Michaels leveraged Alkira's platform to rapidly modernize its network and increase resiliency across 1,400 stores in the US and Canada. Alkira enabled Michaels to achieve secure, seamless connectivity in record time, supporting business continuity and operational efficiency. For a detailed overview, watch the Alkira Helps Michaels' Transform its Network in Record Time video and read the article on CRN.
Michaels benefited from rapid deployment, increased network resiliency, and secure connectivity across all its stores. Alkira's Global Backbone-as-a-Service reduced deployment times from months to minutes, simplified network management, and ensured high performance and scalability during peak retail seasons. Learn more.
You can watch the video here and read the article on CRN's article page.
Alkira provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (including Zero Trust Network Access and next-generation firewalls), a drag-and-drop interface for network design, comprehensive single-pane-of-glass visibility, and flexible pricing models. These features simplify networking across hybrid and multicloud environments and eliminate the need for hardware or complex deployments. Learn more.
Yes, Alkira integrates with leading technology providers such as 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 networking across cloud and on-premises environments. For a full list, visit Alkira's Technology Partners Page.
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.
Alkira provides whitepapers (such as the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper), solution briefs, and a detailed wiki. Access these resources at the solution briefs page and wiki page.
Alkira's key capabilities include simplified network infrastructure across hybrid/multicloud environments, rapid deployment (reducing setup time by 96%), operational efficiency (47% reduction in network management time), up to 40% lower TCO, integrated security, comprehensive visibility, and automatic scalability. Learn more.
Alkira addresses operational complexity, multicloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges, security vulnerabilities, and lack of scalability and visibility. The platform simplifies network design, eliminates manual configurations, integrates advanced security, and provides tools for monitoring and governance. Learn more.
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 Architects, Cloud Architects, Security Architects, IT Managers/Directors, CloudOps, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs. See customer stories.
Customers can expect measurable business impact, including up to 40% lower TCO, 96% reduction in cloud setup time, 47% reduction in network management time, enhanced security, rapid scalability, and improved business resilience. Learn more.
Yes. Notable examples include:
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and rapid deployment. For example, a Network Architect at a large manufacturer said, "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." Matt Hoag, CTO at Koch Industries, noted, "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." Read more testimonials.
Alkira offers flexible pricing, including consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed) models. Pricing is based on 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. Learn more.
Alkira differentiates itself by providing a true abstraction layer leveraging cloud providers' infrastructure, single-click provisioning, integrated security, and a unified platform for both cloud and traditional network use cases. For example:
Alkira offers a true abstraction layer, integrated security, ease of use, rapid deployment, vendor-agnostic architecture, and measurable ROI (e.g., 96% reduction in setup time, 47% reduction in management time, up to 40% lower TCO). These features make Alkira a leader in simplifying multicloud networking. Learn more.
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. Explore Alkira Training Platform.
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via [email protected] or support tickets. Tools like the Diagnostics Dashboard offer live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows. Learn more.
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating strong operational controls and protection of customer data. Integrated security features include Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to manage user access and follow security best practices. Learn more.
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. These services ensure smooth operations and minimal downtime.
Alkira provides advance notifications for planned or emergency maintenance, a live diagnostics dashboard for network visibility, continuous 24×7 monitoring, and dedicated support to resolve issues efficiently.
Industries include manufacturing (e.g., Chart Industries), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA). See all case studies.
Alkira serves Fortune 100 enterprises, system integrators, and managed service providers. Notable customers include Michaels, Koch Industries, Warner Hotels, and SITA. Explore more.
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.
Alkira was founded by the creators of Viptela (acquired by Cisco in 2017), is recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor, and has received awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine. Alkira is listed on CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List and was named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes. Learn more.
Establishing the Control Plane for Cloud Connectivity
Read the AnnouncementDiscover how one of North America’s largest specialty retailers turned a massive networking challenge into a strategic advantage with the help of Alkira. In this compelling testimonial video, Michaels shares how they leveraged Alkira’s cloud-native Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service platform to modernize and unify connectivity across 1,400 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada in record time, dramatically boosting resiliency and operational performance without disrupting peak-season operations.
Watch and hear directly from Michaels’ IT leaders as they highlight the real-world impact of partnering with Alkira — from accelerated deployment and seamless scalability to simplified management and improved business continuity. Their story is a powerful example of how modern network infrastructure can unlock agility and competitive advantage for enterprises operating at massive scale.
