Juniper Networks announces disaggregated version of Junos, expands NFV portfolio

Juniper Networks unveiled at its NXTWORK 2015 Customer Summit a disaggregated version of Juniper Networks Junos software to provide customers with more choice in data center deployment options. Through disaggregation of Junos software, customers will have the ability to deploy third-party network services or applications directly on Juniper platforms as well as have the option to program directly to Juniper systems using the supported Open Compute Project (OCP) defined software model. Juniper also introduced the Juniper Networks QFX5200 line of access switches, the first platform to run the disaggregated Junos software as well as support the emerging 25 and 50 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) standard. Combined, the switches and software will provide network automation and programmability while providing customers flexibility in purchasing hardware separately from software with a pay-for-what-you-need software-licensing model.

Additionally, Juniper announced an expansion of its Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) portfolio that enables service providers to create and automatically deploy new services faster. Juniper’s new Cloud CPE, an automated, end-to-end network functions virtualization solution, builds on Juniper Networks Contrail Networking to scale across all models – whether on-premises or in the cloud – to make service delivery from an end user’s perspective easier.

Juniper’s expanded NFV portfolio with Cloud CPE includes Contrail Service Orchestration, a management and orchestration platform that delivers and manages virtualized network services such as virtual security, and the NFX250, the first in a series of network services platforms that can operate as secure, on-premises devices running multiple virtual network functions, from Juniper and third parties, simultaneously.

Built with an eye toward open standards, Contrail Service Orchestration is designed to operate in multi-vendor network environments and can orchestrate the entire service lifecycle – from service design to activation – to improve the user experience and enable new service revenue.

Juniper’s expanded technology portfolio builds upon other recently announced solutions, including Contrail Networking, Juniper Networks vSRX Virtual Firewall and the Juniper Networks NorthStar Controller, all unveiled in 2013, as well as the Juniper Networks vMX virtual router and Contrail Cloud Platform both announced in 2014.