Juniper’s Security Goes Mobile – Analyst Blog

Leading networking infrastructure products and services provider Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR) recently announced the launch of the Junos Pulse software, specially designed to maintain the same standard of security across a network, even when some of the connected devices such as cell phones or other mobile Internet devices are not under the control of the network administrator.

 

With a rapid growth in the adoption of new technologies across mobile devices, creation of malicious codes has become commonplace, increasing security threats for all. For example, Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) iPad, which was launched in April, has already witnessed a security breach, as announced by its service provider AT&T Inc. (T) last week.

 

To address the need for fast, pervasive yet secure anytime/anywhere access, companies and organizations around the world are deploying network security solutions. We believe Juniper is well positioned to meet these global security standards, which should increase adoption by customers.

 

The launch of Junos Pulse, the newest addition to the Junos software family, will help users exchange data easily around the world, at the same time reducing the need for network access and security software. With the new security solution, we expect Juniper to acquire major service providers in the wireless industry as clients.

 

Apart from securing its position in the network security space, the Junos Pulse solution enables Juniper to cater to the “new network” data center, which eases out complexities in networking.

 

Juniper is a leading provider of networking solutions and communications market devices. The company develops, designs and sells products that provide network infrastructure used for services and applications based on a single Internet protocol network worldwide. It caters to the networking needs of enterprises, public sector organizations and service providers across the globe.

 

Juniper reported decent first quarter results, with revenues of $912.6 million, up 19.0% compared with the year-ago quarter. The company generated 79.0% of its quarterly revenue from product sales, with the remaining 21.0% comes from services. The growth in revenue may be attributed to healthy market share its products enjoy.

 

With companies substantially increasing their IT spending budgets, the demand for networking products will continue to grow through the rest of 2010. While growth looks imminent for Juniper, stiff competition from other big players such as Cisco Systems (CSCO), Hewlett-Packard Company (HPQ), Brocade Communications Systems (BRCM), Symantec Corp. (SYMC) and McAfee Inc. (MFE) may pose challenges.

 

We maintain our short term Hold recommendation on Juniper.