Juniper Taps Microsoft's Muglia To Lead Software Strategy

Juniper Networks has tapped former Microsoft executive Robert Muglia to fill a newly created role as coordinator of its overall software strategy. The move is a sign of how much networks are becoming software driven and how important it is to have an experienced hand guiding the many moving parts. Juniper CEO Kevin Johnson announced Monday that Muglia will soon take over as executive VP for its Software Solutions Division. Muglia will oversee Juniper's "end-to-end software strategy" and report directly to the CEO, Johnson said in a statement.

Juniper will centralize what had been independent software initiatives into the new division in order to better integrate its vital development initiatives. The software part of Juniper's business has been a key differentiator for the company, Johnson said.

Juniper rolls the many features of its networks into the Junos Networking operating system, which integrates configuration and management of routing, switching, security, and network services. Combining the features in an operating system reduces complexity and gives enterprise developers and third parties the chance to leverage its controls and functions. The Junos software development kit supplied by Juniper gives developers the tools to build applications that take advantage of the network.

In addition, its software lines include: Juniper Networks SRX Series and vGW Series security offerings; MobileNext core for mobile operations; the Junos Pulse mobile security suite for managing devices; and Junos Space platform for developing network applications.

Microsoft as a company was expert at making its Windows operating system available as a development platform and devoted staff to coordinating an extensive third-party development community that produced applications for it, often with Microsoft-supplied tools. Muglia was at Microsoft for 23 years. In his last post, he served as president of Microsoft's $15 billion Server and Tools business.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told him last January that Microsoft needed new leadership in the position, but he was asked to stay on until summer to ensure a smooth transition. He was replaced by Satya Nadella in February. "We are excited to have a leader of Bob's caliber coming on board to lead Juniper's software initiatives," said Johnson.

"I have long respected Juniper for its disruptive approach to solving the toughest networking problems and for its networking vision that is simple, open, and programmable," said Muglia. "I am thrilled to be joining Kevin and his team and look forward to contributing to the company's continued success and momentum in the marketplace."

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