Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira and what does it offer?
Alkira provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to simplify cloud networking and connectivity challenges. Alkira eliminates the need for traditional hardware, offering on-demand network infrastructure, global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security (including Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), and a drag-and-drop interface for easy network design and deployment. For more details, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
What is the primary purpose of Alkira's product?
Alkira's primary purpose is to simplify cloud networking for enterprises by providing a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This approach reduces operational complexity, enhances security, improves scalability, and provides comprehensive visibility and control. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's product?
Key capabilities include Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service, global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls), ease of use with a drag-and-drop interface, comprehensive visibility, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and scalability. Alkira reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%. For more, see Alkira's Platform Page.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with leading technology providers 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 the full list at Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
Does Alkira provide APIs?
Yes, Alkira offers APIs, including billing APIs that provide real-time cloud network cost data for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. These APIs support automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. Details are available at this page.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs, and a detailed wiki. Access these resources at solution briefs and wiki page.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer to simplify cloud networking?
Alkira offers a drag-and-drop interface, single-click provisioning, integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls), global backbone-as-a-service, vendor-agnostic architecture, and single-pane-of-glass visibility. These features eliminate manual configurations and make networking accessible even for non-technical users.
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating robust operational controls and protection of cardholder data. Integrated security features include Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. More details at Alkira's Compliance Page.
How does Alkira support scalability and performance?
Alkira's platform automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand, enabling rapid scalability and high-performance networking. It delivers up to 40% lower TCO, reduces cloud setup time by 96%, and network management time by 47%.
What are Alkira's key differentiators compared to traditional solutions?
Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, integrated security, ease of use, global backbone-as-a-service, vendor-agnostic architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features enable faster deployment, cost savings, and operational efficiency.
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 in the portal or via APIs. For more, visit Alkira's Pricing Page.
Use Cases & Benefits
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, 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% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time), up to 40% lower TCO, enhanced security, rapid scalability, business resilience, and support for digital transformation. See this page for more details.
What are some real-world case studies of Alkira customers?
Examples 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.
More stories at our customers page.
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.
What customer feedback has Alkira received regarding ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for simplifying complex networking tasks and reducing deployment times. For example, a Network Architect at a large manufacturer said, "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." Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, noted, "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."
Pain Points & Solutions
What core problems does Alkira solve?
Alkira addresses operational complexity, multicloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges, security vulnerabilities, and lack of scalability and visibility. The platform simplifies networking, integrates advanced security, and provides comprehensive visibility and control. See this page for more.
How does Alkira solve common customer pain points?
Alkira integrates advanced security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls), simplifies multicloud and hybrid networking with a global backbone-as-a-service, provides single-pane-of-glass visibility, and ensures high-performance, scalable connectivity. Case studies include Michaels (distributed workforce), a large financial services company (multicloud complexity), and a large healthcare provider (high-performance networking).
How does Alkira's approach to solving pain points differ from competitors?
Alkira offers integrated security as part of its cloud-native solution, a true abstraction layer for end-to-end solutions, unified visibility, and a global backbone-as-a-service. This contrasts with competitors who may require multiple tools, manual configurations, or focus on overlays rather than full-stack solutions.
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, addressing both cloud and traditional network needs, 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 and hybrid environments. Alkira offers a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud and hybrid environments, integrated security features, and 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, global backbone-as-a-service, measurable ROI, vendor-agnostic architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features enable rapid deployment, cost savings, and operational efficiency. See this page for more.
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 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, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. Tools like the Diagnostics Dashboard provide live troubleshooting and network visibility.
What customer service and support are available after purchase?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support channels. These ensure minimal downtime and efficient issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira informs customers in advance about maintenance, provides a live diagnostics dashboard, offers 24×7 monitoring, and has dedicated support for troubleshooting and upgrades. Contact support@alkira.com for assistance.
Security & Compliance
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust operational controls and protection of sensitive data. Integrated security features include ZTNA and next-generation firewalls. More at Alkira's Compliance Page.
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 traditional hardware complexity by providing a cloud-native solution that connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
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. It was also listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. See Alkira's Company Page for more.
Who are some of Alkira's customers?
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, system integrators, and global managed service providers. Notable customers include Michaels, Koch Industries, Warner Hotels, and SITA. More stories at our customers page.
Events & Media
What was discussed in the AWS re:Invent 2021 interview with Alkira and Warner Music Group?
The AWS re:Invent 2021 interview featured discussions on Alkira's solutions and their application in Warner Music Group's cloud networking. Watch the interview at this link.
Where can I watch Alkira's CEO Amir Khan & Michaels' Director Sreenu Sampati at Google Cloud Next 25' TheCube Interview?
You can watch the interview here: Alkira's CEO Amir Khan & Michaels' Director Sreenu Sampati | Google Cloud Next 25' TheCube Interview video
