News

Juniper Expands OpenLab Program for Exploring SDN, NFV Technologies

• By David Ramel
• 06/21/2016

Juniper Networks Inc. today announced an expansion of its OpenLab program, with new locations where enterprises can explore new network virtualization technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).

Based on the company's original OpenLab innovation center in New Jersey, the expansion will entail six new locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

"The OpenLab program will provide customers, partners, academics and other industry leaders with a range of resources, such as educational programs, SDN sandboxes and NFV interoperability testing, to build and learn about emerging virtualization and automation technologies," the company said in a news release today.

"The expansion builds on the success of Juniper's flagship OpenLab innovation center in New Jersey, which provides worldwide access to physical and virtual Juniper products that simulate real-world networking environments and scenarios, enabling users to build and test new network solutions, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) technologies," Juniper said.

The company listed the following highlights of the program, covering the global expansion, educational programs, hands-on innovation, and professional services and support:

• Juniper Networks OpenLab will operate in seven locations worldwide, including Sunnyvale, Calif.; Bridgewater, N.J.; Amsterdam; London; Tokyo; Singapore; and Sydney, with the new locations expected to open through the end of 2016.
• Intensive SDN and automation technology training programs are conducted at OpenLab, grounding participants with both theoretical and hands-on experiences through Juniper technologies. Top university talent is also invited to participate in special competitions known as Hackathons and SDN Throwdowns held at OpenLab, which are jointly hosted by Juniper and its customers.
• Hands-on Innovation:
  • OpenLab offers a "Solutions Incubation Program" for third-party independent software vendors to develop innovative solutions that enhance network and service value.
  • Customers and partners can gain access to automation "sandbox" environments using industry-leading Juniper solutions, including the Junos operating system, Contrail, the NorthStar Controller and vSRX Virtual Firewalls, for learning, exploration and to develop new solutions.
• OpenLab can serve as a physical and virtual hub for customers to gain insight on how best to plan, build and operate their next generation networks. Support available from the OpenLab facilities includes customized assessments, life-cycle modeling and design and deployment services in the areas of SDN, network automation and network security.

The OpenLab program offers hands-on exploration with the technologies at the various locations or via the cloud. Available course offerings can be seen at the OpenLab Learning Portal.