Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) and how does it address connectivity challenges in China?
Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) is a cloud-native platform that provides on-demand network infrastructure, enabling seamless, secure, and scalable connectivity across global regions, including China. The platform eliminates the need for traditional hardware and complex deployments, allowing enterprises to manage their China operations through a single portal while meeting enterprise security and compliance requirements. For a demonstration, watch the Solving China Connectivity Challenges with Network Infrastructure On-Demand video.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform offers:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS): Simplifies networking across hybrid and multicloud environments.
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service: Provides scalable, reliable, and low-latency connectivity, reducing deployment times from months to minutes.
- Integrated Security: Features like 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.
- Cost Savings: Up to 40% lower TCO compared to traditional solutions, with a 96% reduction in cloud setup time and a 47% decrease in network management time.
- Scalability: Automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand.
For more, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
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 eliminates the need for hardware-dependent networking and enables seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, reducing complexity, enhancing security, improving scalability, and providing comprehensive visibility. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer to support global and China connectivity?
Alkira offers:
- On-demand network infrastructure for rapid deployment in China and globally.
- Integrated security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls.
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for low-latency, reliable connectivity.
- Single-pane-of-glass management for visibility and control.
- Drag-and-drop interface for simplified network design.
These features enable enterprises to overcome regulatory and operational complexities in China and other regions.
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, Alkira integrates with leading technology providers, including:
For a full list, visit Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
Does Alkira provide 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, supporting automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. More details are available at this page.
What technical documentation and resources are available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers a range of technical resources, including:
These resources provide in-depth technical insights and guidance for evaluating Alkira's solutions.
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 provisioned elements (sites, cloud instances, network services, network traffic).
- Commitment-Based Pricing: Fixed pricing for predictable budgeting.
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. For more, visit Alkira's Pricing Page.
Use Cases & Benefits
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 compared to traditional solutions.
- Enhanced security: Integrated ZTNA and next-generation firewalls.
- Scalability: Automatic adjustment of network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand.
- Business resilience: Simplified multicloud networking for agility and continuity.
- Digital transformation: End-to-end visibility and control across hybrid/multi-cloud environments.
See this page for more details.
What are some real-world case studies of Alkira solving connectivity challenges?
Notable case studies include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity. Read more.
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility. Watch video.
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and visibility. Watch video.
- Chart Industries: Improved agility and expanded globally. Watch video.
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation. Watch video.
More stories at our customers page.
Which industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Industries include manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. See detailed case studies at our customers page.
Who is the target audience for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira serves mid-to-large enterprises across diverse industries. Target roles include Network Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO. The platform is designed for both technical and business decision-makers.
Pain Points & Problem Solving
What core problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses:
- Operational complexity: Simplifies networking with a drag-and-drop interface and single-click provisioning.
- Multicloud and hybrid cloud challenges: Eliminates intricate configurations and manual setups.
- Security vulnerabilities: Integrates advanced security features like ZTNA and next-generation firewalls.
- Lack of scalability and visibility: Provides comprehensive visibility tools and automatic infrastructure scaling.
See this page for more.
How does Alkira solve connectivity challenges specific to China?
Alkira's NIaaS platform enables seamless, secure, and compliant connectivity to and from China, overcoming regulatory and operational hurdles. Enterprises can manage their China operations through a single portal, ensuring global connectivity and integrated security. For a demonstration, watch the Solving China Connectivity Challenges with Network Infrastructure On-Demand video.
What pain points do Alkira customers commonly face, and how does Alkira address them?
Common pain points include:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications
- Complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance
- High-performance networking needs
Alkira addresses these by integrating advanced security, simplifying network design, providing single-pane-of-glass management, and delivering scalable, reliable connectivity. See case studies for real-world examples.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira differentiates itself by:
- Providing a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, enabling single-click provisioning and eliminating manual configurations (vs. Aviatrix, which focuses on orchestration overlays).
- Offering full-stack networking and security solutions for both cloud and traditional use cases (vs. Prosimo, which is application-centric).
- Delivering a unified platform for network infrastructure as-a-service, eliminating the need for agent-based solutions and manual routing (vs. Nefeli).
- Supporting multi-cloud and hybrid environments with a global backbone-as-a-service and integrated security (vs. Cato, which focuses on SD-WAN).
For more, see the detailed competitor comparison table in the company context.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Customers choose Alkira for:
- True abstraction layer and single-click provisioning
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls)
- Ease of use (drag-and-drop interface)
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid deployment
- Vendor-agnostic approach (no lock-in)
- Comprehensive visibility and measurable ROI
See this page for more details.
Security & Compliance
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating a commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. The platform integrates advanced security features such as ZTNA and next-generation firewalls. For more, visit Alkira's Compliance Page.
How does Alkira 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.
Implementation, Support & Training
How long does it take to implement Alkira, and how easy is it to get started?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically taking about 8 weeks. Alkira's drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training platform make onboarding straightforward, even for non-technical users. Learn more at Alkira Training Platform.
What training and technical support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers:
- A dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources (Alkira Training Platform).
- 24×7 monitoring to ensure SLA commitments.
- Dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets.
- Diagnostics Dashboard for live troubleshooting and visibility.
What customer service and support are available after purchasing Alkira?
Alkira provides:
- Proactive notifications for maintenance activities
- Live diagnostics dashboard
- 24×7 monitoring
- Dedicated support via email or support tickets
These ensure smooth operations and rapid issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira ensures seamless maintenance and upgrades through proactive notifications, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support. This minimizes downtime and operational disruptions.
Customer Proof & Testimonials
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its simplicity and speed:
- "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
See more at our customers page.
Company Information & 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 networking by providing a cloud-native solution that seamlessly connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
What key information should customers know about Alkira as a company?
Alkira was founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017) and is recognized as one of America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes. The company has received industry recognition, including being named a Gartner Cool Vendor and winning the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
Special Topics
Where can I watch the video about solving China connectivity challenges with Alkira?
You can watch the featured video here: Solving China Connectivity Challenges with Network Infrastructure On-Demand video.
