Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information & Integrations
What is Alkira Network Cloud and how does it integrate with AWS Transit Gateway Connect?
Alkira Network Cloud is a cloud-native platform that enables enterprises to build and deploy a global unified Cloud Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (CNaaS). Its integration with AWS Transit Gateway Connect allows customers to connect third-party SD-WAN hubs and network virtual appliances with AWS Transit Gateway, delivering seamless AWS cloud capabilities and dramatically simplifying Cloud Network as-a-Service (CNaaS) for on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud networking environments. This integration is available through Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ (Alkira CSX). Learn more.
What are Alkira Cloud Exchange Points (CXPs)?
Alkira Cloud Exchange Points (CXPs) are virtual multi-cloud points of presence with a full routing stack and network services capabilities. They form a highly available and resilient network of globally interconnected nodes, allowing users, sites, data centers, SD-WAN fabrics, and cloud services to connect to the Alkira global cloud backbone through the geographically closest CXP.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira supports integrations 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. See all technology partners.
Does Alkira offer APIs for integration and cost management?
Yes, Alkira provides APIs, including billing APIs that deliver real-time cloud network cost data. These APIs can be integrated with other cost management tools and dashboards, supporting automated synthesis of billing data from various sources. Learn more.
Where can I find technical documentation for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers whitepapers, solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki for technical documentation. Resources include the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper, solution briefs, and the Alkira wiki.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features of Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform offers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility, vendor-agnostic architecture, and flexible pricing models. These features simplify cloud networking, enhance security, and provide measurable ROI. Learn more.
How does Alkira ensure high performance and scalability?
Alkira's platform reduces cloud setup time by 96% and network management time by 47%. It automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand, enabling rapid scalability and high-performance networking. Customers can expect up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions. See performance details.
What security and compliance features does Alkira provide?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring robust operational controls and protection of cardholder 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. See compliance details.
How does Alkira simplify network design and deployment?
Alkira provides a modern graphical drag-and-drop interface for all design, provisioning, and operational needs. Customers can create and provision fully secure networks in any region worldwide and integrate security through the Alkira CSX marketplace, enabling enterprise connectivity from any on-premises site to any hybrid, public, or multi-cloud in a few clicks.
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. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific connector types and bandwidth. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See pricing details.
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. The platform simplifies networking, integrates advanced security, and provides comprehensive visibility tools, supporting digital transformation and business resilience. Learn 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 Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect reduced cloud setup time (by 96%), lower network management time (by 47%), up to 40% lower TCO, enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Alkira supports digital transformation by optimizing workloads and providing end-to-end visibility and control. See business impact.
Can you share specific case studies or success stories?
Yes. Notable case studies include Michaels (network transformation across 1,400 stores), Koch Industries (simplified multicloud networking), Warner Hotels (enhanced networking efficiency), Chart Industries (global expansion and cost savings), and SITA (aviation infrastructure integration). See all 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.
Customer Experience & Support
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's drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training platform make onboarding straightforward, even for non-technical users. Explore Alkira Training Platform.
What customer feedback has Alkira received regarding ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive platform and rapid deployment. For example, a Network Architect at a large manufacturer reported going from a 6-month DIY project to a secure, redundant network in just 3 days with Alkira. Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, highlighted the ability to design and deploy networks in hours using Alkira's dashboard. See testimonials.
What support and training resources are available?
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. These resources ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing operations. Learn more.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support channels. These features minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
Security & Compliance
What compliance certifications does Alkira hold?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring high standards for security, availability, confidentiality, and protection of cardholder data. See compliance details.
What integrated security features are available?
Alkira incorporates Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), next-generation firewalls, and end-to-end segmentation capabilities. These features protect distributed workforces and applications across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
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 focuses on application-centric networking and is 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.
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 setups, 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 solutions 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.
Vision, Mission & Company Information
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.
Who founded Alkira and what is its company history?
Alkira was founded by Amir Khan (CEO, founder of Viptela) and Atif Khan (CTO, former VP at Viptela). The company leverages deep expertise in cloud networking and has raised M from Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and GV Capital. Alkira has been recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor and received awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. See company details.
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.
Specialized Integrations
What is the main topic of Alkira's integration with AWS Transit Gateway Connect?
Alkira's integration with AWS Transit Gateway Connect enables enterprise customers to access a complete cloud services and cloud management portfolio, providing fast and flexible access to the cloud. It simplifies Cloud Network as-a-Service (CNaaS) for on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud networking environments, allowing connection of third-party SD-WAN hubs and network virtual appliances with AWS Transit Gateway. This is delivered via Alkira Cloud Services Exchange™ (Alkira CSX).
Where can I learn more about Alkira's integration with AWS Transit Gateway Connect?
You can learn more by reading Alkira's blog post about the integration.
