Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira and how does it integrate with Google Cloud Network Connectivity Center (NCC)?
Alkira is a cloud networking platform that simplifies enterprise connectivity by providing Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS). In partnership with Google Cloud, Alkira supports native integration with Google Cloud Network Connectivity Center (NCC), allowing organizations to leverage Google Cloud's native networking functionality while benefiting from Alkira's ease of use and advanced networking capabilities. This integration enables access to robust network infrastructure and operational controls required for enterprise networking. For more details, see the Google Cloud NCC and Alkira Solution Brief.
Where can I access the solution brief for Google Cloud NCC and Alkira?
You can access the solution brief for Google Cloud NCC and Alkira via this PDF document.
What is the main topic addressed in the content titled 'Solution Brief: Google Cloud NCC and Alkira'?
The 'Solution Brief: Google Cloud NCC and Alkira' focuses on Alkira's solutions and integrations with Google Cloud NCC, detailing how Alkira's platform capabilities align with Google Cloud services to deliver advanced, enterprise-grade networking.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer for enterprise networking?
Alkira offers a comprehensive set of features for enterprise networking, including:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS): On-demand, hardware-free network infrastructure.
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service: Scalable, reliable, and low-latency connectivity across geographies.
- Integrated Security: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls for secure connectivity.
- Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop interface for network design and deployment.
- Comprehensive Visibility: Single-pane-of-glass tools for monitoring and managing cloud networks.
- Flexible Pricing Models: Consumption-based and commitment-based options.
For more details, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira supports integrations with leading technology providers and platforms, including:
These integrations enable seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and simplified management. For more, visit Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
Does Alkira provide APIs for integration and cost management?
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, supporting automated synthesis of billing data from various sources. For more details, visit this page.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers a range of technical resources, including:
These resources provide in-depth technical insights and documentation.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's product?
Key capabilities and benefits include:
- NIaaS for hybrid and multicloud environments
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for rapid, scalable connectivity
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls)
- Drag-and-drop interface for ease of use
- Single-pane-of-glass visibility and management
- Up to 40% lower TCO, 96% reduction in cloud setup time, and 47% reduction in network management time
For more, see Alkira's Platform Page.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model and how is it determined?
Alkira offers flexible pricing models:
- Consumption-Based Pricing: Pay-as-you-go based on actual usage of network elements, services, and traffic.
- Commitment-Based Pricing: Fixed pricing for predictable budgeting.
Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. For more, visit Alkira's Pricing Page.
Security & Compliance
How does Alkira ensure product security and compliance?
Alkira is committed to high security and compliance standards, including:
- SOC 2 Compliance: Independent evaluation of security, availability, and confidentiality controls.
- PCI-DSS Compliance: Adherence to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard for cardholder data protection.
- Integrated Security: Features like ZTNA and next-generation firewalls.
- Customer Responsibilities: Customers should manage user access and follow security best practices.
For more, visit Alkira's Compliance Page.
Use Cases & Benefits
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology, software technology, retail, media & entertainment, and aviation. Target roles include Network Architects, Cloud Architects, Security Architects, IT Managers/Directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and VPs.
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect:
- Operational efficiency: 96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time
- Cost savings: Up to 40% lower TCO
- Enhanced security and scalability
- Business resilience and digital transformation support
For more, see this page.
What customer pain points does Alkira address?
Alkira addresses:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications (integrated ZTNA, next-gen firewalls)
- Complexity in multicloud and hybrid networking (global backbone-as-a-service)
- Lack of visibility and governance (single-pane-of-glass management)
- High-performance networking needs (automatic infrastructure scaling)
See case studies for real-world examples: Michaels, Large Financial Services Company, Large Software and Services Company, Large Healthcare Provider.
Can you share specific case studies or customer success stories?
Yes, notable case studies include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time.
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility.
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and B2B connectivity.
- Chart Industries: Improved agility and expanded globally.
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation.
For more, visit our customers page.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for its intuitive platform and rapid deployment:
- "The IT DIY approach was going to take 6 months to be secure and redundant and all. Alkira did it for us in 3 days, and at very low cost." – Network Architect, Large Manufacturer
- "We met with Alkira, and after about an hour of us explaining what we needed, we created a POC – and stood that up in a morning. Design-to-POC-setup in about 4 hours." – Sr. Director, Network Architect, Financial Company
- "We had gone from a mass of complexity and months of work to a dashboard that allowed us simply to draw our network and deploy it in a few hours." – Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries
Implementation & Support
How long does it take to implement Alkira, and how easy is it to get started?
Alkira enables rapid implementation:
- Proof of concept in as little as 4 hours
- Full production deployment in approximately 8 weeks
Getting started is straightforward, with a drag-and-drop interface, a dedicated training platform (Alkira Training Platform), 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support.
What training and technical support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers:
- Dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources (Alkira Training Platform)
- 24×7 monitoring for SLA commitments
- Dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets
- Diagnostics Dashboard for live troubleshooting
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira ensures seamless operations through:
- Proactive notifications for planned or emergency maintenance
- Diagnostics Dashboard for real-time troubleshooting
- 24×7 monitoring to meet SLAs
- Dedicated support for issue resolution
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira differentiates itself in several ways:
- Aviatrix: Focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise. Alkira provides a true abstraction layer, single-click provisioning, and end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional networks.
- Prosimo: Application-centric networking with limited traditional network use cases. Alkira offers full-stack networking and security for both cloud and traditional environments.
- Nefeli: Agent-based solutions with manual configurations. Alkira eliminates manual setups with automated routing and a unified NIaaS platform.
- Cato: SD-WAN focus with limited multi-cloud/hybrid support. Alkira delivers a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud/hybrid environments and integrated security features.
For more, see Alkira Solution Explainer.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Customers choose Alkira for:
- True abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-gen firewalls)
- Drag-and-drop ease of use
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid deployment
- Vendor-agnostic approach (no lock-in)
- Comprehensive visibility and measurable ROI
For more, see this page.
Company & Vision
What is Alkira's vision and mission?
Alkira's vision is to transform enterprise connectivity by simplifying cloud networking for the AI era. Its mission is to eliminate the complexity of traditional hardware-dependent networking by providing a cloud-native solution that seamlessly connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
What is Alkira's company background and industry recognition?
Alkira was founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017) and is recognized for innovation in cloud networking. It has been named a Gartner Cool Vendor, received the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine, and was listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. Alkira was also named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
