Tuesday, 31 October 2006

Juniper Networks Announces Strategy for the Enterprise Branch

Juniper has unveiled the Juniper branch office strategy that includes standards-based application acceleration, IP telephony, routing and security technologies designed to work with customers’ existing networks, the company stated.

"Today, 80 percent of enterprise workers work outside a large headquartered-style building. Businesses rely on remote employees to drive productivity," said Mark Fabbi, VP and distinguished analyst at Gartner.

The Juniper branch office strategy offers new capabilities with a full branch solution that includes the eleven new, previously-announced Secure Services Gateways (SSG) security platforms with integrated branch routing and Unified Threat Management (UTM) capabilities and new J4350 and J6350 J-series enterprise routers that leverage technology from the Secure Services Gateway 500-series platforms. The strategy also includes a range of new implementation services and the integration of Intelligent Communications capabilities from Avaya, the company added.

The Juniper branch office strategy includes plans to integrate Avaya Voice Gateway and WAN Application Acceleration (WXC) technologies into the new J-series routers. The new J4350 and J6350 are now IP Telephony ready. Avaya voice gateway modules and telephony interface modules are expected to be available Q1 2007. This integrated Avaya and Juniper VoIP solution will offer IP telephony and security while providing cost savings and efficiency, the company continued.

As part of Juniper’s partner-centric strategy, Juniper Networks’ Professional Services organisation has developed three new integrated service offerings to support J-Partners and customers in deploying branch solutions. The service offerings, according to Juniper include:

• Firewall remote configuration; where Juniper-authorised Professional Service experts work remotely to help deploy and configure firewall appliances based on customer provided requirements
• Juniper Enterprise Transition (JET) program; a bundle of professional services that includes Transition Workshop, Design Review and Transition Planning, Implementation Planning Assistance, On-site Engineer, and Knowledge Transfer plus other service options
• Branch Office Firewall QuickStart; which combines on-site installation, configuration, and knowledge transfer with follow-up deployment support