Frequently Asked Questions
ServiceNow Integration & Incident Management
What is the main benefit of integrating ServiceNow with Alkira?
The integration of ServiceNow with Alkira's Cloud Networking as-a-Service (NaaS) enables enterprises to streamline network incident management by automatically forwarding network alerts from Alkira to ServiceNow. This allows IT teams to simplify operations, enhance incident response, and improve overall operational efficiency by leveraging ServiceNow's digital workflows alongside Alkira's unified network infrastructure. Source
How does the Alkira and ServiceNow integration work?
When an alert is generated in the Alkira platform, it is automatically forwarded to the ServiceNow instance. This enables real-time visualization and management of network incidents within ServiceNow, allowing administrators to quickly identify and resolve issues. The integration supports both public and private network connectivity and enhances alert visualization inside ServiceNow. Source
What are the technical requirements for integrating ServiceNow with Alkira?
To integrate ServiceNow with Alkira, you need the URL of your ServiceNow instance and valid ServiceNow credentials. These inputs are required to establish the connection and enable automated alert forwarding from Alkira to ServiceNow. Source
What happened to the page titled 'ServiceNow Integration with Alkira: Streamlining Incident Management for the Modern Enterprise'?
The page titled 'ServiceNow Integration with Alkira: Streamlining Incident Management for the Modern Enterprise' does not exist or has been removed. Visitors are redirected to the homepage, which can be accessed at our homepage.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer?
Alkira provides a comprehensive suite of features, including Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility, and flexible pricing models. These features are designed to simplify cloud networking, enhance security, and provide operational efficiency. Source
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, Alkira supports integrations with a wide range of technology partners, including Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and the Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enable seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and simplified management for enterprise networks. Source
Does Alkira provide APIs for integration and automation?
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. Source
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating a strong commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. The platform also 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. Source
What technical documentation and resources are available for Alkira?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki for in-depth technical information. These resources are available on the Alkira website to support evaluation and implementation. Solution Briefs | Wiki
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses several key challenges, including securing distributed workforces and applications, simplifying complex multicloud and hybrid cloud networking, providing comprehensive visibility and governance, and delivering high-performance, scalable networking. The platform reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%, and can lower total cost of ownership by up to 40% compared to traditional solutions. Source
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. Key roles include network architects, cloud architects, security architects, IT managers/directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs. Source
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect measurable business impact, including faster deployment (proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, full production in about 8 weeks), significant operational efficiency, cost savings, enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Source
Can you share specific case studies or success stories of Alkira customers?
Yes. Notable examples include Michaels transforming its network across 1,400 stores (case study), Koch Industries simplifying multicloud networking (video), Warner Hotels enhancing B2B connectivity (video), and SITA integrating on-premises and cloud environments for aviation (video). More stories are available on our customers page.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and rapid deployment. For example, a network architect at a large manufacturer reported reducing a 6-month project to 3 days at low cost, and Koch Industries' CTO described moving from months of complexity to a dashboard-driven deployment in hours. Source
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers both consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) 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. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. Source
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to Aviatrix?
Aviatrix focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise for deployment. Alkira, by contrast, provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, offers single-click provisioning without requiring deep cloud expertise, and delivers end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional network use cases. Source
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, addresses both cloud and traditional network use cases, and offers horizontally and vertically scalable networks. Source
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli focuses on agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations for routing and connectivity. Alkira eliminates manual configurations with automated routing, provides enterprise-grade connectivity for cloud and AI-based applications, and delivers a unified platform for network infrastructure as-a-service. Source
How does Alkira compare to Cato?
Cato focuses on SD-WAN solutions and is limited in addressing multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. Alkira provides a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud and hybrid environments, offers integrated security features like ZTNA, and supports seamless connectivity across distributed workforces and applications. Source
Implementation & Support
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, dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support make onboarding straightforward, even for teams without extensive technical expertise. Training Platform
What training and technical support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources, as well as 24×7 monitoring and dedicated support via email or support tickets. A diagnostics dashboard is available for live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows. Training Platform
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for planned or emergency 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 operational disruptions. Contact Support
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. Source
What is Alkira's company background and industry recognition?
Alkira was founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017) and has been recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor, a Forbes Best Startup Employer, and a recipient of the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. Alkira is also listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. Source
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. More customer stories are available on our customers page.