Key Takeaways
Hardware Price: Juniper is often perceived as having a more aggressive initial hardware price point compared to Arista.
Operational Cost (OpEx): Both companies offer world-class operating systems (EOS and JUNOS/Mist AI) that excel at automation. The OpEx savings from high stability and powerful management platforms (CloudVision vs. Mist/Apstra) are the most important factor in TCO for a large-scale data center.
Licensing Complexity: Arista is generally preferred for its simpler, more predictable licensing, while Juniper's model, particularly for certain features, can be more complex to budget for in the long run.
Ultimately, the most cost-effective choice for a data center depends on:
Scale: For massive hyperscale deployments, Arista's focus on density and stability often proves cost-efficient.
Existing Infrastructure: Compatibility with existing automation tools and operational expertise (e.g., familiar with JUNOS vs. EOS) can drastically change OpEx.
Required Features: If specific advanced features (like deep automation via Apstra or Mist AI) are required, the cost of the corresponding licenses must be factored in.
