Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is the Alkira Platform and what does it offer?
The Alkira Platform is a cloud-native solution that provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to simplify networking across hybrid and multicloud environments. It eliminates the need for hardware and complex deployments, offering scalable, secure, and efficient connectivity. Key features include a drag-and-drop interface for network design, integrated security (Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), global backbone-as-a-service, and comprehensive visibility tools. Learn more.
What is Alkira's Cloud Area Networking solution?
Alkira's Cloud Area Networking is designed to simplify and enhance networking across single, multicloud, and hybrid cloud environments. It provides integrated security, global backbone-as-a-service, and zero trust network access (ZTNA), enabling rapid, secure, and scalable connectivity. Read the press release.
What is the primary purpose of Alkira's product?
Alkira's primary purpose is to simplify cloud networking for enterprises by providing NIaaS. This eliminates traditional hardware dependencies and offers a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It addresses complexity, security, scalability, and visibility challenges. More about Alkira's mission.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform offers:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS)
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service
- Integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls)
- Drag-and-drop interface for ease of use
- 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
- Automatic scalability to match bandwidth demand
These capabilities help enterprises optimize workloads and achieve end-to-end control across hybrid/multi-cloud environments. Details here.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with leading technology providers, including:
These integrations enable secure, scalable, and automated cloud networking. Full list here.
Does Alkira offer APIs for integration and automation?
Yes, Alkira provides APIs, including billing APIs for real-time cloud network cost data. These APIs support integration with cost management tools and dashboards, enabling automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. Learn more.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs (solution briefs page), and a dedicated wiki (wiki page) for detailed technical information.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model and how is it determined?
Alkira offers flexible pricing:
- Consumption-Based Pricing: Pay-as-you-go based on usage of sites, cloud instances, network services, and traffic.
- Commitment-Based Pricing: Fixed pricing for predictable budgeting.
Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific connectors and services. Pricing details are available live from the portal or via APIs. See Alkira's Pricing Page.
Security & Compliance
How does Alkira ensure product security and compliance?
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 manage user access and follow best practices. More on Alkira's Compliance.
Product Performance & Business Impact
What product performance metrics does Alkira deliver?
Alkira delivers:
- 96% reduction in cloud setup time
- 47% reduction in network management time
- Up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Automatic scalability for bandwidth demand
- Integrated security for distributed workforces
These metrics translate into faster deployment, cost savings, and streamlined operations. See more details.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect:
- Operational efficiency (96% faster setup, 47% less management time)
- Cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO)
- Enhanced security and resilience
- Rapid scalability and high-performance networking
- Support for digital transformation and end-to-end visibility
These impacts are validated by customer case studies and testimonials. Learn more.
Use Cases & Benefits
What core problems does Alkira solve?
Alkira solves:
- Operational complexity in cloud networking
- Multicloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges
- Security vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs
- Lack of scalability and visibility
Its platform simplifies network design, integrates advanced security, and provides comprehensive visibility and scalability. More details.
What pain points do Alkira customers commonly face?
Common pain points include:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications
- Complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance
- High-performance networking needs
Alkira addresses these with integrated security, global backbone-as-a-service, and unified management tools.
How does Alkira solve each of these pain points?
Alkira integrates advanced security (ZTNA, firewalls), simplifies multicloud networking with its backbone-as-a-service, provides single-pane-of-glass visibility, and ensures scalable, reliable connectivity. These solutions are validated by customer case studies such as Michaels, Koch Industries, and Warner Hotels. See customer stories.
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. Target roles include Network Architect, Cloud Architect, Security Architect, IT Manager/Director, CloudOps, VP, CTO, CIO, and CISO.
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Industries include manufacturing (Chart Industries), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA). Explore case studies.
Can you share specific customer success stories?
Yes. Examples include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time.
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility.
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and visibility.
- Chart Industries: Improved agility and expanded globally.
- SITA: Unified infrastructure for aviation.
More stories at Alkira's customers page.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and rapid deployment:
- "Alkira did it for us in 3 days, and at very low cost." – Network Architect, Large Manufacturer
- "Design-to-POC-setup in about 4 hours." – Sr. Director, Network Architect, Financial Company
- "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." – Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries
Implementation & Support
How long does it take to implement Alkira and how easy is it to start?
Alkira enables proof of concept implementation in as little as 4 hours, with full production deployment typically completed in about 8 weeks. The drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training platform make onboarding straightforward, even for non-technical users. Alkira Training Platform.
What training and technical support is available for Alkira customers?
Alkira offers:
- Dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources (Training Platform)
- 24×7 monitoring for SLA commitments
- Dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets
- Diagnostics Dashboard for live troubleshooting
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
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, enabling single-click provisioning and end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional network use cases. Learn more.
How does Alkira compare to Prosimo?
Prosimo is application-centric and limited in traditional network use cases. Alkira offers full-stack networking and security, addressing both cloud and traditional network needs with scalable networks. Details here.
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli uses agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations. Alkira eliminates manual setups with automated routing and provides enterprise-grade connectivity for cloud and AI-based applications through a unified platform. More info.
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, with integrated security features and seamless connectivity for distributed workforces and applications. Learn more.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers:
- True abstraction layer for end-to-end solutions
- Integrated security (ZTNA, firewalls)
- Drag-and-drop ease of use
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid deployment
- Measurable ROI (96% faster setup, 47% less management time)
- Vendor-agnostic approach (no lock-in)
- Comprehensive visibility and control
These advantages are validated by customer testimonials and case studies. More details.
Company Information & Vision
What key information should customers know about Alkira?
Alkira is a recognized innovator in cloud networking, named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes and a Gartner Cool Vendor. Founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017), Alkira has won awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine and is listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. More about Alkira.
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 with a cloud-native solution that connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. Learn more.
Who are some of Alkira's customers?
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, system integrators, and managed service providers. Notable customers include Michaels, Koch Industries, Warner Hotels, and SITA. See more customer stories.
Alkira Network: Cloud-Network Convergence
Where can I learn more about Alkira Network: Cloud-Network Convergence?
You can watch the Alkira Network: Cloud-Network Convergence video here for an overview of Alkira's approach to cloud-network convergence.
