Juniper Networks Introduces OpenContrail

Juniper Networks has introduced OpenContrail, a new initiative that makes the source code library for Juniper Networks Contrail available through an open source license. OpenContrail is an open source project committed to fostering innovation in software defined networking (SDN) and helping drive adoption of the cloud. OpenContrail is based on proven and stable network protocols, giving developers the opportunity to innovate, adopt and experiment with SDN technology that seamlessly integrates with existing network infrastructures. By making OpenContrail freely available, service providers and enterprises can now rapidly test and build SDNs that fit their unique needs and accelerates the move from lab environments to full scale production.

The cloud technology ecosystem is increasingly dominated by open source software—including open source orchestration systems, operating systems and hypervisors. To provide a complete stack of validated data center solutions that includes software and hardware components, Juniper Networks is working with industry leaders such as Apache CloudStack, Cloudscaling, IBM, and Mirantis. This collaboration will create an open cloud architecture that supports a wide range of hypervisors, orchestration systems including OpenStack or CloudStack, as well as a broad choice of underlying physical infrastructure. The use of OpenContrail is available today via an Apache 2.0 License. OpenContrail will provide all the components necessary to run a data-center overlay including an SDN controller, virtual router, orchestration API, analytics and management console.

In related news, Juniper Networks has announced the production-ready availability of Contrail, a standards-based and highly scalable network virtualisation and intelligence solution for SDNs. Both Contrail and OpenContrail are based on the same code.

“Juniper Networks has a long history of supporting open source and open standards. OpenContrail reinforces that commitment. It provides developers, partners and customers with a solution that creates significant business opportunities and an open source networking framework that will accelerate adoption, foster new innovation, and create a more open and transparent approach to SDN. By providing both a fully supported commercial product, as well as a customisable open source version, we are catering to our customers’ needs and encouraging innovation via an open development community,” said Ankur Singla, Vice President and General Manager SDN, Software Solutions Division, Juniper Networks.