Alkira's Network Cloud is a global unified network infrastructure delivered as-a-service. It enables enterprises to build and deploy hybrid or multi-cloud networks in minutes, providing integrated network and security services, end-to-end operational visibility, and governance. The platform eliminates the need for hardware procurement, software downloads, or deep cloud expertise, allowing users to design and provision their networks with a drag-and-drop interface and single-click deployment. Learn more
What products and services does Alkira offer?
Alkira offers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security features (such as Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop network design interface, comprehensive visibility tools, and flexible pricing models. These solutions are designed to simplify cloud networking, accelerate deployment, and provide secure, scalable connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. More details
What is the primary purpose of Alkira's product?
The primary purpose of Alkira's product is to simplify cloud networking for enterprises by providing Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS). This approach eliminates traditional hardware dependencies and enables seamless, secure connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. More about Alkira's mission
Who is Alkira's target audience?
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 Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO. See customer stories
Who are some of Alkira's customers?
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, leading system integrators, and global managed service providers. Notable customers include Koch Industries, Michaels, Warner Hotels, SITA, and Chart Industries. Explore more customer stories
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Industries include manufacturing (e.g., Chart Industries), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA). See all case studies
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Key features include:
Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) for hybrid/multicloud environments
Global Backbone-as-a-Service for rapid, reliable, low-latency connectivity
Drag-and-drop interface for easy network design and deployment
Comprehensive visibility and monitoring tools
Cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO)
Scalability with automatic infrastructure adjustments
These capabilities help enterprises reduce complexity, improve security, and accelerate digital transformation. Learn more
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with leading technology providers and platforms, including Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enable secure, scalable, and automated network management across cloud and on-premises environments. See all integrations
Does Alkira provide APIs?
Yes, Alkira offers APIs, including billing APIs that provide real-time cloud network cost data. These APIs can be integrated with other cost management tools and dashboards, supporting automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. More details
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki. These resources offer in-depth technical insights and guidance for evaluating and implementing Alkira's solutions. Solution briefs | Wiki
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers flexible pricing, including consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) models. Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements (such as Alkira Cloud Exchange Points), connectors, next-generation firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See Alkira's Pricing Page
Use Cases & Benefits
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect:
96% reduction in cloud setup time
47% reduction in network management time
Up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Enhanced security for distributed workforces and applications
Rapid scalability and high-performance networking
Improved business resilience and digital transformation
These outcomes are supported by customer case studies and measurable ROI. Learn more
What problems does Alkira solve for its customers?
Alkira addresses:
Securing distributed workforce and applications (integrated ZTNA, next-gen firewalls)
Complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking (global backbone-as-a-service, abstraction layer)
Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance (single-pane-of-glass management)
Getting started is straightforward. 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 platform make onboarding accessible, even for non-technical users. Alkira Training Platform
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira's 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
Security & Compliance
Is Alkira secure and compliant?
Yes. Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust operational controls and protection of customer data. The platform integrates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. See Alkira's Compliance Page
What security features does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers integrated Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), next-generation firewalls, and compliance with SOC 2 and PCI-DSS standards. These features ensure secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications, addressing vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs and perimeter-based models.
Technical Requirements & Implementation
How long does it take to implement Alkira, and what resources are needed?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically completed in about 8 weeks. Alkira provides a drag-and-drop interface, a dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to ensure a smooth onboarding process. Training Platform
What training and support does Alkira offer?
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources. Customers also benefit from 24×7 monitoring, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. Contact support
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support for issue resolution. These features minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to SD-WAN and other competitors?
Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, enabling single-click provisioning and eliminating manual configurations. Unlike SD-WAN and many competitors, Alkira offers global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security, and full-stack networking for both cloud and traditional use cases. See detailed comparison
Who are Alkira's main competitors, and how does Alkira differentiate itself?
Alkira's main competitors include Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato. Key differentiators:
Aviatrix: Focuses on orchestration overlays; Alkira provides a true abstraction layer and end-to-end solutions without requiring deep cloud expertise.
Prosimo: Application-centric networking; Alkira offers full-stack networking and security for both cloud and traditional use cases.
Nefeli: Agent-based solutions; Alkira eliminates manual configurations with automated routing and a unified platform.
Cato: SD-WAN focus; Alkira delivers global backbone-as-a-service and integrated security for multi-cloud and hybrid environments.
All comparisons are based on publicly available information and Alkira's documented capabilities.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Customers choose Alkira for its:
True abstraction layer and single-click provisioning
Integrated security (ZTNA, next-gen firewalls)
Ease of use (drag-and-drop interface)
Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid deployment
Measurable ROI (96% reduction in setup time, 47% reduction in management time, up to 40% lower TCO)
Vendor-agnostic approach (no lock-in)
Comprehensive visibility and governance
These features are validated by customer testimonials and industry recognition. Learn more
Company & Funding
How much funding did Alkira raise in its Series B round?
Alkira raised million in its Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to million. The round was led by Koch Disruptive Technologies, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, and GV (Google Ventures). Read the announcement
What was the main announcement in Alkira's press release about the Series B funding?
Alkira announced raising million in Series B funding to expand its cloud networking Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) exchanges. The funding supports Alkira's mission to revolutionize enterprise networking with its cloud-native solutions. See press release
What is Alkira's company history and industry recognition?
Alkira was founded by Amir Khan and Atif Khan, creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017). The company has been recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor, received the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine, and was listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. Alkira is also named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes. More about Alkira
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. Learn more
Alkira Raises $54M Series B for Network Cloud Offering Following Transformative Customer Deployments
Summarize with AI
The Alkira Network Cloud Offers Dramatic Simplification and Agility Across Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Networks with Integrated Network and Security ServicesSAN JOSE, CA – October 13, 2020 – Alkira®, Inc., the Network Cloud pioneer, announced today a $54M Series B funding led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) with participation from Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and others. Alkira has raised $76M to date. The new funds will be used to scale the company to meet global market demand for the Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™(CSX). The Alkira CSX is a Network Cloud, a global unified network infrastructure delivered as-a-service with 1) connectivity for hybrid and multi-cloud networks 2) integrated network and security services, and 3) end-to-end operational visibility and governance.
“Koch Industries is a significant customer to cloud providers, and we have seen first-hand how Alkira’s powerful and intuitive network simplifies a company’s transition to the cloud,” said Chase Koch, president of Koch Disruptive Technologies. “At Koch’s scale an agile, global, end-to end network is critical to our competitiveness and growth and we are excited to lead Alkira’s Series B investment.”
“Amir and Atif Khan have an unmatched track record, team, and architecture for the Network Cloud, which we believe will be more disruptive than SD-WAN,” said Jason Illian, Managing Director of Koch Disruptive Technologies. “We see a changing business model as companies recognize the value in moving to a network on demand. In Koch’s case, Alkira’s technology has allowed the company to execute its cloud networking operations in days or just hours from what used to be six to 18 months.”
“Alkira has seen a tremendous response from customers and technology and GTM partners to deploy and deliver the Alkira Network Cloud. We are honored to have our Series B led by Koch, an early customer who deployed Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ (CSX) and shares our vision to transform networking,” said Amir Khan, President, CEO and founder of Alkira. “Koch has entrusted Alkira to rebuild their cloud network backbone and expand their network infrastructure to multi-cloud. We are delighted to welcome Jason Illian to our Board, and to receive the ongoing support from Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, and GV on this exciting journey.”
Koch Disruptive Technologies is an investment firm and a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., which is an Alkira customer and one of the largest private companies in America. Koch has an estimated annual revenue of $115 billion according to Forbes, with 130,000+ employees in 70+ countries, across dozens of industries. KDT invests in emerging high-growth technologies across a range of industries that improve Koch’s core capabilities, as well as those that reinvent markets and create entirely new platforms poised to change the world. Jason Illian, Managing Director of KDT, will join Alkira’s Board of Directors.
Alkira Board of Directors:
Amir Khan, President, CEO, Chairman and Founder at Alkira
Atif Khan, CTO and Founder at Alkira
Bill Coughran, Partner at Sequoia
Mamoon Hamid, Partner at Kleiner Perkins
Jason Illian, Managing Director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, LLC
Alkira CSX is the first and only global network cloud delivered as-a-service. It offers a consistent and dramatically simplified networking experience for on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud environments with integrated network and security services, and full operational visibility and governance. With Alkira, your entire end-to-end network is drawn on a digital design canvas, provisioned in 1-click, and ready for use in minutes. No hardware to procure, no software to download, and no cloud to learn. Alkira extends your enterprise infrastructure into the cloud and is a trusted solution for leading global Enterprises, system integrators, and managed service providers.
Koch Industries will join Alkira for the Keynote Presentation at ONUG Fall 2020: “Koch Industries Deploys Alkira for their Cloud Networking Journey,” with Koch Industries Senior Enterprise Architect Matt Hoag and Alkira CEO and Founder Amir Khan. Email onugfall2020@Alkira.com to schedule a 1:1 briefing or receive a free pass to ONUG to hear this and other Alkira presentations.
Schedule a demo and draw your network on a digital canvas, provision in one click, and watch it come to life in minutes
About Koch Disruptive Technologies Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) is a unique investment firm, focused on empowering founders to create a could-be world. KDT provides a flexible, multi-stage investment approach which includes both traditional venture and growth stages. We work with principled entrepreneurs who are building transformative companies, disrupting the status quo, and creating new platforms. KDT is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world with $110 billion in revenue and operating in more than 70 countries. KDT helps its partners unlock their full potential by bringing Koch’s capabilities and network to them, structuring unique capital solutions, and embracing a long-term, mutual benefit mindset. For more information, visit www.kochdisrupt.com.
About Alkira Alkira® developed the Network Cloud that allows Enterprises to build and deploy a global hybrid or multi-cloud network as-a-service in minutes. Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ (CSX) delivers network connectivity, advanced services with complete governance, and is so intuitive and simple to build and operate that no training or certification is needed. Alkira was founded by CEO Amir Khan, founder and former CEO of Viptela, and Atif Khan, CTO, who was VP of Integrated Solutions and a member of the Viptela founding team. Alkira has raised $76M from Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Koch Disruptive Technologies, LLC, and GV Capital (formerly Google Ventures). Learn more at www.Alkira.com or follow us @AlkiraNet
Alkira® is a registered trademark and Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ is a trademark of Alkira, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
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