The network represents the foundation for cloud computing. However, many legacy networks were not built with the cloud paradigm in mind. As the network's role in optimizing cloud-based applications becomes more important, IDC believes that more application intelligence will need to be instantiated into the networks of operators offering cloud-based services.
As this market continues to evolve, these providers will need to move quickly to create and deploy innovative differentiated service offerings to maintain their competitive edge by scaling service creation and applications and using open development platforms to customize those services.