Juniper Networks Acquires Cloud Provider BTI Systems

The deal will allow Juniper Networks to compete more effectively in the hotly contested networking market. Juniper Networks, a major provider of data center networking hardware, has acquired BTI Systems, a company with hardware and software-defined networking (SDN) tools. Financial Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close during the second quarter of 2016.

The deal could help Juniper compete more effectively with rivals Cisco and Arista. Juniper has made only a few acquisitions in the past few years, due to the company’s preferences for organic growth. In 2012, it acquired SDN developer Contrail for $176 million. In 2014, it bought another SDN specialist company WANDL.

Juniper plans to integrate BTI’s technology with its own NorthStar traffic optimization WAN SDN controller for open and automated delivery across networks. 

Founded in 2000, BTI is an Ottawa, Canada-based company that sells cloud and networking systems and software to content, cloud, and service providers. Its customers include Equinix, Interxion, VKontakte, and cloud service provider Rackspace. 

Before its deal with Juniper Networks, the company has raised $60 million in venture funding.  Backers include Bain Capital Ventures,„ BDC,„ Covington Capital,„ GrowthWorks, Export Development Canada (EDC), Fujitsu Network Communications, and Kodiak Venture Partners.

Jonathan Davidson, Juniper's executive vice president and general manager, said in a blog post:
“We expect the acquisition will allow Juniper to accelerate the delivery of open and automated packet optical transport solutions that integrate with our NorthStar Controller and include network management features that 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 DCI and Metro markets," Jonathan Davidson added.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Juniper Networks is a developer and provider of data center networking hardware, which includes routers, switches, network management software, network security products, and software-defined networking technology.