Chief Executive of Juniper Networks Inc., Kevin Johnson, has declared that the company is now open to acquisitions. In-house research and partnerships, however, will continue to remain the firm's main priorities.

The firm's CEO's remark has come amidst a whole season of acquisitions, where much bigger rival Cisco System Inc's., much expected takeover of Starnet, a celebrated equipment maker, has come as a latest development. If the huge $2.9 Billion deal reaches a closure, Juniper's position will be effectively hurt.

"We're open to acquisitions", said Johnson. "Our primary value creation driver is organic R&D. We are an innovation company. Now we will complement that organic R&D with targeted acquisitions".

Recent developments shown by Juniper, in addition to the announcement, include the company allowing third party development on its much speculated JUNOS operating system. After Johnson's announcement on the company's stance on acquisition and the product development, Juniper's shares saw a 5.3% rise and hit an all time high of $26.39 on the NY Stock Exchange.