Frequently Asked Questions
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer for cloud networking?
Alkira provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling on-demand, hardware-free networking across hybrid and multicloud environments. Key features include a global backbone-as-a-service for scalable, low-latency connectivity, integrated security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls, a drag-and-drop interface for easy network design, and a single-pane-of-glass dashboard for comprehensive visibility and management. Learn more.
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology platforms?
Yes, Alkira integrates with a wide range of technology providers and platforms, including Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and the Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enable secure, scalable, and automated cloud networking. See all integrations.
Does Alkira provide APIs for automation and cost management?
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 to automate billing data synthesis and support ongoing cloud cost optimization. Learn more.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
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 with detailed technical information. Solution Briefs | Wiki
How does Alkira ensure ease of use for network management?
Alkira's platform features a drag-and-drop interface for network design and deployment, making it accessible even for non-technical users. Customers have reported deploying proofs of concept in as little as 4 hours and full production in about 8 weeks. The dashboard provides real-time monitoring and analytics for simplified management and troubleshooting.
Security & Compliance
Is Alkira secure and compliant with industry standards?
Yes, Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust operational controls and secure handling of customer data. The platform includes integrated security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls to protect distributed workforces and sensitive data. Read more.
What security features are built into Alkira's platform?
Alkira incorporates advanced security measures, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), next-generation firewalls, and comprehensive monitoring. These features are integrated into the platform to ensure secure connectivity for distributed teams and applications, and to help organizations meet compliance requirements.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model and how is it determined?
Alkira offers flexible pricing models, including consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based options. Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements (such as Alkira Cloud Exchange Points), 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. Learn more.
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses operational complexity, high costs, and security challenges associated with traditional and legacy networking. It simplifies multicloud and hybrid cloud networking, eliminates the need for physical network hubs, reduces manual configurations, and provides integrated security and visibility. This results in faster deployment, lower operational costs, and improved compliance.
What measurable business outcomes can Alkira deliver?
Alkira has demonstrated a 96% reduction in cloud setup time, a 47% reduction in network management time, and a 70% faster mean-time-to-resolution for complex network issues. Customers also report significant cost savings by eliminating colocation hub expenses and reducing manual work. Learn more.
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as biotechnology, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, financial services, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. It serves both technical (network/cloud/security architects, IT managers) and business (CIO, CTO, CISO, VP) personas. See customer stories.
Can you share a real-world example of Alkira's impact?
Yes. A mid-sized biotech company eliminated the need for physical network hubs by adopting Alkira's cloud-based networking platform. They achieved a 96% reduction in cloud setup time, a 47% reduction in network management time, and a 70% faster mean-time-to-resolution for network issues. The company also improved its security posture and compliance. Download the full case study.
What feedback have customers shared about Alkira?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its ease of use, rapid deployment, and robust security. For example, a network architect at a large manufacturer reported that Alkira delivered a secure, redundant network in 3 days at low cost, while a financial company created a proof of concept in just 4 hours. Read more testimonials.
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Alkira's case studies span manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. Explore case studies.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to traditional colocation or legacy cloud networking solutions?
Alkira eliminates the need for physical network hubs and manual configurations, providing a fully managed, scalable, and secure cloud network backbone. Unlike legacy solutions, Alkira offers integrated security, rapid deployment, and comprehensive visibility, reducing operational costs and complexity.
How does Alkira differ from competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira provides a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, enabling single-click provisioning and eliminating the need for deep cloud expertise. Unlike Aviatrix (which focuses on orchestration overlays), Prosimo (application-centric networking), Nefeli (agent-based solutions), and Cato (SD-WAN focus), Alkira delivers end-to-end, full-stack networking and security for both cloud and traditional use cases, with integrated security and global backbone-as-a-service. Learn more.
Support & Implementation
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 teams without deep technical expertise. Alkira Training Platform.
What training and support resources are available for Alkira customers?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources. Customers benefit from 24×7 monitoring, proactive notifications, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. Contact support.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for planned or emergency maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, continuous 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
Product Information
What is the primary purpose of Alkira's product?
Alkira's product is designed to simplify cloud networking for enterprises by providing Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS). This eliminates the need for traditional hardware-dependent networking and enables seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Key capabilities include on-demand network infrastructure, global backbone-as-a-service, integrated security, ease of use, comprehensive visibility, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and scalability. These benefits help enterprises accelerate digital transformation and maintain business resilience. Learn more.
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.
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.
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. Read more.
