Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS)?
Alkira's Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) is a cloud-native platform that simplifies enterprise networking by providing on-demand, scalable network infrastructure without the need for traditional hardware or complex deployments. It enables seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, making it especially valuable for financial institutions that require secure, compliant, and agile networking solutions. Learn more.
How does Alkira's solution address the needs of financial institutions?
Alkira's platform is designed to meet the stringent requirements of financial institutions by offering secure, compliant, and easy-to-manage cloud networking. It provides integrated security features, regulatory compliance (such as SOC 2 and PCI-DSS), and operational efficiency, allowing financial companies to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining control and visibility. More on Alkira for Financial Services.
What is the main topic of Episode 14: Cloud Networking for Financial Institutions?
Episode 14 focuses on how Alkira’s Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service simplifies cloud infrastructure for financial companies, providing a secure solution that meets regulatory compliance requirements. The episode highlights Alkira's expertise in addressing the unique challenges faced by financial institutions in cloud networking.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features of Alkira's platform?
Key features of Alkira's platform include:
- Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS) for hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Global Backbone-as-a-Service for scalable, low-latency connectivity
- Integrated security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls
- Drag-and-drop interface for simplified network design and deployment
- Comprehensive visibility and single-pane-of-glass management
- Vendor-agnostic approach, allowing free choice of security and network stack components
- Flexible pricing models (consumption-based and commitment-based)
For more details, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, Alkira integrates 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 automation?
Yes, Alkira provides APIs, including billing APIs that deliver real-time cloud network cost data for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. These APIs support automated monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. Learn more about Alkira APIs.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers 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
Security & Compliance
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance for financial institutions?
Alkira is committed to high standards of security and compliance. The platform is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring secure handling of sensitive data and adherence to regulatory requirements. Integrated security features include Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are also encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. More on Alkira's compliance.
What security features are integrated into Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform includes advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), next-generation firewalls, and comprehensive monitoring tools to ensure secure connectivity for distributed workforces and applications.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
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, firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. See Alkira's Pricing Page.
Use Cases & Benefits
What problems does Alkira solve for financial institutions?
Alkira addresses several key challenges for financial institutions:
- Securing distributed workforce and applications with integrated ZTNA and firewalls
- Simplifying complex multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Providing comprehensive visibility and governance
- Delivering high-performance, scalable, and reliable connectivity
- Ensuring regulatory compliance and business resilience
These solutions help financial organizations modernize their infrastructure while maintaining security and compliance.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect measurable business impact, including:
- 96% reduction in cloud setup time
- 47% reduction in network management time
- Up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions
- Rapid scalability and improved operational efficiency
- Enhanced security and compliance
These outcomes are supported by customer testimonials and case studies. More details.
Who can benefit from Alkira's solutions?
Alkira is designed for mid-to-large enterprises across industries such as financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, biotechnology, software technology, retail, media & entertainment, and aviation. Key roles include Network Architects, Cloud Architects, Security Architects, IT Managers/Directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs.
Can you share specific case studies or success stories of Alkira customers?
Yes, Alkira has helped organizations such as:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity. Read the case study
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility. Watch the video
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced networking efficiency and visibility. Watch the video
- Chart Industries: Improved agility, saved costs, and expanded globally. Watch the video
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation. Watch the video
See more at Alkira's 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's drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training platform make onboarding straightforward, even for non-technical users. Alkira Training Platform.
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, 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 maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to ensure SLA commitments, and dedicated support to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira differentiates itself from competitors in several ways:
- Aviatrix: Focuses on orchestration overlays and requires deep cloud expertise. Alkira provides a true abstraction layer, single-click provisioning, and end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional networks.
- Prosimo: Application-centric networking with limited traditional network use cases. Alkira offers full-stack networking and security for both cloud and traditional environments.
- Nefeli: Agent-based solutions requiring manual configurations. Alkira eliminates manual setups with automated routing and a unified platform.
- Cato: SD-WAN focused, limited in multi-cloud/hybrid environments. Alkira provides a global backbone-as-a-service and integrated security for seamless multi-cloud connectivity.
For more details, see the competitor comparison table in Alkira's resources.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Customers choose Alkira for its true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, rapid deployment (months to minutes), measurable ROI (up to 40% lower TCO), vendor-agnostic approach, and comprehensive visibility. These features make Alkira a leader in simplifying multicloud networking and enhancing operational efficiency. Learn more.
Customer Experience & Testimonials
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for its intuitive platform and rapid deployment:
- "The IT DIY approach was going to take 6 months to be secure and redundant and all. Alkira did it for us in 3 days, and at very low cost." – Network Architect, Large Manufacturer
- "We met with Alkira, and after about an hour of us explaining what we needed, we created a POC – and stood that up in a morning. 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
See more testimonials at Alkira's Customers Page.
Industries & Use Cases
What industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Alkira's case studies span industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment, and aviation. Explore case studies.
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. 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 one of America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes, a Gartner Cool Vendor, and a recipient of the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. Alkira was also listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. Company details.
Financial Services Focus
How does Alkira support regulatory compliance for financial institutions?
Alkira's platform is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring that financial institutions can meet regulatory requirements for data security, availability, and confidentiality. Integrated security features and comprehensive monitoring help maintain compliance in dynamic cloud environments. Compliance details.
Where can I learn more about transforming partner access in financial networking?
To learn more about transforming partner access in financial networking, watch the video Transforming Partner Access: The Future of Financial Networking.
