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Juniper Networks Acquires WiteSand, Eyes NAC Security Market Growth

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Juniper Networks has acquired WiteSand, a zero trust network access control (NAC) solutions provider, for an undisclosed sum. The company will use WiteSand to add a next-generation NAC solution to its enterprise portfolio, according to a prepared statement.

This is technology M&A deal number 183 that MSSP Alert and sister site ChannelE2E have covered so far in 2022. See more than 1,000 M&A deals listed here.

Juniper Buys WiteSand: M&A Deal Details

WiteSand offers "a treasure trove of talent technology" and represents "a perfect complement to Juniper’s industry-leading development team," Juniper EVP of AI-Driven Enterprise Sujai Hajela wrote in a blog post. It provides Ju Mist AI engine to help Juniper optimize its end-user and operator experiences and drive innovation across its Wireless Assurance, Wired Assurance and other Juniper Mist cloud services.

In addition, WiteSand helps Juniper deliver scalable Internet of Things (IoT) security, Hajela noted. It also eliminates the need for Juniper customers to use on-premises NAC boxes.

Juniper has M&A experience. Earlier acquisitions include:

  • October 2020: 128 Technology, which specializes in network-center SD-WAN technology, for $450 million. At the time, the 128 Technology acquisition supported Juniper's mission to optimize connections from branch-to-cloud via artificial intelligence-based networks, the company said.
  • March 2019: Mist Systems, a cloud-managed wireless networks company, for $405 million. Juniper integrated Mist's wireless LAN platform into its wired LAN, SD-WAN and security solutions following the acquisition.

A Closer Look at Juniper and the NAC Market

Juniper looks poised to capitalize on rising demand for NAC solutions globally. Research indicates the global NAC market was worth $1.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of over 25 percent between 2021 and 2027, according to industry analyst Global Market Insights.

Meanwhile, Juniper provides solutions to help global organizations simplify their network operations. It also offers a partner program that lets MSSPs and MSPs integrate its network solutions into their portfolios.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.