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 and accelerate connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira eliminates the need for traditional hardware, offering a unified control plane for seamless, secure, and scalable networking. Key offerings include global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security (such as Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), and a drag-and-drop interface for easy network design and deployment. Learn more about Alkira's platform.
How does Alkira help enterprises connect to AWS, Azure, and GCP quickly?
Alkira enables rapid, secure, and scalable connectivity to AWS, Azure, and GCP by abstracting the complexity of multi-cloud networking. Enterprises can achieve cloud connectivity in record time using Alkira's global backbone-as-a-service and intuitive drag-and-drop interface. For a detailed walkthrough, watch the webinar "Get to AWS, Azure and GCP in Record Time by World Wide Technology & Alkira" and see the video Alkira Connects Clouds Directly: AWS & Azure, Faster Than Ever!.
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 approach eliminates traditional hardware dependencies and enables unified, secure, and scalable connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira addresses complexity, security, scalability, and visibility challenges for modern enterprises. Learn more about Alkira's mission.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features and capabilities of Alkira?
Alkira's platform offers:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS): Simplifies networking across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service: Provides scalable, reliable, and low-latency connectivity across geographies, 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, managing, and optimizing cloud networks.
- Cost Savings: Up to 40% lower TCO compared to traditional solutions, with measurable ROI benefits.
- Scalability: Automatic adjustment of network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand.
For more details, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with leading technology providers and platforms, including:
These integrations enable seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and simplified management. See all technology partners.
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. Learn more about Alkira's APIs.
What technical documentation and resources are available for Alkira?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including:
These resources offer in-depth technical insights and guidance for evaluating and implementing 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 options for predictable budgeting.
Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements, 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'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 and 47% reduction in network management time.
- Cost Savings: Up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions.
- Enhanced Security: Integrated ZTNA and next-generation firewalls for secure connectivity.
- 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.
For more, visit Alkira Cloud Insights.
What 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, reducing deployment times from months to minutes.
- 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.
These solutions help enterprises accelerate digital transformation and maintain secure, agile operations. 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, as well as business leaders like CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs. See customer stories.
What are some real-world use cases and customer success stories for Alkira?
Notable case studies include:
- 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 Alkira's customers page.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive platform and rapid deployment:
- "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
Implementation & Onboarding
How long does it take to implement Alkira and how easy is it to get started?
Alkira enables rapid onboarding:
- Proof of concept can be implemented in as little as 4 hours.
- Full production deployment typically takes about 8 weeks.
The platform features a drag-and-drop interface and offers a dedicated training platform with demos and resources (Alkira Training Platform). 24×7 monitoring and dedicated support ensure a smooth start without requiring extensive technical expertise.
What training and support resources are available for new Alkira customers?
Alkira provides:
- A dedicated training platform with detailed guidance and demos (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 network visibility.
These resources help customers adopt Alkira's solutions efficiently and confidently.
Security & Compliance
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
Alkira is committed to high standards of security and compliance:
- SOC 2 Compliance: Demonstrates secure operational controls and data protection.
- PCI-DSS Compliance: Adheres to global standards for cardholder data protection.
- Integrated Security Features: Includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls.
- Customer Responsibilities: Customers are encouraged to manage user access and follow security best practices.
For more, visit Alkira's Compliance Page.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira differentiates itself in several ways:
- Versus Aviatrix: Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, enabling single-click provisioning and end-to-end solutions without requiring deep cloud expertise.
- Versus Prosimo: Alkira offers full-stack networking and security, addressing both cloud and traditional network use cases, with scalable networks.
- Versus Nefeli: Alkira eliminates manual configurations with automated routing and delivers a unified platform for network infrastructure as-a-service.
- Versus Cato: Alkira focuses on multi-cloud and hybrid environments with a global backbone-as-a-service and integrated security, supporting distributed workforces and applications.
For more details, see the comparison table in the company context above.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Customers choose Alkira for:
- True Abstraction Layer: End-to-end solutions leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, eliminating manual configurations.
- Integrated Security: ZTNA and next-generation firewalls for secure access.
- Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop interface for rapid deployment.
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service: Rapid global connectivity, reducing deployment times from months to minutes.
- Vendor-Agnostic: Freedom to choose security and network stack components without vendor lock-in.
- Comprehensive Visibility: Single-pane-of-glass management tools.
- Measurable ROI: Significant reductions in setup and management time, and up to 40% lower TCO.
See Alkira's solution explainer for more.
Support & Maintenance
What customer service and support does Alkira provide after purchase?
Alkira offers:
- Proactive notifications for planned or emergency maintenance.
- Diagnostics Dashboard for live troubleshooting and network flow visibility.
- 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments.
- Dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets.
These services ensure minimal downtime and efficient issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira ensures seamless operations through:
- Proactive notifications about maintenance activities.
- Live Diagnostics Dashboard for troubleshooting.
- Continuous 24×7 monitoring.
- Dedicated support channels for rapid assistance.
These features minimize operational disruptions and keep networks running smoothly.
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 is recognized for its innovation in cloud networking. The company has been named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes, a Gartner Cool Vendor, and has received awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine and inclusion in CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. See more about Alkira's history and recognition.
Industries & Customers
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. Explore case studies.
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 more customer stories.
Webinars & Media
What does the webinar 'Get to AWS, Azure and GCP in Record Time by World Wide Technology & Alkira' focus on?
This webinar highlights strategies for achieving rapid connectivity to AWS, Azure, and GCP using Alkira’s solutions. Watch the webinar here.
How does Alkira connect clouds directly, such as AWS and Azure, faster than ever?
Alkira enables direct, rapid, and secure connectivity between clouds like AWS and Azure by leveraging its global backbone-as-a-service and abstraction layer. This approach eliminates manual configurations and accelerates deployment. Watch the demonstration in this video: Alkira Connects Clouds Directly: AWS & Azure, Faster Than Ever!
