Juniper Networks unveils AI-native networking blueprint

Juniper Networks has introduced a new Blueprint for AI-Native Acceleration, designed to streamline and expedite each stage of adopting its AI-Native Networking Platform. The company highlights that the framework aims to support current and prospective customers by offering educational resources, trial opportunities, flexible licensing, and specialized support services. These initiatives are intended to enable quicker time-to-value and build a robust experience-first network.

The new blueprint includes targeted training courses that aim to make the shift to the AI-Native Networking Platform faster and more efficient. One such offering is the "AI in Networking" course for business leaders, which explores how AI Operations (AIOps) can be strategically utilised to optimise network operations, thereby driving significant business value while conserving time and resources. Juniper also provides various hands-on courses and certifications covering key technologies such as AIOps, wireless, switching, routing, security, cloud, and automation.

Juniper's AI-Native Networking Platform is designed to offer industry-leading AIOps capabilities that deliver enhanced end-user experiences and simplified operator experiences. By leveraging precise data and real-time responses, the platform ensures reliable and secure connections for devices, users, applications, and assets. According to the company, adopting the blueprint can lead to up to 85% reduction in operational expenditures (OPEX) and up to 90% fewer network trouble tickets. Additionally, deploying the platform could be up to nine times faster.

To address the complex demands and high expectations of today's IT environments, the blueprint for AI-Native Acceleration aims to simplify the adoption process. This helps organisations unlock the full potential of AI without being bogged down by unproven claims and market hype.

The 'Try' phase of the blueprint offers limited-time trial opportunities for various elements within the AI-Native Networking Platform. For instance, Juniper is providing a free access point and a 90-day trial of its wireless assurance software. Similarly, there are advanced licenses for Juniper Apstra data centre assurance software available at the cost of a standard license. Other initiatives include free flexible service credits for WAN routing, along with trial offers in other specific sectors of their technology portfolio.

Juniper is offering flexible purchasing options through custom and packaged enterprise agreements and Network as a Service (NaaS) plans. These options aim to simplify license management and provide cost-effective procurement methods.

The company is also introducing new services to enhance deployment and operational efficiency. For campus and branch networks, the Juniper AI Care Services leverage AI to improve support service delivery. These services offer benefits such as 24/7 remote technical support, proactive health checks, and comprehensive deployment services, including design, deployment, and validation.

Supporting these assertions, Bryan Ward, Lead Network Engineer at Dartmouth College, said, "It used to take an engineer and a field technician 30 minutes per access point, on average, to deploy a Wi-Fi network. Now, with Mist, our technicians alone can install access points and have them providing service in about three minutes. Mist's API, Installer APP, and ZTP process have given us the ability to install and upgrade access points over nine times faster, resulting in nine times faster value on our investment."

Juniper Networks' Jeff Aaron remarked, "Our innovative, proven and dynamic solutions are the centerpiece that enables the successful enterprise adoption of AI-Native Networking. Juniper's new Blueprint for AI-Native Acceleration perfectly complements our industry-leading portfolio with a package to guide CIOs and their teams through the journey, addressing potential commercial, technical, and operational hurdles each step of the way."