Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information & Integration
What is Alkira and what does it offer?
Alkira is a cloud networking platform that provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to simplify and automate networking across hybrid and multicloud environments. Alkira eliminates the need for traditional hardware, offering a unified control plane, integrated security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls, and a global backbone-as-a-service for rapid, scalable, and secure connectivity. Learn more about Alkira's platform.
How does Alkira integrate with Terraform for network infrastructure management?
Alkira integrates with Terraform to enable enterprises to deploy and manage network infrastructure using infrastructure-as-code principles. This integration allows for automated, repeatable, and scalable network provisioning, addressing the challenges of tool selection and maintenance in dynamic cloud environments. For a detailed exploration, read the whitepaper Harnessing Network Infrastructure-as-Code with Alkira & Terraform or download it here.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira supports integrations with leading technology providers and platforms, 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 secure, scalable, and automated network management across cloud and on-premises environments. For a full list, visit Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
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 cost management tools and dashboards, supporting automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. More details are available at this page.
Where can I find technical documentation and resources for Alkira?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including whitepapers (such as the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper), solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki. Access these resources at the solution briefs page and wiki page.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Key features and benefits include:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) for hybrid and multicloud environments
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for scalable, low-latency connectivity
- Integrated security with ZTNA and next-generation firewalls
- Drag-and-drop interface for simplified network design and deployment
- Single-pane-of-glass visibility and management
- Up to 40% lower TCO compared to traditional solutions
- Automatic scalability to match bandwidth demand
- Measurable ROI: 96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time
Learn more about Alkira's platform.
How does Alkira address security and compliance?
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 Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. More details are available on Alkira's Compliance Page.
What performance improvements can Alkira deliver?
Alkira's platform delivers measurable business impact, including:
- 96% reduction in cloud setup time
- 47% reduction in network management time
- Up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Automatic scalability and high-performance networking
- Enhanced security and business resilience
For more details, visit this page.
How easy is Alkira to use?
Alkira is designed for ease of use, featuring a drag-and-drop interface for network design and deployment. Customers have reported rapid implementation, with proof of concept setups in as little as 4 hours and full production deployments in about 8 weeks. Testimonials highlight Alkira's ability to simplify complex networking tasks and reduce deployment times. For example, Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, stated: "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." Read more customer stories.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers flexible pricing options:
- Consumption-Based Pricing: Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) 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, firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. For more information, visit Alkira's Pricing Page.
Use Cases & Customer Success
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. See customer stories.
What are some real-world examples of Alkira's impact?
Alkira has enabled:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time. Read the case study.
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility. Watch the video.
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and B2B connectivity. Watch the video.
- Chart Industries: Improved agility, saved costs, and expanded globally. Watch the video.
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation. Watch the video.
For more, visit our customers page.
What pain points does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications with integrated ZTNA and firewalls
- Complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking by eliminating manual configurations
- Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance with single-pane-of-glass management
- High-performance networking through automatic scalability and global backbone-as-a-service
For case studies addressing these pain points, see:
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira differentiates itself by offering:
- A true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure for end-to-end solutions (vs. orchestration overlays or agent-based approaches)
- Single-click provisioning without requiring deep cloud expertise
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-gen firewalls) as part of the platform
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid, scalable, multi-cloud and hybrid connectivity
- Vendor-agnostic approach, allowing free choice of security/network stack components
For a detailed comparison, see the table in the company context above.
Why choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers measurable ROI (96% faster setup, 47% less management time, up to 40% lower TCO), ease of use (drag-and-drop interface), integrated security, and vendor-agnostic flexibility. Unlike competitors, Alkira provides a unified, cloud-native platform that simplifies multicloud networking and hybrid integration. Learn more here.
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 teams without deep networking expertise. Explore Alkira's Training Platform.
What training and technical support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. Customers also have access to a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows. Learn more about training.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support for issue resolution. These features minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
Industries & Case Studies
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). Explore case studies.
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 about Alkira.
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 listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List and was ranked 25th fastest-growing company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. More about Alkira.
