A few years ago we warned IT professionals about the mis-match between server virtualization and data center networks. Server virtualization introduced a new virtual access switch that was invisible to the physical switching infrastructure. As private and hybrid cloud computing becomes more real, networking vendors will have to place similar bets on cloud platforms. We could come up with a standard abstraction or middlware layer for network virtualization, management, and operations across any brand of networking equipment. In other words, use messaging, standard calls, and software intelligence to make any network as flexible as server.”]