Juniper boosts SDN and cloud play with BTI acquisition

Juniper Networks is acquiring networking company BTI Systems for an undisclosed sum.

BTI Systems provides software defined networking tools and specialises in cloud and metro networking systems and software for content, cloud and service providers.

Juniper channel boss Matt Hurley says the deal – which he says is 'a big deal' – aligns two market leaders in data center solutions and accelerates Juniper's ability to address the fast growing data center interconnect (DCI) and metro Ethernet market for packet and optical solutions.

Jonathan Davidson, executive vice president and general manager for Juniper Development and Innovation, says the acquisition will allow Juniper to accelerate the delivery of open and automated packet optical transport solutions that integrate with Juniper's NorthStar Controller and include network management features which enable end-to-end provisioning of new services.

"The combination of BTI Systems' accomplished team, innovative and open solutions, with Juniper's longstanding switching and IP routing expertise positions the company well to take advantage of the fast growing data center interconnect and metro markets," Davidson says.

Colin Doherty, BTI Systems president and chief executive, says the company existed Q4 2015 'with one of the strongest business quarters in the company's history and securing a leadership position providing metro, DCI and cloud network infrastructure solutions to a growing global customer base'.

BTI Services says it has more than 380 customers in more than 40 countries and serves carriers; service, content and co-location providers; and cloud infrastructure companies.

The North American company says its portfolio combines control, management and applciations software with category-defining intelligent cloud connect platforms and packet optical transport systems.

Hurley says the deal is good news for channel partners.

"Juniper's go-to-market strategy will include leveraging our existing channel for service providers with an emphasis on targeting our strong base of existing customers and resellers," he says.

"We will also target the service provider channel through both our partners and our direct sales force, while enabling the ecosystem of our existing relationships with strategic partners that have a focus on delivering optical solutions to the market.

The acquisition is expected to close in Q2, subject to customary closing conditions.