SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Juniper Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: JNPR) today announced it is planning to open a research and development center in the Chinese capital, Beijing, by the end of the year. The facility, announced by CEO and Chairman Scott Kriens at a media conference in Beijing today, will focus on developing network and security solutions for small and medium businesses in the world market.

"Networking and network security technology are pervasive global concerns," said Kriens. "Today's announcement is an extension of the internationalization of our research and development strategy that began with the launch of a similar center in Bangalore, India, last year. Establishing R&D centers like this around the world reinforces Juniper Networks' ability to deliver industry-leading networking and security solutions for its customers."

Kriens said the Beijing center will leverage the Chinese roots of NetScreen Technologies, which was acquired by Juniper Networks last April. NetScreen's founders originated from mainland China.

Juniper Networks Inc.