Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's Cloud Backbone-as-a-Service (CBaaS)?
Alkira's Cloud Backbone-as-a-Service (CBaaS) is a global, high-speed, low-latency Layer 3 backbone that interconnects users, sites, and clouds with segmentation. It enables enterprises to connect core data centers, edge or remote sites, and any multi-cloud environment in minutes or hours, compared to traditional timelines of six to 18 months. CBaaS includes integrated network and security services, end-to-end visibility, control, and governance. Learn more.
What is Alkira's Network Cloud?
Alkira's Network Cloud is a platform that enables enterprises to build and deploy a global unified network infrastructure as-a-Service. It delivers network connectivity, advanced network and security services, and end-to-end visibility and governance. The Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ (CSX) seamlessly and securely connects branches, data centers, remote users, and clouds. More details.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's products?
Alkira offers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (including Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for ease of use, comprehensive visibility tools, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and rapid scalability. These features help reduce cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%. See full platform capabilities.
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 ensure seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and simplified management. See all technology partners.
Does Alkira offer APIs?
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 monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. Learn more about Alkira APIs.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers whitepapers (such as the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper), solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki with detailed technical information. Solution briefs | Wiki
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer to simplify cloud networking?
Alkira provides a drag-and-drop digital design canvas, single-click provisioning, integrated security (ZTNA and next-generation firewalls), advanced routing controls, end-to-end segmentation, built-in path redundancy, multihoming support, loop avoidance, and comprehensive monitoring and troubleshooting tools. These features enable rapid deployment and easy management of complex networks.
How does Alkira ensure high performance and scalability?
Alkira's platform delivers high-speed, low-latency connectivity and automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand. It supports tens of thousands of routes per customer and provides elastic auto-scaling of security services based on real-time application demand. See performance details.
What security and compliance features does Alkira provide?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating strong operational controls and data protection. The platform integrates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls, ensuring secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications. Read more about compliance.
How does Alkira provide visibility and control over cloud networks?
Alkira offers single-pane-of-glass tools for monitoring, managing, and optimizing cloud networks. The platform includes a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows, supporting efficient day 2 operations.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers both consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based pricing 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. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific connector types and bandwidth. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See Alkira pricing.
Use Cases & Benefits
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect measurable business impact, including up to 40% lower total cost of ownership (TCO), a 96% reduction in cloud setup time, a 47% reduction in network management time, enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. See business impact.
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses operational complexity, multicloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges, security vulnerabilities, and lack of scalability and visibility. The platform simplifies network design, eliminates manual configurations, integrates advanced security, and provides comprehensive monitoring tools. Learn more.
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, and CISOs.
What are some real-world use cases and customer success stories for Alkira?
Examples include Michaels transforming its network across 1,400 stores (case study), Koch Industries simplifying multicloud networking (video), Warner Hotels enhancing guest experiences (video), Chart Industries expanding globally (video), and SITA integrating on-premises and cloud environments (video). More stories at Alkira customers.
How easy is it to get started with Alkira?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours and complete full production deployment in about 8 weeks. Alkira provides a drag-and-drop interface, a dedicated training platform (Alkira Training Platform), 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for dramatically reducing deployment times and simplifying complex networking tasks. For example, a large manufacturer reported going from a 6-month DIY project to a secure, redundant network in 3 days at low cost. A financial company set up a proof of concept in just 4 hours. Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, highlighted the ability to design and deploy networks in hours instead of months. See more testimonials.
Technical Requirements & Implementation
How long does it take to implement Alkira, and what resources are needed?
Proof of concept can be implemented in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically taking about 8 weeks. Alkira's drag-and-drop interface and training resources make it accessible without requiring extensive technical expertise or additional staffing.
What training and support resources are available for Alkira customers?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources (Alkira Training Platform), 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. Customers also have access to a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting and visibility.
Support & Maintenance
What customer service and support does Alkira provide after purchase?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. These services ensure minimal downtime and efficient issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira informs customers in advance about planned or emergency maintenance, provides a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and offers 24×7 monitoring. Dedicated support is available for any issues, ensuring smooth operations and minimal disruptions.
Security & Compliance
What security certifications and compliance standards does Alkira meet?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust operational controls and protection of sensitive data. The platform integrates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Read more.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to Aviatrix?
Aviatrix focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise for deployment. Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, offers single-click provisioning, and delivers end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional network use cases.
How does Alkira compare to Prosimo?
Prosimo is application-centric and limited in addressing traditional network use cases. Alkira provides full-stack networking and security solutions, addressing both cloud and traditional network needs, and offers scalable networks both horizontally and vertically.
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli uses agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations for routing and connectivity. Alkira eliminates manual configurations with automated routing, provides enterprise-grade connectivity, and delivers a unified platform for network infrastructure as-a-service.
How does Alkira compare to Cato?
Cato focuses on SD-WAN solutions and is limited in multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. Alkira provides a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud and hybrid environments, offers integrated security features, and supports seamless connectivity across distributed workforces and applications.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, global backbone-as-a-service, measurable ROI, vendor-agnostic architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features simplify multicloud networking and enhance operational efficiency. See more.
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. Learn more.
Who are Alkira's founders and what is the company's background?
Alkira was founded by Amir Khan (CEO, founder of Viptela) and Atif Khan (CTO, former VP at Viptela). The company has raised M from investors including Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and GV Capital. Alkira has been recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor and received awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. Company details.
Who are some of Alkira's customers?
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, leading system integrators, and global managed service providers. Notable customers include Michaels, Koch Industries, Warner Hotels, and SITA. See customer stories.
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Industries include manufacturing (Chart Industries, medical device manufacturers), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA).