Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's Global On-Demand MultiCloud Network?
The Global On-Demand MultiCloud Network is Alkira's solution that enables single-click provisioning of an entire global multi-cloud network and network services. It allows organizations to connect remote users, on-premises sites, and public clouds seamlessly, reducing provisioning time from months to minutes. Read the whitepaper for more details.
What products and services does Alkira offer?
Alkira provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security features (such as Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for network design, comprehensive visibility tools, and flexible pricing models. These solutions are designed to simplify enterprise networking and connectivity challenges. Learn more about Alkira's platform.
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 offers a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. More about Alkira's mission.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's product?
Key capabilities include on-demand network infrastructure, global backbone connectivity, integrated security (ZTNA, next-gen firewalls), ease of use via drag-and-drop design, comprehensive visibility, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and scalability. Alkira reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%. See full platform details.
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 the solution briefs page and wiki page.
Does Alkira offer APIs for integration?
Yes, Alkira provides APIs, including billing APIs that deliver real-time cloud network cost data for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. Learn more about Alkira's APIs.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enhance connectivity, security, and automation. See all technology partners.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer to simplify cloud networking?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, integrated security (ZTNA, next-gen firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface, global backbone-as-a-service, vendor-agnostic architecture, and single-pane-of-glass visibility. These features eliminate manual configurations and enable rapid, secure, and scalable network deployments.
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating strong operational controls and data protection. 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 Alkira's compliance details.
How does Alkira handle scalability and performance?
Alkira's platform automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand, enabling rapid scalability and high-performance networking. It reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%, and delivers up to 40% lower TCO compared to traditional solutions. More on performance.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect operational efficiency, significant cost savings, enhanced security, scalability, business resilience, and support for digital transformation. These benefits are backed by measurable metrics and customer testimonials. See business impact details.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers both consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based pricing. Costs are determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific services. Pricing details can be viewed live in the portal or via APIs. See Alkira's pricing page.
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses operational complexity, multicloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges, security vulnerabilities, and lack of scalability and visibility. It simplifies network design, enhances security, and provides comprehensive monitoring and control.
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/cloud/security architects, IT managers, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs.
What are some real-world examples of Alkira's impact?
Case studies include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time. Read case study
- 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
See more customer stories
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.
How easy is it to get started with Alkira?
Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically taking about 8 weeks. Alkira provides a drag-and-drop interface, a dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to ensure a smooth onboarding process. Explore Alkira's training platform.
What feedback have customers shared about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for dramatically reducing deployment times and simplifying complex networking tasks. For example, a large manufacturer reported going from a 6-month DIY project to a secure, redundant network in 3 days with Alkira. Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, highlighted the ability to design and deploy a network in hours instead of months. See more testimonials.
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 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 architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features make Alkira a leader in simplifying multicloud networking and enhancing operational efficiency. Learn more.
Technical Requirements & Support
What training and 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. Tools like the Diagnostics Dashboard provide live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows. Access Alkira's training.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to minimize downtime and operational disruptions. Customers can contact support@alkira.com for assistance.
What customer service is available after purchasing Alkira?
Customers receive proactive notifications, access to a diagnostics dashboard, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting. This ensures smooth operations and rapid issue resolution.
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 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. 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 more customer stories.
Whitepapers & Resources
What does the 'Global On-Demand MultiCloud Network' whitepaper cover?
This whitepaper details Alkira's solution for single-click provisioning of global multi-cloud networks and network services, connecting remote users, on-premises sites, and public clouds, and reducing provisioning time from months to minutes. Access the whitepaper.