SDN is a catch-all term that generically describes service orchestration, topology discovery, circuit manipulation, network operating systems and network analytics. For several years, applicability of software derived control tools has been the topic for research and experimental networks. In some, but not all use cases, SDN as a technology have proven fit for production R&E networks. Emerging best practices see SDN as an overlay control mechanism. Those wishing to use SDN tool sets to increase flexibility, reliability and performance of their networks need to know what to apply and how to apply it. This session distills the results from some investigations and applications by leaders in this field. Three discussions derived from pilot projects, collaboration and highly focused application of SDN will provide much needed qualified guidance to attendees.