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Top1. Introduction
In general, if software (i.e. code, machine logic, scripts, etc.,) or a computer programming functionality is introduced to, and implemented within, a generic network or system, then we may infer that a “softwarized” system has been given birth to. Today, software underpins the operation of every industry. Even at an individual level, there exists the use of some kind of software functionality or an application (app). A new world of apps, mobile ubiquity and many more feats in information and communication technology (ICT), there cannot be a better time for extensive software solutions to be created to satisfy the never-ending user demands, always desiring more flexible, scalable, secure and user-friendly software-enabled solutions. Smart technology, machine-to-machine (M2M), IoT, etc., are no longer buzz phrases or hypes, they have found real- life applications. Similarly, softwarization is well underway, gradually coming of age in the era of 5G. To put it simply, everything is becoming progressively softwarized.
Softwarization in 5G networks will be demonstrated by a paradigm shift from service provisioning via controlled ownership of infrastructure to a more centralized control framework, achieved by the virtualization and programmability of multi- tenant networks, services and applications, which are powered by a hyper-converged infrastructure (Manzalini, 2014; Eluwole et al., 2018; Manzalini, 2016).
If softwarization has been driven mainly by advances in ICT, alongside interdependent socio-economic and techno- economic variables, such as plunging costs of hardware, widespread dispersion of ultra-broadband access, increased availability of open-source software platforms, etc., then it is vital to look beyond the promising technological capabilities in order to achieve its sustainability, especially in today’s hyper-connected world (Manzalini, 2014; Manzalini, 2016). This paper therefore underscores the technical, social and economic effects of softwarization.
Further sections of the paper are organized as follows: In section II, softwarization is briefly described and diagrammatically illustrated, including highlights on its key components, benefits, and stakeholder analysis. Section III, Section IV and Section V focus on the technical, social and economic impacts of softwarization respectively while Section VI concludes the paper.