Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) is questioning rival Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), claiming the industry’s “big dog” will have a hard time transitioning to software-defined networks (SDN). Bob Muglia, executive VP of Software Solutions at Juniper, questioned Cisco’s ability to get all of its business divisions focused on a common SDN goal. Here’s a FastChat Video capturing the comments, which surfaced today at Juniper Global Partner Conference in Las Vegas.

With SDN, Muglia predicted:

Muglia went on to claim Juniper is better organized for SDN, but he also said VMware (NYSE: VMW), backed by the Nicira acquisition, appears well-positioned for SDN. And he predicted Juniper will continue to work closely VMware, IBM, Microsoft and others in the market.

The comments were part of Juniper’s larger SDN coming out party today at the partner conference. CEO Kevin Johnson and other Juniper executives covered the strategy during keynotes earlier today. For deeper details check out this keynote recap.

For its part, Cisco has made multiple SDN-related acquisitions and investments in recent months — including Insieme and vCider, among others. The VAR Guy has reached out to Cisco Systems for a potential comment and response to Juniper’s claims.