In some examples, a method includes: providing, by a programmable network platform (PNP), a software interface to receive service requests for configuration of services; receiving a service request to configure a service within the edge network of the one or more network data centers; generating, by the PNP and based on the service request, a service definition that specifies one or more service requirements to implement the service; determining at least one network field unit that is capable of servicing the service request, wherein the network field unit controls a portion of the edge network; determining one or more particular, physical devices of the edge network that are usable to provide the service; and configuring physical devices of the edge network to provide the service.