Juniper's entry into enterprise switching with the EX line is rooted in a common operating system that extends across the switching, routing and security domains of an enterprise network – something that's lacking in what's viewed as a mature market dominated by Cisco. Juniper CEO Scott Kriens shared his thoughts on the company's opportunity — and what it means for Cisco's current competitors -- with Network World President and CEO John Gallant and Managing Editor Jim Duffy at this week's EX launch in New York.

Why develop the switch on your own instead of getting it through acquisition?

The power of [our Juniper Network Operating System (JUNOS)].  Wanting to see a common platform and one feature written one time running everywhere on the same day. From switches to routing and even security products now. The development decision was driven by the JUNOS operating system strategy. In the case of operating systems, more is worse.

The switching market is considered mature with little opportunity to penetrate Cisco's dominance. Why do you feel differently?

For the same reason we felt that way 10 years ago in the router market. The requirement for the network has changed. What used to be networks simply for the sake of connectivity are now networks for the sake of survival. In that scenario, the performance of the network matters more, and the criteria for buying and operating a network changes from what it was to what it needs to be. And that, to us, is an inflection point that we're very familiar with. And we're seeing, as Yogi [Berra] says, Déjà vu all over again. (Learn more about Backbone Switches in our Backbone Switch Buyers Guide.)

So the seven other competitors to Cisco in enterprise switching did not see this? Or could not address this in some way?

Well it's the synthesis of the portfolio really. Because it's switching seamlessly, interoperating with routing, with security and so on, that I think is the distinction. And this is the difference between the box strategy and an operating system strategy, and it's that latter strategy that is unique relative to all the players in the market, big and small. That's what our customers have told us is the distinction and so that's what we're investing in. The best way to think of those products is as vehicles for that operating systems strategy.