Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE
Software Defined Everything (SDE)
– an innovative paradigm for increasing efficiency and reducing complexity
What is Software Defined Everything?
Software Defined Everything, also known as Software Defined X (SDX), is a modern development model for IT and industrial systems that aims to decouple hardware and software from each other. While traditional systems are strongly tied to specific hardware, SDX enables flexible, software-driven control and management of IT and industrial systems. This approach opens up new possibilities for innovative products and processes in a wide range of sectors - from the automotive industry to telecommunications and industrial manufacturing.
Implementing Software Defined X with WebAssembly
Bringing innovation and customer needs together with hardware abstraction
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Efficient software engineering
WebAssembly: Grundlagen von WASM [German]
Webinarreihe Digitale Transformation [German]
And why is Software Defined X the future?
Traditional development approaches closely couple hardware and software. Changes to a component often require complex adaptations to the entire system architecture. Software Defined X breaks through these boundaries and makes it possible to update and further develop software independently of the underlying hardware. This decoupling of hardware and software enables companies to react more quickly to new requirements, shorten development cycles and implement innovative functions independently of physical components. This not only results in more flexible systems, but also considerable cost savings in maintenance and operation.
This results in the central advantage of continuous further development. Instead of relying on rigid, fixed systems, Software Defined Everything enables continuous software updates - similar to modern smartphones. These updates not only provide security improvements, but also offer new functions and optimizations that give companies a clear competitive advantage.
Certain requirements must be met in order to implement SDX. The hardware must be flexible and powerful enough to efficiently support software-controlled functions. High computing power and a modular architecture that can be abstracted from the software are crucial, as is support for standardized interfaces and protocols to enable seamless integrations.
After delivery, the software is continuously optimized and improved during operation.
Industries that benefit from Software Defined X
Software Defined X is already in use in various sectors and is demonstrating its advantages there:
Software Defined Vehicles (SDV)
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on software-controlled functions that can be improved via updates.
Software Defined Manufacturing (SDM)
The hardware of production systems no longer has to be designed for specific tasks. Machines can be reprogrammed by adapting the software.
Software Defined Defence (SDD)
Different systems are designed from the outset so that they can communicate with each other. Technologies such as sensors, vehicles and data centers work together seamlessly.
Software Defined Security (SDSec)
Security solutions adapt dynamically to new threats and increase the resilience of IT and communication systems.
Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Analog technology, such as antennas, amplifiers or frequency controllers, is replaced by digital signal processing. The goal - cost-effective antennas and modular expandability.
Software Defined Networking (SDN)
The separation of control and data flow enables flexible, centrally controlled and efficient networks with faster provisioning and better security.
Software Defined Storage (SDS)
Storage solutions can be dynamically adapted to ensure optimum performance and scalability.
Successful realization and implementation in the company
The introduction of Software Defined Everything requires a rethink of the development strategy. Companies need to analyze their IT and system landscape, develop a software-first strategy and implement hardware abstraction layers. In addition, the integration of cloud and edge technologies is essential in order to exploit the full potential of SDX.
Medium-sized companies often face additional challenges: The fast-moving nature of software, the shortage of skilled workers and the demand for technological sovereignty make implementation more difficult. Close collaboration between engineering teams and software developers is crucial in order to take full advantage of SDX and create future-proof products.
Applying the software-defined X paradigm to your own company offers a wide range of opportunities. However, four major performance promises are emerging that benefit companies and their customers:
Added value for end customers: updates and digital ecosystems
Software updates over the air
Users now expect continuous and frequent software updates, regardless of whether the product is being used for personal or professional purposes.
Frequent updates allow for continuous improvements to infotainment systems and algorithms that optimize the range of electric vehicles. This enhances the user experience and extends the product life cycle, thereby promoting sustainability.
Another key consideration is cybersecurity: many of the safety-critical functions in modern vehicles are software-based, meaning they require regular updates. Over-the-air updates enable errors to be rectified quickly, significantly reducing downtime.
App Store
App stores enable seamless software deployment and individual product enhancements. Users expect a personalized user experience and flexible customization via apps.
For companies, this model offers the opportunity to develop new business models as platform orchestrators. The integration of third-party providers creates added value, such as fleet management, smartphone integration, theft protection, and streaming services.
Business advantages: From agility to independence
Rapid certification and time-to-market
Traditional, tightly coupled hardware-software approaches complicate certification and slow down the market launch of safety-critical products. Software-defined X enables faster certification and shortens time-to-market through new technologies, modular architectures, and clear governance.
By considering safety and cybersecurity together from the outset, development processes can be made more efficient. Standards such as uniform sensor signal names, container formats such as WebAssembly, or modular microkernels (e.g., seL4, QNX) increase interoperability and accelerate approval.
Digital sovereignty
Dependence on foreign technologies carries risks. Software Defined X supports the development of an independent European value chain in which digital infrastructure and products interact seamlessly.
This opens up opportunities for companies to position their products as “software-defined ready” and differentiate themselves internationally through quality and independence. Customers are willing to pay a higher price for this security and innovative strength.
Another building block is open-source software: it pools knowledge, accelerates innovation, and contributes to digital sovereignty.
Get started now with Software Defined X
We support you throughout the entire process so that you can exploit your full potential. Our range of services includes:
Requirements analysis and strategy development
Together with your strategy and development department, we determine the necessary steps for a successful SDX transformation.
System and software architectures
We identify suitable architecture approaches for your industry and implement them together with you.
Technology selection and hardware abstraction
We evaluate and implement technologies that enable flexible, software-based control.
Measurability of the increase in productivity
We use defined KPIs to make the efficiency gains from SDX measurable.
Field tests and demonstrators
We validate the SDX principle in pilot projects to ensure a safe introduction in your company.
SDX community and knowledge exchange
Through conferences and workshops at our Fraunhofer Center in Kaiserslautern, we enable exchange with leading experts.