Juniper Networks Unveils Contrail

Juniper Networks has announced the availability of Juniper Networks Contrail, a standards-based and highly scalable network virtualisation and intelligence solution for software-defined networks (SDN). Contrail is a production-ready SDN solution that is based on stable and proven networking standards. Contrail creates a virtual network, enabling seamless integration between physical and virtual networks while providing service providers and enterprises with a solution that is simple, open and agile. This network virtualisation and intelligence solution has been in trials with more than 40 global customers. Juniper Networks is also unveiling new technology development partnerships and product integrations with Contrail that will help customers pragmatically and confidently evolve to SDN.

Enterprises are looking for more efficient ways to build private, public and hybrid clouds to increase application deployment agility. However, traditional networking has not kept pace and can still be manual, static and complex. Contrail virtualises the network, brings advanced networking capabilities into the hypervisor and integrates with cloud orchestration systems, to enable seamless automation and orchestration across multiple cloud platforms. The solution also offers a robust analytics engine, providing a real-time view into network operations. Network and cloud service providers are under tremendous pressure to develop, deploy and monetise new services, but most services are difficult to reconfigure or adapt to changing user demands. Contrail empowers these customers to quickly bring new services to market by providing a smooth transition with automatic provisioning and dynamic service chaining in cloud environments that run on x86-based servers.

Juniper also announced technology partnerships that enable the development of solutions through integration with Contrail to facilitate SDN and cloud deployment, enable dynamic service chaining and improve visibility and insights into network operations. New partners include Cedexis, CheckPoint, Citrix, Cloudscaling, Dorado Software, Flash Networks, Gencore Systems, Gigamon, Guavus, ISC8, Lumeta, Mirantis, Red Hat, RiverBed, Sandvine, SevOne, Silver Peak, Sonus Networks, and Websense.

Introduced on Sept. 12 and part of Juniper’s Partner Advantage Program, Partner Advantage Cloud consist of training and certification to ensure high levels of cloud and SDN knowledge. The program will provide new revenue opportunities for Juniper’s Elite partners while providing mutual customers with a network of trusted advisors, designed to move them forward with SDN confidently. New partners include ICT Networks, NERA Telecommunications, Nissho Electronics and Xantaro Group.

Juniper announced a new partnership with IBM that integrates Contrail with IBM’s SmartCloud Orchestrator. The resulting joint technology solution allows customers to deploy and manage highly scalable cloud infrastructures with the ability to provision services rapidly across virtualised compute, storage and network resources to increase business agility.