Fostering Network Technology

Juniper’s OpenLab invites you to help make networks smarter.

By Anthony Bucci, Assistant Editor  On Oct 5, 2015

Opened to the public in 2012, Juniper’s OpenLab, a software defined networking (SDN) lab, has the mission “to drive network innovation – igniting new network integrated applications, while making tools available to external parties” that want to utilize the products inside Juniper’s portfolio.

Based in Bridgewater, OpenLab consists of 7,000 square feet of lab space where the company invites partners, customers, educational institutions and other third parties to use its equipment to help make networks and network software “smarter.”

The lab has racks of state-of-the-art routers, switches, security devices and computers, in addition to private meeting spaces, and audio and video equipment where invited parties can test their networking software in “real-world” environments.

“The reason for our lab is to facilitate and support the development of network integrated applications that take advantage of the open programmable interfaces and automation within our platforms,” says Jerry Passione, OpenLab’s general manager. “We want entities to come here to see if their software and networks will be able to handle the load of today’s environment. And, we want to help foster innovation in an industry that is seeing so much change, so quickly.”

Passione says that having the lab located in New Jersey has been ideal.

“A strong base of our customers are here,” he says. “New Jersey and the surrounding areas are a hub for our industry. For example, we are near the telecom, financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals industries, and that is important. There are also a plethora of top educational institutions that we work with, as well.”

OpenLab offers educational programs such as platform training sessions and “hackathons,” both on and offsite.

“We have various training and educational programs where we hold ‘meet-ups’ and seminars to help make it easier to understand things like SDNs and what Juniper has to offer,” Passione says. “It’s all in an effort to showcase our capabilities and to show what’s possible with our platforms.”

The lab can also be accessed remotely, meaning anyone from anywhere in the world can use it.

“It is unique in the sense that you don’t have to be on location to utilize what it has to offer,” Passione says. “Not only do we want to help improve the capabilities of entities in New Jersey and the surrounding areas, but we want to have a worldwide impact as well.”

Passione says that ultimately, he wants OpenLab to be a tool for companies to collaborate in order to “spark” new ideas.

“I would love to be in a position to showcase some really great innovation and to bring more of the tech community together,” he says. “We also want to expand our reach and bring more entities on board with the hopes of continuously improving technology in today’s fast-paced world.”

 

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