Alcatel Signs International Distribution Agreement with Juniper Networks, Inc.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1999 --

Alcatel, one of the world's largest suppliers of telecommunications equipment, and Juniper Networks Inc.(NASDAQ:JNPR), -- a leading Internet backbone router supplier -- announced today that they have signed a distribution agreement. The agreement appoints Alcatel as a reseller of Juniper Networks IP routers. The 18-month contract valued at $30 million is effective immediately.

The agreement enables Alcatel to offer its worldwide customers the Juniper Networks M40 Internet backbone router designed specifically for the specialized needs of high-growth Internet backbone providers. The M40 features market-leading packet forwarding, port density and IP software that is purpose-built for the new internet infrastructure.

"This partnership underscores Alcatel's ambition to be a first class provider of IP solutions, said Martin de Prycker, President of Alcatel's Carrier Data Division. "Juniper Networks expertise in IP routing hardware and software will complement and enhance our turnkey offering to Internet network operators for broadband applications where Alcatel is a worldwide market leader. As such, the Juniper M40 fits perfectly in the Alcatel 2IP strategy." This agreement represents a positive step not only for Alcatel and Juniper Networks, but also for Alcatel customers worldwide, including Alcatel Carrier Data Division which has installed more than 280 public data network systems in 69 countries around the globe.

"This agreement with Alcatel represents a significant milestone for Juniper Networks, both in our efforts to provide routing technology to the rapidly growing European IP marketplace and in our strategy to partner with industry, technology, and market leaders worldwide," said Scott Kriens, President and CEO of Juniper Networks. "Alcatel's deep experience, long-standing relationships with service providers, global deployment, and their track record in extensive system integration projects are highly complementary to Juniper Networks." In signing this agreement, Alcatel has reinforced the position of Juniper Networks in the global IP marketplace, and has confirmed the international acceptance of Juniper Networks routers as the standard for OC-48/STM-16 connectivity in the Internet core," said Kriens.

About Alcatel

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 21.3 billion ($25.0 billion), Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. In the field of telecommunications and power cables, Alcatel offers products, systems and services that meet the growing requirements of three main markets: infrastructure, industry and construction. The batteries and components businesses also form part of this strategy of a global approach to markets, offering integrated solutions for clients who operate on an increasingly international basis. For more information on Alcatel, please visit the Web site at http://www.alcatel.com.

About Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks Inc., is a leading provider of next-generation infrastructure systems that are designed to meet the scalability, performance, density, and compatibility requirements of rapidly evolving, optically-enabled IP networks. The company's purpose-built M40 Internet backbone router uses JUNOS software, ASICs, and wire-rate performance to provide new Internet infrastructure solutions for many of the world's leading service providers. Juniper Networks service, manufacturing teams, and Internet engineers support the M40 router. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with international offices in London, UK, and Tokyo, Japan. For more information on Juniper Networks, please contact the company at 650-526-8000 or visit the Web site at http://www.juniper.net.