Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira and how does it work with Microsoft Azure?
Alkira is a cloud networking platform that simplifies enterprise connectivity by providing Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS). In partnership with Microsoft Azure, Alkira enables organizations to easily integrate Azure into their multi-cloud networks without the need to learn cloud-specific networking constructs. Alkira delivers on-demand hybrid and multi-cloud network connectivity, integrated network and security services, and end-to-end visibility and governance. For more details, see the Alkira and Azure: Multicloud Networking at Scale whitepaper.
What products and services does Alkira offer?
Alkira offers a range of solutions including 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 services are designed to simplify cloud networking and transform enterprise connectivity. Learn more at the Alkira 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 need for traditional hardware-dependent networking and addresses complexity, security, scalability, and visibility challenges. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
What is Alkira Network: Cloud-Network Convergence?
Alkira Network: Cloud-Network Convergence refers to Alkira's approach of unifying cloud and network infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity and management across cloud and on-premises environments. You can watch the explanatory video here.
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer for multicloud and hybrid cloud networking?
Alkira provides on-demand hybrid and multi-cloud network connectivity, integrated network and security services, end-to-end visibility and governance, and a drag-and-drop interface for network design. The platform supports single-click provisioning, vendor-agnostic security and network stack choices, and a global backbone-as-a-service that reduces deployment times from months to minutes. For more, see Single, Multicloud and Hybrid Cloud Networking.
Does Alkira support integrated security features?
Yes, Alkira integrates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls to ensure secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications. These features are built into the platform to address vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs and perimeter-based security models. More information is available at Integrated Security and Network Services.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with a variety of 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?
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 from various sources. Learn more at this page.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira?
Alkira provides whitepapers, solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki with detailed technical information. Notable resources include the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper and the solution briefs page. The wiki page offers in-depth technical documentation.
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, next-generation 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 business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect significant operational efficiency (cloud setup time reduced by 96%, network management time by 47%), up to 40% lower total cost of ownership (TCO), enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Alkira supports digital transformation by optimizing workloads and providing end-to-end visibility across hybrid/multi-cloud environments. For more, see this page.
What 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 tools. For more, visit this page.
Who can benefit 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. Target roles include Network Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO.
What are some real-world use cases and customer success stories for Alkira?
Examples include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores, ensuring secure connectivity during peak season (case study).
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility (video).
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and B2B connectivity (video).
- Chart Industries: Improved agility and expanded globally (video).
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation (video).
More stories are available on our customers page.
What customer feedback has Alkira received regarding ease of use?
Customers have praised 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 Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, highlighted the ability to design and deploy networks in hours instead of months. See more testimonials on our customers page.
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 provides a drag-and-drop interface, a dedicated training platform (Alkira Training Platform), 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
What training and technical support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources. Customers benefit from 24×7 monitoring, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. Learn more at Alkira Training Platform.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support for issue resolution. These features minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.
Security & Compliance
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating a commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. The platform also integrates advanced security features like ZTNA and next-generation firewalls. For more, visit Alkira's Compliance Page.
What are Alkira's recommendations for customer security responsibilities?
Alkira encourages customers to manage user access, revoke access when necessary, and follow information security best practices to safeguard their assets and information.
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.
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 network use cases, and offers scalable networks both horizontally and vertically.
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli uses agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations for routing and connectivity. Alkira eliminates manual configurations with automated routing, provides enterprise-grade connectivity for cloud and AI-based applications, 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 cloud 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.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, rapid global connectivity, measurable ROI (96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time), vendor-agnostic flexibility, and comprehensive visibility. These features make Alkira a leader in simplifying multicloud networking and enhancing operational efficiency. For more, visit this page.
Industries & Case Studies
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Industries include manufacturing (e.g., Chart Industries), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA). See more at our customers 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 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 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. Alkira is listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List and was ranked 25th fastest-growing company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
