the next five years.