Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What is Alkira's multi-cloud networking solution?
Alkira's multi-cloud networking solution is a cloud-native platform designed to simplify enterprise connectivity across single, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. It provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), eliminating the need for traditional hardware and manual configurations. The platform enables single-click provisioning, integrated security, and comprehensive visibility for seamless cloud adoption. Learn more.
What products and services does Alkira offer?
Alkira offers Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security features (such as Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility tools, and flexible pricing models. These solutions are designed to simplify cloud networking and transform enterprise connectivity. Details here.
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 a unified control plane for seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It reduces complexity, enhances security, improves scalability, and provides comprehensive visibility. More about Alkira's mission.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features and capabilities of Alkira's platform?
Key features include Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (Zero Trust Network Access, next-generation firewalls), drag-and-drop network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility, cost savings (up to 40% lower TCO), and automatic scalability. See full feature list.
Does Alkira support integrations with other technology providers?
Yes, Alkira integrates with Cisco SD-WAN, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet NGFW, F5, Splunk, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Aruba SD-WAN, Terraform, and Itential Automation Platform. These integrations enhance connectivity, security, and management. See all technology partners.
Does Alkira provide APIs for integration?
Yes, Alkira offers APIs, including billing APIs that deliver real-time cloud network cost data for integration with cost management tools and dashboards. API details.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira provides whitepapers (e.g., On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls), solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki for technical information. Solution briefs | Wiki
What security and compliance certifications does Alkira have?
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 and next-generation firewalls. Compliance details.
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based pricing. Costs are determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific services. Pricing can be viewed live 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. It simplifies networking, integrates advanced security, and provides scalable, reliable connectivity. Solution explainer.
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect up to 96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time, up to 40% lower TCO, enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Business impact details.
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 architects, cloud architects, security architects, IT managers/directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs.
What are some real-world use cases and case studies for Alkira?
Examples include Michaels transforming its network across 1,400 stores (case study), Koch Industries simplifying multicloud networking (video), Warner Hotels enhancing guest experiences (video), Chart Industries expanding globally (video), and SITA integrating on-premises and cloud environments (video). More stories at Alkira Customers.
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers have praised Alkira for rapid deployment and intuitive design. For example, a large manufacturer reduced setup from 6 months to 3 days, and Koch Industries deployed a POC in 4 hours. "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.
Technical Requirements & Implementation
How long does it take to implement Alkira's solution?
Proof of concept can be implemented 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. Training resources.
What resources are available to help customers get started?
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support. Customers can access demos, guidance, and resources to ensure efficient onboarding. Training Platform.
Support & Maintenance
What customer service and support does Alkira offer?
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via support@alkira.com or support tickets. These services ensure smooth operations and rapid issue resolution.
How does Alkira handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
Alkira provides advance notifications for maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for network visibility, continuous monitoring to meet SLAs, and dedicated support for troubleshooting. These features 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, offers single-click provisioning, 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, addresses both cloud and traditional use cases, and offers 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, 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, integrated security features, and seamless connectivity for distributed workforces and applications.
What are Alkira's competitive advantages?
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, rapid global connectivity, measurable ROI, vendor-agnostic architecture, and comprehensive visibility. These features differentiate Alkira from competitors and simplify multicloud networking. Learn more.
Company Information & Vision
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 traditional networking complexity with a cloud-native solution that connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments through a unified control plane. Company info.
What is Alkira's company background and industry recognition?
Alkira was founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017). It has been named a Gartner Cool Vendor, received the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine, and is listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. Alkira was ranked 25th fastest-growing company in North America and 6th in the Bay Area on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. More about Alkira.
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. 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. Explore case studies.