Juniper launches local Mist cloud to boost secure AI networking

Juniper Networks has launched a new local Mist cloud instance in Japan to address growing demand for secure, AI-driven networking services in the country.

The new microservices cloud instance is designed to provide Japanese customers and partners with enhanced agility, resiliency, and scale, along with local data hosting and storage to support compliance with domestic privacy, security, and performance requirements. The move aligns with Juniper Networks' focus on industries such as the public sector and other regulated fields where data localisation and regulatory compliance are particularly significant.

Juniper Networks has reported considerable growth within the Japanese market, fuelled by the increased uptake of its Mist AI-Native Networking platform. Prominent organisations, including The University of Tokyo, Seven & i Holdings, JATCO, JA Osaka Densan, Otemon Gakuin University, and QT Net, have been early adopters of this platform. According to the company, the deployment of a Japan-based cloud instance is intended to offer better performance, maintain high standards of compliance, and improve the platform's localisation.

The Mist AI-Native Networking Platform is noted for its operational efficiencies, delivering up to 90% fewer network-related support requests and up to 85% lower operational expenditure (OPEX) compared to traditional solutions. The local cloud instance is expected to enhance these efficiencies, especially for customers with strict localisation and compliance requirements.

Addressing the local market, Juniper's solutions are tailored to Japanese language needs, with a fully localised customer portal to create a seamless and intuitive user experience. This supports both public and private sector customers as digital transformation initiatives continue to accelerate in Japan.

Hiroyuki Ishida, Area VP Sales, Japan, Juniper Networks, commented, "The launch of a local Mist cloud instance in Japan, coupled with ongoing efforts to enable product and support for native Japanese speakers, underscores our commitment to delivering secure, scalable and intelligent networking solutions catered to the unique needs of the Japanese market. With this new offering, we are further expanding the reach of our AI-native wired, wireless, SD-WAN, NAC and indoor location offerings, helping companies of all sizes optimise end-user and operator experiences while lowering IT costs."

Security certification is also a prominent feature of the Mist solutions, which are SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified, meeting recognised international standards. Juniper Networks reports that the demand for such features has contributed to its growth, stating that order growth exceeded 25% year-over-year in 2024 for Mist and related products.

Partners in the Japanese IT ecosystem have responded to the announcement. 

Yasuyuki Aisu, President and CEO, J's Communication, remarked, "As a value-added distributor of Juniper's solutions, J's Communication sees the launch of a local Mist cloud instance in Japan as a significant milestone. We continue to deliver solutions across key sectors, and in the public sector in particular, domestic cloud infrastructure is crucial for adoption. We believe this launch will accelerate momentum in this space. Looking ahead, we will strengthen regional collaboration and remain committed to providing high-performance hybrid networks across both on-prem and cloud environments."

Shoji Takebuchi, Director, General Manager of Procurement & Sales Promotion Div., Daiwabo Information System, said, "At DIS, we are pleased to see the launch of the Juniper Mist Cloud instance in the Japan region. By combining this local cloud offering with our managed network monitoring services and in-house maintenance support, we are able to further deliver secure, reliable network environments to a wide range of users – including private enterprises, local governments, and the education sector – through our nationwide, community-based sales network spanning 96 locations and to approximately 19,000 partner companies across Japan."

Additional support for the launch came from Toyoaki Ohnishi, Vice President, Technology Lifecycle Services, Technology Business Unit, IBM Japan, who stated, "The launch of a local Mist Cloud in Japan is a significant advancement, particularly in response to strong demand from public sector customers. It also brings meaningful benefits to our sales partners. We aim to further accelerate the convergence of network and business processes, driving greater operational efficiency. Looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Juniper Networks to create added value for our customers."

Yota Kishigami, Director and Executive Officer, NetOne Partners, commented, "We're excited to see the Juniper Mist Cloud instance launch in the Japan region. With domestic operations, customers can now expect stronger security, compliance, and reliability. Coupled with ongoing localisation, this paves the way for broader adoption of cloud-based Wi-Fi. We see this as a great opportunity to drive cloud migration not only across enterprise, retail, higher education, and manufacturing, but also in sectors like local government, schools, healthcare, and SMBs. Alongside our partners, we remain committed to creating value across Japan's evolving IT landscape."

The company confirmed that similar Mist cloud instances are also active in several other countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and India.