Three trends are shaping the future of networking: 1) Software Defined Networks (SDN) are bringing automation to networking like virtualization did for servers, allowing network vendors to embrace open standards like OpenFlow and OpenStack. 2) With SDN, large data centers can run proven software on white-box hardware or customize software, changing licensing models. 3) Data center density is increasing bandwidth demands, pushing switch uplink and inter-switch link speeds and costs higher through standards like blade centers and top-of-rack designs.