Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira and what solutions does it offer?
Alkira is a cloud networking platform that delivers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to connect users, sites, and applications across single, multicloud, and hybrid environments. Alkira's solutions include Single, Multicloud and Hybrid Cloud Networking, Integrated Security and Network Services, Business Partner Connectivity, Global Backbone-as-a-Service, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). These solutions are designed to simplify network design, deployment, and management, and are offered as a service with no hardware dependencies. Learn more.
How does Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service work?
Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) provides on-demand, scalable network infrastructure that eliminates the need for traditional hardware and complex deployments. It offers a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, with features like drag-and-drop network design, single-click provisioning, and integrated security. More details.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Key capabilities include:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) for hybrid and multicloud environments
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity
- Integrated security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls
- Drag-and-drop interface for ease of use
- Comprehensive visibility and single-pane-of-glass management
- Up to 40% lower TCO, 96% reduction in cloud setup time, and 47% reduction in network management time
These benefits help enterprises accelerate digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance security. See platform details.
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 networking across cloud and on-premises environments. 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 for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. These APIs support automated synthesis of billing data and help monitor and optimize cloud costs. Learn more about Alkira APIs.
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. These resources offer in-depth technical insights and guidance for evaluating and implementing Alkira's solutions. Solution briefs | Wiki
Features & Capabilities
What features make Alkira stand out in the market?
Alkira's standout features include:
- True abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure for end-to-end solutions
- Integrated security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for rapid, scalable, and reliable connectivity
- Drag-and-drop interface for simplified network design and deployment
- Vendor-agnostic approach allowing free choice of security and network stack components
- Comprehensive visibility and single-pane-of-glass management
- Measurable ROI: 96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time, and up to 40% lower TCO
These features address complex multicloud networking, hybrid cloud integration, secure distributed workforce access, and scalable networking. More details.
How does Alkira ensure high performance and scalability?
Alkira's platform automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand, enabling rapid scalability and high-performance networking. The global backbone-as-a-service delivers low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity across geographies, supporting business resilience and digital transformation. See performance highlights.
What security and compliance features does Alkira offer?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating strong operational controls and protection of customer data. Integrated security features include Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to manage user access and follow security best practices. See compliance details.
What customer feedback has Alkira received regarding 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 highlighted the ability to design and deploy networks in hours instead of months. See more testimonials.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers flexible pricing with both consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) options. Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements (such as Alkira Cloud Exchange Points), connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See Alkira pricing.
Use Cases & Benefits
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
- Cost savings: Up to 40% lower TCO compared to traditional solutions
- Enhanced security: Integrated ZTNA and next-generation firewalls
- Scalability: Automatic adjustment to bandwidth demand
- Business resilience and digital transformation support
These outcomes are supported by customer case studies and measurable ROI. See business impact.
What types of companies and roles benefit most from Alkira?
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. See customer stories.
What are some real-world case studies of Alkira's impact?
Notable case studies include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time. Read more
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility. Watch video
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and B2B connectivity. Watch video
- Chart Industries: Improved agility, saved costs, and expanded globally. Watch video
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation. Watch video
For more, visit Alkira's 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. See all case studies.
Where can I find solutions for the retail industry?
Alkira provides dedicated solutions for the retail industry, which can be found on the retail solutions page.
Pain Points & Problem Solving
What core problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses:
- Operational complexity in cloud and hybrid networking
- Security vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs and perimeter-based models
- Complexity of multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance
- Need for scalable, reliable, and low-latency connectivity
These are solved through Alkira's abstraction layer, integrated security, global backbone, and unified management tools. Learn more.
How does Alkira address common customer pain points?
Alkira solves:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications: Integrated ZTNA and next-generation firewalls
- Complexity in multicloud/hybrid networking: Global backbone-as-a-service and abstraction layer
- Lack of visibility/governance: Single-pane-of-glass management
- High-performance networking: Automatic scaling and reliable connectivity
See specific case studies for each pain point:
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to Aviatrix?
Aviatrix focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise for deployment. Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, offers single-click provisioning without deep cloud expertise, and delivers end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional network use cases. See comparison details.
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 use cases, and offers scalable networks. See comparison details.
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. See comparison details.
How does Alkira compare to Cato?
Cato focuses on SD-WAN and is limited in multi-cloud and hybrid 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. See comparison details.
Support & Implementation
How easy is it to get started with Alkira, and what is the implementation timeline?
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, and 24×7 monitoring make onboarding straightforward, even for non-technical users. See 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 email or support tickets. Customers also have access to a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting. Training Platform | Contact Support
What support is available for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
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. 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. 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 also listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. See company details.
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. See customer stories.
Other Common Questions
How can I continue the conversation about Alkira's solutions?
You can choose to 'Continue Over Email' for personalized discussions or schedule a demo to explore Alkira's solutions in detail. Request a Demo
How does Alkira encourage users to explore its solutions?
Alkira provides inspiration questions, demo scheduling options, and personalized conversations through tools like Salespeak to help users explore solutions tailored to their needs.
