Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, announced version 4.0 of Apstra software, the intent-based networking solution acquired earlier in the year. Juniper Apstra helps organizations to minimize the time and costs associated with deploying and managing traditionally complex data center networks.
The new software version builds on the unique multivendor capabilities of the Apstra solution to support VMware NSX-T 3.0 and Enterprise SONiC, in addition to previously supported data center switching from Juniper, Nvidia (Nvidia Cumulus), Arista Networks and Cisco Systems.
The Apstra software also has new intent extensions and connectivity templates that provide a more simple and flexible way of connecting attached systems. Additionally, Juniper is offering Apstra with Juniper Networks QFX Series switches and SRX Series Services Gateways in proven drop-in “building block” solutions that can grow seamlessly with evolving data center needs.
Apstra 4.0 (formerly known as AOS) takes intent-based networking to the next level by extending intent to connections for attached systems. It’s a method of ensuring standardized operations in customized ways.
New connectivity templates enable operators to flexibly create their own reusable and validated templates. These facilitate operations with bulk, accurate adds across the entire fabric in minutes, including servers, workloads and devices, while checking that everything in the network is functioning properly.
Apstra’s single source of truth knows the intended state of the network and informs operators when anything deviates from expectations.
Additionally, new extensions integrate Apstra software with VMware NSX-T 3.0 and Enterprise SONiC, enabling even more organizations to benefit from Apstra’s reliability and time-savings value. With built-in validation for virtual machine connectivity, Apstra’s NSX-T integration assures and optimizes operation between the virtual and physical networks.
Apstra tracks new NSX-T virtual network additions to assure fabric connections are set up and allows operators to locate virtual machines within the fabric. Furthermore, with Apstra 4.0, Juniper claims to be the “only vendor” with commercial support for management of Enterprise SONiC. With the new release, Juniper customers have additional options for building cloud-level, large-scale data centers with open networking.
The new integrations complement Juniper’s existing ecosystem of technology partners and underscore the commitment to preserve Apstra as an open and multi-vendor system. Customers can scale with the Apstra software, removing hardware and operational constraints and accelerating data center evolution.
The Apstra 4.0 release focuses on operations across vendors. Additionally, Juniper is making it easier for organizations to build and modernize data centers with Juniper solutions. New turnkey building block solutions combine intent-based networking and Juniper’s switches with options for secure services gateways.
The scalable, optimized architecture lets teams deploy what’s needed, as small as a 4-switch deployment, and grow as needed to larger deployments. New data center deployments can be up and running in hours, using zero touch provisioning (ZTP) and a set of pre-validated blueprints.
With these building blocks, small and mid-sized organizations can adopt the most modern and automated data center operations without expansive design projects, lengthy deployment programs and/or extensive in-house data center expertise.
