Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's Azure Solution?
Alkira's Azure Solution is a unified, cloud-native networking platform that connects enterprise WANs, remote users, on-premises data centers, and cloud applications seamlessly across Azure and other cloud environments. It eliminates the complexity of managing disparate networking tools by providing Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) with standardized networking and security, advanced routing, integrated security services, and universal visibility. Learn more.
How does Alkira integrate with Microsoft Azure?
Alkira integrates with Microsoft Azure via ExpressRoute, enabling seamless connectivity between Azure VNets and other private or public networks. The platform provides standardized networking and security across Azure, AWS, GCP, and on-premises environments, allowing enterprises to manage their entire network infrastructure from a single interface. Details here.
What are the key capabilities of Alkira's Azure Solution?
Key capabilities include unified multicloud networking, end-to-end segmentation, enterprise-grade routing (with advanced BGP), integrated security (next-generation firewalls, ZTNA, NAT, IDS/IDP), universal visibility, simplified provisioning with a drag-and-drop interface, and consolidated billing through Azure Marketplace. See full feature list.
What technical resources are available for Alkira's Azure Solution?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including solution briefs, whitepapers, and a dedicated wiki. Notable resources include the Azure Multi-Cloud Networking Solution Brief, Azure Networking at Scale Whitepaper, and the System Description. For more, visit the Alkira solution briefs page and wiki.
Features & Capabilities
What security features does Alkira provide for Azure and multicloud environments?
Alkira integrates next-generation firewalls, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), NAT, IDS/IDP, and uniform policy enforcement across Azure and other clouds. The platform is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications. Learn more about compliance.
How does Alkira simplify Azure and multicloud networking?
Alkira provides a drag-and-drop, point-and-click interface for rapid network configuration, eliminating the need to learn Azure-specific constructs or perform manual configurations. This approach reduces setup time by up to 96% and network management time by 47%, enabling faster deployment and streamlined operations. See details.
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, Alkira supports integrations with Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and the Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enable secure, scalable, and automated network management. See all integrations.
Does Alkira offer APIs for integration and automation?
Yes, Alkira provides APIs, including billing APIs that offer real-time cloud network cost data. These APIs can be integrated with other cost management tools and dashboards for automated monitoring and optimization. Learn more.
How does Alkira provide visibility and governance across Azure and other clouds?
Alkira offers single-pane-of-glass monitoring, governance, and troubleshooting across all connected environments, including Azure. This comprehensive visibility helps organizations maintain control, ensure compliance, and quickly resolve issues. More info.
Pricing & Plans
What are the billing options for Alkira on Azure?
Alkira offers consolidated billing through Azure Marketplace, with both consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based pricing models. Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, next-generation firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See pricing details.
How is Alkira's pricing model structured?
Alkira supports flexible pricing, including pay-as-you-go and fixed commitment options. Costs are based on usage of provisioned elements such as sites, cloud instances, network services, and network traffic. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific connector types and bandwidth. Learn more.
Performance & Business Impact
What measurable results can I expect from using Alkira with Azure?
Customers have reported a 96% reduction in Azure and cloud setup time, a 47% reduction in network management time, a 70% faster mean-time-to-resolution for complex issues, and a 40% reduction in network operations costs. These results are based on real-world deployments and customer feedback. See more metrics.
How does Alkira improve operational efficiency and cost savings?
Alkira streamlines network setup and management, reducing manual effort and operational complexity. This leads to up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions, with measurable ROI benefits. Learn more.
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for Azure and multicloud networking?
Alkira addresses fragmented cloud networks, security gaps, operational complexity, limited scalability, and lack of visibility. It provides standardized networking and security, rapid deployment, integrated security services, and comprehensive monitoring across Azure and other clouds. See use cases.
Who can benefit from Alkira's Azure Solution?
Alkira's Azure Solution is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology, software technology, retail, media & entertainment, and aviation. Key roles include Network Architects, Cloud Architects, Security Architects, IT Managers, CloudOps, CTOs, CIOs, and CISOs. See customer stories.
Can you share customer success stories using Alkira with Azure?
Yes. For example, a financial services team created a proof of concept in just 4 hours using Alkira, compared to weeks with traditional Azure networking. Michaels transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time, and Koch Industries simplified multicloud networking and improved agility. Michaels case study, See detailed comparison.
What differentiates Alkira from other multicloud networking solutions?
Alkira's key differentiators include a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use with a drag-and-drop interface, global backbone-as-a-service, vendor-agnostic architecture, comprehensive visibility, and measurable ROI. Alkira allows free choice of security and network stack components without vendor lock-in. Learn more.
Technical Requirements & Implementation
How long does it take to implement Alkira's Azure Solution?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically taking about 8 weeks. The drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training resources make onboarding fast and straightforward. Explore Alkira Training Platform.
What resources or expertise are needed to get started with Alkira?
Alkira is designed for ease of use, requiring no deep cloud expertise. The platform provides a drag-and-drop interface, detailed training resources, and dedicated support, enabling both technical and non-technical users to deploy and manage networks efficiently. See training resources.
Security & Compliance
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating its commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. The platform also incorporates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. See compliance details.
How does Alkira help ensure secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications?
Alkira integrates Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls directly into its platform, eliminating vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs and perimeter-based security models. This ensures seamless and secure access for distributed teams and applications. Learn more about ZTNA.
Support & Implementation
What support and training does Alkira provide for Azure deployments?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources. Customers benefit from 24×7 monitoring, proactive notifications, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. Access Alkira Training Platform.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for planned or emergency maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support for issue resolution. Customers can contact support at support@alkira.com or open a support ticket. More info.
Customer Proof & Testimonials
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's Azure Solution?
Customers have praised Alkira for its ease of use and rapid deployment. For example, a financial services team created a proof of concept in just 4 hours, and a large manufacturer reported going from a 6-month DIY project to a secure, redundant network in 3 days at low cost. See more testimonials.
Which industries have successfully used Alkira's Azure Solution?
Industries represented in Alkira's case studies include manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. Explore case studies.
