IBM has released information on a deal worth $325mn with networking equipment manufacturer Juniper Networks. This deploys IBM’s Service Platform with Watson for a 7 year period into Juniper’s environment. IBM will manage Juniper’s existing infrastructure, applications and IT services, to cut costs. IBM’s Services Platform with Watson uses cognitive abilities to detect patterns of behaviours and to highlight and apply fixes. According to the press release, this will support Juniper’s data centres, help-desks, voice and data networks.
“A key element of our digital transformation is to manage the complexities of our global operation and to get the most out of our current investments. In working with IBM Services, we will be able to collaborate with them on innovative solutions for our cloud-first business model.” – Bob Worrall, Chief Information Officer, Juniper Networks
This appears as a cloud deal, but it is just using IBM systems in the cloud to support Juniper. Juniper will conform to IBM’s “Factory Development” model of application deployment. However, there is’nt a lot about how this will improve Juniper’s service, behaviours or bottom line when implemented.
“Our work with thousands of enterprises globally has led us to the firm belief that a ‘one-cloud-fits-all’ approach doesn’t work and companies are choosing multiple cloud environments to best meet their needs. Working with Juniper, we are integrating cloud solutions with their existing IT investments via the IBM Service Platform with Watson. This gives them the opportunity to generate more value from existing infrastructure, along with helping them manage strategic services that are critical to their business.” – Martin Jetter, Senior Vice President of Global Technology Services, IBM
Sources: IBM Services Strikes Agreement with Juniper Networks to Speed its Journey to the Cloud
