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 modernize their network infrastructure without the need for traditional hardware. Alkira offers on-demand network infrastructure, global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) 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?
The primary purpose of Alkira's product is to simplify cloud networking for enterprises by providing a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira eliminates the complexity of traditional hardware-dependent networking, enabling rapid deployment, enhanced security, and comprehensive visibility. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform delivers:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) for hybrid and multicloud environments
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for scalable, reliable, low-latency connectivity
- Integrated security with ZTNA and next-generation firewalls
- Drag-and-drop interface for simplified network design
- Single-pane-of-glass visibility and management
- Up to 40% lower TCO, 96% reduction in cloud setup time, and 47% reduction in network management time
See Alkira's Platform Page for more.
What types of 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. For a full list, visit Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
Does Alkira provide APIs for integration?
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. More details are available at this page.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides whitepapers, solution briefs, and a technical wiki to help prospects and customers understand its solutions. Resources include the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper, solution briefs, and a technical wiki.
Features & Capabilities
What features make Alkira stand out for cloud networking?
Alkira stands out with:
- True abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure
- Single-click provisioning and drag-and-drop network design
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls)
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid, scalable connectivity
- Vendor-agnostic approach with no lock-in
- Comprehensive visibility and management tools
These features simplify multicloud networking and hybrid cloud integration. See this page for more.
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
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 follow best practices for user access management. More information is available at Alkira's Compliance Page.
How does Alkira help with operational efficiency and cost savings?
Alkira reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%, enabling faster deployment and streamlined operations. Customers can achieve up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions. These metrics are based on real-world customer outcomes. See this page for more details.
What customer feedback has Alkira received regarding ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira's ease of use. 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." See more testimonials at our customers page.
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. For more, visit Alkira's Pricing Page.
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications with integrated ZTNA and firewalls
- Reducing complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Providing comprehensive visibility and governance
- Delivering high-performance, scalable networking
These solutions help enterprises modernize their networks and accelerate digital transformation. See this page for 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, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs.
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect:
- Faster deployment (proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, full production in ~8 weeks)
- Significant cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO)
- Enhanced security and compliance
- Improved operational efficiency and business resilience
- Support for digital transformation and end-to-end visibility
See this page for more.
Can you share specific case studies or customer success stories?
Yes. Notable examples include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time (case study).
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility (video).
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and visibility (video).
- Chart Industries: Improved agility, saved costs, and expanded globally (video).
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation (video).
More stories at our customers page.
What results are showcased in the case study on accelerating M&A with Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service?
The case study highlights:
- Koch's ability to recreate over two years of work in a single afternoon
- Chart Industries' rapid integration of 90 additional sites
- Deployment timelines reduced from 3-6 months to days
- Unified multicloud connectivity across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
- Seamless integration of disparate SDWAN technologies
- Significant cost reductions
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 customer stories for details.
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. See Alkira Training Platform for resources.
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 visibility into network flows. Learn more at Alkira Training Platform.
What customer service and support are available after purchase?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. These services ensure minimal downtime and smooth operations.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira informs customers in advance about maintenance, provides a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, offers 24×7 monitoring, and delivers dedicated support to resolve issues quickly and minimize operational disruptions.
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, 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 and 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 simplify multicloud networking and enhance operational efficiency. See this page for more.
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 networking 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 is 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 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 are available at our customers page.
