This document discusses integrating software-defined networking (SDN) with middleboxes. It notes that middleboxes are critical for network functions like security and performance but are painful to manage. The SDN community should care about integration because standards bodies and surveys indicate it is important. However, integrating SDN and middleboxes poses challenges related to policy composition, traffic modifications, and resource constraints that simple flow rules may not address. The document proposes using state tags and joint optimization techniques to help overcome these challenges and achieve the goal of practical SDN and middlebox integration.