A system for processing data, comprising a compute node having a first processor that is configured to receive a digital data message containing a request for computing services and to allocate processing resources on a private network as a function of the request. A smart network interface controller (NIC) management system operating on a second processor and configured to cause the second processor to select a smart NIC associated with the private network to allocate the smart NIC to the computing services. The smart NIC includes a processor that is configured to interface with a public network and to send and receive data over the public network associated with the computing services.