Global high performance networking solutions Juniper Networks has opened its headquarters in Melbourne, bringing with it 50 new jobs to the state’s IT sector.

 

Victorian Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips officially opened the company’s new Melbourne headquarters after Juniper announced plans to nearly double staff numbers within the next three years.

 

"It is a great pleasure to be part of the opening of facilities for a technology company with a global reach and reputation, especially one which is committed to future growth in Victoria," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

 

Juniper Networkers, which operates 47 offices with over 9,000 staff, has announced plans to better support its Australian business clients and expand its customer base in the Australian telecommunications and financial market.

 

Mark Iles, Vice President of Juniper Networks Australia and New Zealand, said Juniper was looking forward to expanding its business in Melbourne.

 

"The Australian market is important to our continued growth. Opening an expanded Melbourne office means we can better serve our local customers, make the most of the world-class talent, and leverage opportunities from the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN)," Mr Iles said.

 

Juniper Networks' innovation expertise is also being drawn on to maximise local opportunities from the NBN, through the Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society (IBES) industry partnership program.

 

"Juniper Networks has been involved with IBES since its inception, and recent platinum sponsorship will enable Juniper to work with researchers to enable innovation by turning the network into an open platform, tapping into resources to be used by unique applications and services," said Mr Iles.

 

The announcement by Juniper comes as the Victorian Government pledged $10 million towards broadband-innovation initiatives, including $3 million to the IBES.