Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira and what does it offer?
Alkira is a cloud networking company that provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to simplify and unify connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira eliminates the need for traditional hardware-dependent networking by offering a unified control plane, integrated security (including Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), and a global backbone-as-a-service for scalable, reliable, and low-latency connectivity. For more, visit Alkira's 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 on-demand network infrastructure that eliminates operational complexity, enhances security, and enables rapid scalability across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira's platform is designed to reduce deployment times, improve visibility, and support digital transformation initiatives. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
What are the key capabilities and benefits of Alkira's platform?
Key capabilities and benefits 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 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
For more, visit Alkira's Platform Page.
What integrations does Alkira support?
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 the full list at 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 monitoring and optimization of cloud costs. Learn more at this page.
Where can I find technical documentation about Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides comprehensive technical documentation, including whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs (solution briefs page), and a detailed wiki (wiki page).
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer to simplify cloud networking?
Alkira offers a drag-and-drop interface for network design and deployment, single-click provisioning, integrated security (ZTNA and next-generation firewalls), global backbone-as-a-service, vendor-agnostic architecture, and single-pane-of-glass visibility. These features eliminate manual configurations and make cloud networking accessible even for non-technical users.
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating its commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. The platform integrates advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are also encouraged to manage user access and follow security best practices. More details at Alkira's Compliance Page.
How does Alkira support scalability and performance?
Alkira's platform automatically adjusts network infrastructure to match bandwidth demand, enabling rapid scalability and high-performance networking. The global backbone-as-a-service ensures reliable, low-latency connectivity across geographies, reducing deployment times from months to minutes.
What are Alkira's key product performance highlights?
Alkira delivers 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
- Integrated security and business resilience for dynamic environments
See this page for more details.
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, 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 problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses:
- Operational complexity in cloud networking
- Security vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs and perimeter-based models
- Complexity in multicloud and hybrid cloud networking
- Lack of comprehensive visibility and governance
- Need for high-performance, scalable networking
Alkira's solutions simplify networking, enhance security, and provide end-to-end visibility and control. See this page for more.
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 Architects, Cloud Architects, Security Architects, IT Managers/Directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs.
What business impact can customers expect from Alkira?
Customers can expect:
- Faster deployment (POC in as little as 4 hours, full production in ~8 weeks)
- Significant operational efficiency and cost savings
- Enhanced security and business resilience
- Support for digital transformation and end-to-end visibility
See this page for more details.
What are some real-world case studies of Alkira's impact?
Examples include:
- Michaels: Transformed its network across 1,400 stores in record time (case study).
- Koch Industries: Simplified multicloud networking and improved agility (video).
- Warner Hotels: Enhanced efficiency and B2B connectivity (video).
- Chart Industries: Improved agility, cost savings, and global expansion (video).
- SITA: Integrated on-premises and cloud environments for aviation (video).
More stories at our customers page.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise 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
Implementation & Onboarding
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 and complete full production deployment in approximately 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 offer?
Alkira offers a dedicated training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources, as well as 24×7 monitoring and dedicated support. Customers can contact support@alkira.com or open a support ticket for assistance. The Diagnostics Dashboard provides live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows.
Support & Maintenance
What customer service and support are available after purchasing Alkira?
Alkira provides proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. These services ensure minimal downtime and efficient issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira informs customers in advance about planned or emergency maintenance, offers a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting, provides 24×7 monitoring, and delivers dedicated support to minimize operational disruptions.
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 horizontally and vertically 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 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 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 for distributed workforces and applications.
Why should a customer choose Alkira over alternatives?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, global backbone-as-a-service, measurable ROI, vendor-agnostic architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features simplify multicloud networking and enhance operational efficiency. See this page for more.
Security & Compliance
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, ensuring high standards for security, availability, and confidentiality. The platform integrates advanced security features to protect customer data and support regulatory requirements. More at Alkira's Compliance Page.
Webinars & Resources
What is the 'Going Beyond Cloud WAN' webinar about?
The 'Going Beyond Cloud WAN' webinar provides an in-depth technical analysis comparing single-cloud WAN solutions (like Google’s Cloud WAN) with Alkira’s comprehensive multi-cloud platform. It features insights from David Klebanov, Director of Partner Solutions at Alkira. Watch the webinar here.
Company Information
Who are 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. More stories at our customers page.
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.
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 seamlessly connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Learn more at Alkira's Company Page.
What recognition and awards has Alkira received?
Alkira has been named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes, recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor, received the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine, and was listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. For more, visit Alkira's Company Page.
