Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
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 connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira eliminates the need for hardware and complex deployments, offering solutions such as Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and a drag-and-drop interface for easy network design and deployment. Learn more about Alkira's platform.
What is the focus of Episode 8: HPE Aruba SD-WAN Integration?
Episode 8 demonstrates how to seamlessly extend HPE Aruba SD-WAN fabric to the Alkira platform, enabling complete modernization from edge to cloud. This integration allows enterprises to leverage Alkira's cloud-native networking capabilities alongside Aruba's SD-WAN for enhanced security and scalability. Watch Episode 8 here.
What other categories are related to Episode 8: HPE Aruba SD-WAN Integration?
Episode 8 is categorized under Integrated Security and Network Services, which focuses on enhancing enterprise security and networking 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 enable secure, scalable, and automated cloud networking. See all technology partners.
Does Alkira provide APIs?
Yes, Alkira offers APIs, including billing APIs that deliver real-time cloud network cost data for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. These APIs support automated synthesis of billing data from various sources. Learn more about Alkira's APIs.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides whitepapers, solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki with detailed technical information. Resources include the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper, solution briefs, and wiki documentation.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features and capabilities of Alkira?
Alkira's platform offers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls), drag-and-drop network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and automatic scalability. These features simplify cloud networking and enhance operational efficiency. Explore Alkira's platform.
How does Alkira address security and compliance?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust security and operational controls. The platform integrates advanced security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. Read more about Alkira's compliance.
How does Alkira simplify network management and deployment?
Alkira provides a drag-and-drop interface for network design, single-click provisioning, and single-pane-of-glass tools for monitoring and management. Customers report reducing deployment times from months to minutes and managing networks with minimal complexity. See how Alkira simplifies networking.
What performance improvements can Alkira deliver?
Alkira reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%, with up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership compared to traditional solutions. The platform automatically scales to match bandwidth demand, ensuring high-performance networking. Learn more about Alkira's performance.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers flexible pricing, including consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) options. 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. See Alkira's pricing.
Use Cases & Benefits
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. Target roles include Network Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect operational efficiency (96% faster cloud setup, 47% less network management time), cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Alkira supports digital transformation and end-to-end visibility across hybrid/multi-cloud environments. See business impact details.
What pain points does Alkira solve?
Alkira addresses securing distributed workforces, complexity in multicloud/hybrid networking, lack of visibility and governance, and high-performance networking needs. The platform integrates advanced security, simplifies configurations, provides unified visibility, and ensures scalable, reliable connectivity. Learn how Alkira solves pain points.
Can you share specific case studies or customer success stories?
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), Chart Industries expanding globally (video), and SITA integrating on-premises and cloud environments (video). See more customer stories.
What 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.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to Aviatrix?
Aviatrix focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise. 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, addresses both cloud and traditional use cases, and offers scalable networks.
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli uses agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations. 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 and is limited in multi-cloud/hybrid environments. Alkira provides a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud and hybrid environments, offers integrated security features, and supports seamless connectivity for distributed workforces and applications.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, rapid global connectivity, measurable ROI, vendor-agnostic flexibility, and comprehensive visibility. These features differentiate Alkira from competitors and simplify multicloud networking. See Alkira's advantages.
Technical Requirements & Implementation
How easy is it to get started with Alkira?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment taking approximately 8 weeks. Alkira's drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training platform make onboarding straightforward. Access Alkira Training Platform.
What resources are available to help customers adopt Alkira?
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support. Customers can access guidance, demos, and resources to efficiently learn and implement Alkira's solutions. Learn more about Alkira training.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its ease of use and rapid deployment. For example, a Network Architect at a large manufacturer reported going from a 6-month DIY project to a secure, redundant network in 3 days at low cost. Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, highlighted the ability to design and deploy a network in a few hours using Alkira's dashboard. Read more testimonials.
Support & Maintenance
What customer service and support does Alkira offer?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. These services ensure smooth operations and rapid issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira informs customers in advance about maintenance, offers a live diagnostics dashboard for network visibility, provides 24×7 monitoring, and supports issue resolution through dedicated support channels. These features minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
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 traditional hardware-dependent networking complexity with a cloud-native solution that seamlessly connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Learn more about Alkira's mission.
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 winner of the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. Alkira is listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List and ranked 25th fastest-growing company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. See Alkira's company profile.
Who are some of Alkira's customers?
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, system integrators, and managed service providers. Notable customers include Michaels, Koch Industries, Warner Hotels, and SITA. Explore customer stories.
