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Dec 6 (Reuters) – Network equipment maker Juniper Networks Inc (NYSE:JNPR) bought Altor Networks, a company specializing in security for "virtualization" technology, for $95 million.

Virtualization technology allows multiple machines to run on a single host computer, and is increasingly popular among large corporations trying to cut back on hardware in their data centers.

The deal, which was closed and announced on Monday, comes as Juniper is trying to step up competition against bigger rival Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ:CSCO) by expanding its sales focus from telecommunications providers to a broader, corporate client base. (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Derek Caney)