Juniper Networks Plans to Acquire Apstra to Transform Data Center Operations

 Beijing, China, December 21, 2020 - Juniper Networks, a leader in delivering secure, artificial intelligence-driven networks, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Apstra, a leader in intent networking and automated closed-loop assurance Juniper Networks aims to transform the way we build, operate and secure in the cloud era with artificial intelligence-driven automation Apstra will Apstra will be an enabler of this strategy, accelerating it by combining its multi-vendor open architecture-based next-generation network automation with Juniper's data center network portfolio products, based on Junos, a proven open programmable, high-grade operating system designed for next-generation data center and cloud networks. This joint solution helps public and private cloud builders optimize operations and enhance the application experience as they move into the Autonomous Network™ fast lane.

　　The capabilities of the Apstra solution go far beyond automating repetitive operational steps. With Apstra, architects can first describe how the data center will operate in a results-driven manner, and then the system can implement it, while continuously ensuring that the network operates and experiences as intended. These capabilities allow Apstra to differentiate itself from the competition by proactively providing insight and automated cause identification and corrective action. Apstra also enables self-service while protecting the network, with advanced automation capabilities that reduce time-to-market while reducing data center downtime and operating expenses.

　　The richness of intent-based operations, from design to day-to-day management, depends on the performance and programmability of the underlying infrastructure. Juniper Networks was recognized as a leader in both the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Center and Cloud Networking 2020 and Forrester Wave™: Open Programmable Switches for Enterprise Software-Defined Networking, 3Q 2020 reports for providing the industry's most modern architecture and 400G scalability, including programmable access and real-time telemetry. In addition, Juniper switches, which have always distinguished themselves from competitors with their EVPN-VXLAN architecture capabilities, are now integrated with Apstra to automate service deployment, securely implement changes and facilitate automated data center architecture management and streamlined operations.

　　By integrating a multi-vendor open architecture, Apstra also makes its closed-loop automation and analytics capabilities available to customers regardless of the underlying infrastructure they are based on, including those running SONiC (open source networking software in the cloud). As a result, this acquisition effectively extends Juniper's commitment to open, programmable solutions, further expanding its solution portfolio to include a robust switching platform with native SONiC integration and a deployment-enhanced cloud-native routing stack for the SONiC ecosystem.

　　Juniper does not expect the Apstra acquisition to materially impact its revenue in 2021. The acquisition is not expected to be materially enhancing or a drag on non-GAAP results for the full year 2021, but may have a dilutive effect in the first half of 2021. The acquisition is expected to contribute to revenue growth and non-GAAP results in 2022.

　　"Juniper's data center portfolio has been consistently recognized by analysts and customers as an industry leader, and is particularly highly regarded for its performance, scale, security and operational simplicity through automation. The addition of Apstra's intent-based network and automated closed-loop assurance facilitates our vision of transforming data center operations. With Juniper and Apstra, customers get best-in-class infrastructure and architecture management capabilities that integrate design, deployment and automated cause identification and corrective action to meet the needs of any data center environment. This is the network for the modern cloud era." - Rami Rahim, CEO, Juniper Networks

　　"The core of our business is to enable an outstanding customer experience within the data center. Our success depends on quickly introducing new services, scaling quickly for new needs, and delivering a guaranteed experience that customers rely on every day. Juniper's merger with Apstra can help T-Systems, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, deliver powerful software solutions that are perfect for continuously automated, openly programmable and artificial intelligence-driven operations in the multi-vendor environment we must have." - Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of T-Systems

　　"We started Apstra to automate the data center as a total system, including all aspects from initial design all the way through operations and maintenance. Our automation allows network engineers to focus on strategic issues, avoiding time spent on things like network configuration and troubleshooting, and effectively avoiding human error. Juniper has a strong reputation for networking and a strong commitment to open networking, and the combination eliminates the long-standing tension between manageability and vendor lock-in, accelerating the industry's move to a truly self-driven network." - David Cheriton, co-founder and CEO of Apstra

　　"Juniper Networks continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the enterprise IT space by innovating internally and acquiring industry leaders across technologies to deliver powerful solutions and new business outcomes for our customers. Juniper Networks has successfully positioned itself as a market-leading business and technology partner as the industry transitions to a new type of IT infrastructure focused on automating operations and optimizing the user experience." - Zeus Kerravala, Founder and Principal Analyst, ZK Research