Juniper Networks (News - Alert), a provider of secure, AI-driven networks, has announced that CMC Networks is the first Juniper partner to offer a managed AI-driven SD-WAN solution in Africa. This partnership leverages Juniper’s Session Smart Router technology powered by Mist AI, delivering a dynamic and self-optimizing network to CMC’s customers.

With this advanced solution, its possible to easily modify services, quickly add new locations, and adjust network speeds - significantly reducing time-to-market and allowing faster provisioning of services.

"Juniper’s AI-driven SD-WAN solution, powered by our Session Smart Router and Mist AI, enables us to be laser-focused on optimizing user experience. We recognized early that networks must be application-aware to support the demands of the evolving enterprise and to deliver the highest levels of user experience. Juniper ticks all the necessary boxes by delivering on the promise of a truly intelligent network that adapts as user requirements change. Juniper is thrilled that our innovative work with CMC has yielded this much-needed solution to enable consistent and excellent user experiences, even in the most challenging geographies, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” said Sue Graham Johnston, Vice President and General Manager, Juniper Networks.

Combined with automated provisioning, management, and troubleshooting,  Juniper’s Session Smart Router ensures maximum uptime and superior performance for real-time traffic, while lowering operating costs in both rural and urban environments.

CMC Networks has been deploying Session Smart Routers across Africa for the past three years, driving digital transformation in the region. Looking ahead, CMC plans to expand its footprint into additional regions and introduce more AI-driven managed services powered by Juniper, including wireless access.

Company officials also said its preparing to roll out more cloud-hosted services driven by Mist AI, such as WAN Assurance and the Marvis Virtual Network Assistant. These services will streamline the deployment, operations, and troubleshooting of its AI-driven SD-WAN environment with zero-touch provisioning, customizable service levels, self-driving operations, and proactive AI-driven support.

“SD-WAN is not a new technology and every SD-WAN player gives customers speed and power on the network. However, digital transformation strategies require a high level of intelligence, support and the ability to underpin business-critical applications - attributes that many SD-WAN vendors can’t provide. Juniper’s AI-driven SD-WAN gives CMC a level of intelligence and operational insight that we haven’t seen before,” said Geoff Dornan, Chief Technology Officer, CMC Networks.