The use of AI to help run today’s complex IT systems isn’t new. However, with the advent of generative AI and everything AI that has captured the imagination of late, the role of these smart assistants or companions will be even more prominent in running tomorrow’s interconnected systems.
Juniper Networks, which supplies the core routers and other important network equipment for telecom operators, is also on the AI bandwagon, with a promise of AI-powered networks that take away repetitive tasks from human operators so they can focus on bigger issues.
These streamlined networks will boost IT operations and make a business more agile and adaptable to change, says Dean Cunningham, senior director for partner sales for Asia-Pacific at Juniper Networks.
“Talking networks” will enable IT operators to easily ask AI to diagnose and resolve a network issue, which will help to mitigate the shortage of IT expertise across the world, he notes, in this month’s Q&A.
NOTE: Responses have been edited for brevity and style.
Q: Briefly, where are the most important improvements that your customers can expect from AI-powered networks in the next 12-18 months?
A: In the next 12 to 18 months, AI-powered networks will undergo a profound transformation, reshaping operational efficiency and bolstering network reliability.
With Juniper’s AI-Native Networking platform that leverages AI for IT Operations (AIOps), our customers can expect unparalleled end-to-end operator and end-user experiences, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity.
Operators will witness a simplification of their roles, with services deployed swiftly and operations optimised to minimise reactive troubleshooting. This shift will empower IT teams to refocus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in repetitive processes and tedious tasks.
On the partner front, Juniper also recently announced the enhancement of its global Partner Advantage Program, which empowers partners to leverage AIOps in offering managed networking services.
This initiative is aimed at further enhancing reliability, agility, reach, and unlocking new revenue opportunities for our partners, while equipping customers with solutions that prioritise a consistent experience-first approach across their networking infrastructure.
Ultimately, these advancements are geared towards driving tangible value for organisations, with network infrastructure poised to become more agile and responsive to evolving business requirements.
By closely aligning with the needs of all stakeholders, AI-powered networks will become essential pillars for organisational growth and innovation.
Q: When can we expect improvements in AI that go beyond today’s co-pilots and digital assistants? For example, machines talking to machines to come up with an unscripted answer to a solution, say, a network disruption?
A: In the foreseeable future, we can anticipate a significant evolution in AI capabilities that extends beyond the realm of today’s digital assistants and co-pilots.
This evolution will usher in the era of “talking networks,” where machines engage in sophisticated interactions autonomously, driven by Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced machine learning algorithms.
Imagine a scenario where users can seamlessly communicate with their network, simply asking it to diagnose and resolve issues in real-time. This concept of talking networks represents a transformative shift in networking, promising not only enhanced user experiences but also increased operational efficiency.
By harnessing advanced chatbots tailored to specific organisational needs, talking networks will drive superior customer experiences and optimise employee productivity. Additionally, predictive IT maintenance tools will play a crucial role in preventing issues before they occur, further enhancing operational efficiency.
However, realising the full potential of talking networks will require organisations to upgrade their network operations to accommodate the complexity introduced by generative AI and LLMs. This includes carefully considering operational strategies to address higher bandwidths and lower latencies.
Q: Is AIOps living up to its promise and what’s changed of late with so much focus on AI (thanks to ChatGPT)?
A: Certainly, AIOps has not only lived up to its promise but has also seen significant advancements, especially with the increasing focus on AI technologies.
In a recent survey by Juniper Networks and Wakefield Research, 40 per cent of executives in the Asia-Pacific region feel significant pressure to accelerate AI implementation to stay current with changing trends. Notably, 73 per cent of companies in the region have already implemented AI, either mostly or fully.
At Juniper, we recognised the potential of AI early on and embarked on building the industry’s first AI-Native Networking Platform from the ground up. This platform is designed to fully harness the promise of AI, ensuring that every connection in the network is optimised and secure.
Our AI-Native Networking Platform offers unparalleled AIOps capabilities, providing end-to-end assurance in a common cloud environment across the entire network. Enterprises can rely on it to streamline ongoing management challenges while ensuring the reliability, measurability, and security of every connection.
An example of the transformative power of AI in networking is James Cook University Singapore. Leveraging Juniper’s AI-Native Networking platform, the university upgraded its campus network to support blended learning and enhance digital experiences on campus.
Recognising students’ preference for flexible learning environments, the IT leaders invested in technology and facility upgrades to adapt to post-pandemic needs, accommodate growing enrolment, enhance sustainability, and improve amenities for students, faculty, and staff.
Q: From your conversations with customers across various sectors, what seem to be the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to adopting AI in Asia-Pacific?
A: Firstly, there’s the pressing issue of network complexity. IT leaders find themselves grappling with the daunting task of extracting more value from their networks while facing stagnant or shrinking budgets and limited resources.
The demand to integrate the latest technologies and embrace multi-cloud environments while seamlessly supporting an increasing number of user devices only adds to this complexity.
Market forces further compound these challenges. The relentless push for digital transformation is driving exponential growth in data volumes, necessitating networks to adapt and evolve rapidly.
While AI presents promising opportunities, it also introduces concerns regarding bias, governance, and security, which demand careful consideration and mitigation strategies.
Additionally, the proliferation of threats necessitates the implementation of stringent zero-trust safeguards, further complicating network management.
The persistent shortage of skilled professionals exacerbates these challenges, as the evolving landscape demands professionals with specialised knowledge that outpaces the current supply.
Recognising the significant challenges when it comes to AI adoption, Juniper has shifted its focus from traditional network connectivity towards addressing the most pressing enterprise needs with AI-powered networks.
We believe that addressing these complex issues requires more than just bolting on new capabilities; it demands long-term strategic foresight and a holistic approach to network management and innovation.
