Juniper Networks and NEC have expanded their partnership in a move the two vendors say will deliver network functions virtualisation-based solutions that allow service providers and enterprises to gain greater agility.

The deal expands on a relationship which has seen the two companies working together since 2003 to provide solutions for service providers and enterprises, focused largely on microwave/IP backhaul and optical/IP integration.

The new deal expands their previous work to include software defined networking and NFV-based solutions ‘to aid customers in the business transformation journey'.

The joint solutions combine NEC's Cloud System (OSS building model) – and OpenStack-based cloud infrastructure – with NetCracker's OSS/BSS systems, end to end service orchestration, systems integration capabilities and consulting options, along with Juniper Networks' networking equipment and virtual network functions, such as its vMX routing platform and vSRX Virtual Firewall.

NEC will leverage Juniper's NFV-ready hardware and software within its enterprise virtualised customer premises equipment (vCPE) offering.

The companies say when combined with NetCracker OSS/BSS and end-to-end service orchestration capabilities, the solution can provide service providers and enterprise customers with a viable means of delivering cloud-based business services in a fully-automated fashion in ‘near real-time'.

The new deal comes as Juniper and NEC work together to expand into new and developing market,s including an increased focus on Asia Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand.