Frequently Asked Questions
Shadow IT & Cloud Security
What is Shadow IT and why is it a problem for enterprises?
Shadow IT refers to cloud applications and services deployed by employees without IT approval. This creates security, compliance, and operational risks because up to 80% of user-deployed software is not cleared by IT, exposing organizations to potential data breaches, regulatory violations, and operational inefficiencies. Alkira's platform makes Shadow IT visible and manageable, helping organizations regain control and reduce risk. (Source)
How does Alkira help eliminate Shadow IT in the cloud era?
Alkira provides unified visibility across all cloud and SaaS usage, including unsanctioned apps, through a single-pane-of-glass dashboard. Integrated security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls protect against unauthorized access and lateral movement. Automated governance and policy enforcement allow IT teams to detect, control, and remediate Shadow IT quickly, without slowing innovation. (Source)
What measurable results can Alkira deliver for Shadow IT management?
Alkira customers have achieved a 96% reduction in cloud setup time, a 47% reduction in network management time, and 70% faster mean-time-to-resolution for security incidents and compliance issues. These metrics demonstrate Alkira's ability to accelerate secure cloud onboarding, minimize Shadow IT risk windows, and free up IT resources for strategic initiatives. (Source)
How quickly can Alkira be deployed to address Shadow IT?
Alkira's abstraction layer and backbone-as-a-service enable organizations to secure cloud environments in days, not months. Customers have reported implementing a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours and achieving full production deployment in approximately 8 weeks. (Source, Customer Stories)
Features & Capabilities
What features does Alkira offer for managing cloud networking and Shadow IT?
Alkira provides a comprehensive set of features, including:
- Unified visibility and monitoring of all cloud and SaaS usage (including unsanctioned apps)
- Integrated security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls
- Automated governance and policy enforcement
- Drag-and-drop network design and automated policy deployment
- Global backbone-as-a-service for rapid, scalable connectivity
- Single-pane-of-glass management for comprehensive visibility and control
(Platform Details)
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, 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 integrations)
Does Alkira provide APIs for billing and cost management?
Yes, Alkira offers billing APIs that provide real-time cloud network cost data. These APIs can be integrated with other cost management tools and dashboards, enabling automated synthesis of billing data from various sources for ongoing cloud cost optimization. (Learn more)
Where can I find technical documentation and resources for Alkira?
Alkira provides a range of technical resources, including whitepapers (such as On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs (Solution Briefs), and a dedicated wiki for in-depth technical information. These resources support prospects and customers in evaluating and implementing Alkira's solutions.
Security & Compliance
Is Alkira secure and compliant with industry standards?
Yes. Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating a commitment to securing customer data and maintaining robust operational controls. These certifications ensure Alkira meets industry standards for security, availability, confidentiality, and the protection of cardholder data. (See compliance details)
What security features are built into Alkira's platform?
Alkira incorporates advanced security measures such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. These features protect against unauthorized access, lateral movement, and vulnerabilities associated with traditional VPNs and perimeter-based security models. Security is integrated natively into the platform, ensuring consistent policy enforcement across all clouds and SaaS environments. (Platform Details)
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model and how is it determined?
Alkira offers flexible pricing models, including consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) options. Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements (such as Alkira Cloud Exchange Points), connectors, next-generation firewalls, and data egress. Customers can view live pricing details from the portal or via APIs. (See Alkira's Pricing Page)
Competition & Comparison
How does Alkira compare to other solutions for managing Shadow IT and cloud networking?
Alkira differentiates itself with a true abstraction layer that leverages native cloud infrastructure for end-to-end visibility and control, eliminating manual configuration and blind spots. Unlike competitors that may require deep cloud expertise or focus only on orchestration overlays, Alkira offers integrated security, rapid deployment (in days, not months), and a drag-and-drop interface accessible to all IT teams. For example, compared to Aviatrix, Alkira provides single-click provisioning and does not require deep cloud expertise. (Learn more)
What are Alkira's key advantages over competitors like Aviatrix, Prosimo, Nefeli, and Cato?
Alkira offers:
- A true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure for end-to-end solutions
- Integrated security with ZTNA and next-generation firewalls
- Rapid deployment and ease of use (drag-and-drop interface)
- Global backbone-as-a-service for scalable, reliable connectivity
- Vendor-agnostic approach, allowing free choice of security and network stack components
- Comprehensive visibility and single-pane-of-glass management
For detailed competitor comparisons, see the table in Alkira's solution explainer. (Source)
Use Cases & Benefits
Who can benefit from Alkira's solution?
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. Key roles include Network, Cloud, and Security Architects, IT Managers, CloudOps, CTOs, CIOs, and CISOs. (Customer Stories)
What business impact can customers expect from using 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
- 70% faster mean-time-to-resolution for security incidents
- Enhanced security and compliance posture
- Rapid scalability and improved operational efficiency
(Learn more)
Can you share specific customer success stories related to Shadow IT and cloud networking?
Yes. For example, a Financial Services customer reported, "With Alkira, we gained instant visibility into unsanctioned cloud usage and closed security gaps in hours, not weeks. The drag-and-drop interface made it easy for our team to deploy controls without deep cloud expertise." (Read more) Other success stories include Michaels transforming its network across 1,400 stores, Koch Industries simplifying multicloud networking, and Warner Hotels enhancing networking efficiency. (More customer stories)
Implementation & Support
How easy is it to get started with Alkira, and what resources are available?
Getting started with Alkira is straightforward. Customers can implement a proof of concept in as little as 4 hours and achieve full production deployment in about 8 weeks. Alkira provides a dedicated training platform (Alkira Training Platform), 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to ensure a smooth onboarding experience. No deep cloud expertise or additional staffing is required.
What customer service and support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for live troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support via email (support@alkira.com) or support tickets. These services ensure minimal downtime and rapid issue resolution.
What training and technical resources are available to help customers adopt Alkira?
Alkira provides a comprehensive training platform with detailed guidance, demos, and resources. Customers also have access to technical documentation, whitepapers, solution briefs, and a wiki for in-depth learning. (Training Platform, Wiki)
Product Information & Documentation
What is the whitepaper 'Shadowless IT: Eliminating the Threat from Shadow IT in the Cloud Era' about?
This whitepaper addresses the risks posed by Shadow IT, where 80% of user-deployed software is not cleared by IT, exposing organizations to security and compliance threats. It provides strategies to manage Shadow IT and secure cloud environments. (Read the whitepaper)
Where can I access the whitepaper 'Shadowless IT: Eliminating the Threat from Shadow IT in the Cloud Era'?
You can access and download the whitepaper directly from this link.
