Juniper Recruits Microsoft Veteran Bob Muglia for Software Push

For the second time in recent months, Microsoft‘s loss is Juniper‘s gain. Specifically, Juniper has recruited Robert Muglia as executive VP for the Software Solutions Division. Muglia previously was president of Microsoft’s Servers and Tools Business — and he had a big hand in the Windows Azure cloud strategy. Mulgia is the latest in a growing list of executive talent that Juniper has recruited away from Microsoft, Cisco Systems and other technology giants in recent months.

Muglia’s decision to join Juniper reinforces the networking company’s decision to centralize its software business. Muglia will oversee the Junos Pulse mobile security tool, the Juniper Networks SRX Series and vGW Series security offerings, and the rest of the company’s software products and services, according to the press release. Moreover, Juniper plans to build more momentum and more products now that Muglia has taken the reins.

At Microsoft, Muglia was the man in charge at the launch of Microsoft Windows Azure, and as Juniper reconfigures its business for the cloud era, it’s clear that the company is banking on his expertise.

Meanwhile, a bigger story is unfolding at Juniper — one that involves stocking up on executive talent. Noteworthy recruits for 2011 include Global Channel Chief Emilio Umeoka (formerly of Microsoft) and VP of Worldwide Partner Marketing Luanne Tierney (formerly of Cisco). Now, Umeoka and Tierney are preparing several major Juniper channel partner conference moves.

Back at Microsoft, there’s somewhat of a revolving door within the executive ranks. Amitabh Srivastava, one of the candidates to replace Muglia, has joined EMC — perhaps because Satya Nadella ultimately replaced Muglia.

Looking ahead, we’ll be watching to see how Muglia settles in at Juniper — and how he may potentially influence Juniper’s cloud software strategy.