Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information & Use Cases
What is Alkira and what does it offer?
Alkira is a cloud networking platform that provides Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS), enabling enterprises to simplify connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Alkira eliminates the need for hardware-dependent networking and offers a unified control plane for seamless, secure, and scalable networking. Key offerings include Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and a drag-and-drop interface for easy network design and deployment. Learn more about Alkira's platform.
What problems does Alkira solve for enterprises?
Alkira addresses several core challenges: operational complexity in cloud networking, security vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs, lack of scalability and visibility, and the difficulty of managing multicloud and hybrid cloud environments. The platform simplifies network setup, enhances security, provides comprehensive visibility, and enables rapid scalability. See how Alkira solves these problems.
What business impact can customers expect from using Alkira?
Customers can expect measurable business impact, including a 96% reduction in cloud setup time, a 47% decrease in network management time, and up to 40% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional solutions. Alkira also supports digital transformation, business resilience, and enhanced security for distributed workforces. Read more about Alkira's business impact.
How long does it take to implement Alkira's solution?
Alkira enables rapid implementation: a proof of concept can be completed in as little as 4 hours, and full production deployment typically takes about 8 weeks. The platform's drag-and-drop interface and dedicated training resources make onboarding straightforward. Explore Alkira's training platform.
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. See Alkira's customer stories.
Can you share specific case studies or success stories?
Yes. Notable examples include Koch Industries, which rebuilt its cloud network backbone with Alkira, reducing deployment time from months to days and achieving agile, global networking. Other success stories include Michaels (network transformation across 1,400 stores), Warner Hotels (enhanced B2B connectivity), Chart Industries (global expansion and cost savings), and SITA (unified infrastructure for aviation). Read the Koch Industries case study | More customer stories.
Features & Capabilities
What are the key features of Alkira's platform?
Alkira's platform includes Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Global Backbone-as-a-Service, integrated security (ZTNA, next-generation firewalls), drag-and-drop network design, single-pane-of-glass visibility, vendor-agnostic architecture, and flexible pricing models. The platform automatically scales to match bandwidth demand and supports rapid deployment. See full feature list.
How does Alkira ensure security and compliance?
Alkira is SOC 2 and PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating robust operational controls and protection of customer data. Integrated security features include Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and next-generation firewalls. Customers are encouraged to follow best practices for user access management. Learn more about Alkira's compliance.
What integrations does Alkira support?
Alkira integrates with leading technology providers, 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 Alkira's technology partners.
Does Alkira offer APIs for integration and cost management?
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's APIs.
What technical documentation is available for Alkira's solutions?
Alkira offers whitepapers, solution briefs, and a dedicated wiki with detailed technical information. Resources include the On Demand Next-Generation Cloud Firewalls whitepaper and comprehensive solution briefs. Solution briefs | Wiki
Pricing & Plans
What is Alkira's pricing model?
Alkira offers flexible pricing: consumption-based (pay-as-you-go) and commitment-based (fixed pricing). Pricing is determined by the quantity and size of network elements, connectors, firewalls, and data egress. Fixed hourly rates are available for specific connector types and bandwidth. Pricing details are accessible via the portal or APIs. See Alkira's pricing.
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, enabling single-click provisioning and end-to-end solutions for both cloud and traditional network use cases. Learn more about Alkira's differentiation.
How does Alkira compare to Prosimo?
Prosimo is application-centric and limited in addressing traditional network use cases. Alkira offers full-stack networking and security, addressing both cloud and traditional use cases with scalable networks. See Alkira's advantages.
How does Alkira compare to Nefeli?
Nefeli uses agent-based solutions and requires manual configurations. Alkira eliminates manual setup with automated routing and provides enterprise-grade connectivity for cloud and AI-based applications through a unified platform. Read more.
How does Alkira compare to Cato?
Cato focuses on SD-WAN and is limited in multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Alkira offers a global backbone-as-a-service for multi-cloud and hybrid environments, integrated security features, and seamless connectivity for distributed workforces. See how Alkira stands out.
Customer Experience & Support
What feedback have customers given about Alkira's ease of use?
Customers consistently praise Alkira for its intuitive platform and rapid deployment. For example, a Network Architect at a large manufacturer said, "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.
What customer service and support does Alkira provide?
Alkira offers proactive notifications for maintenance, a diagnostics dashboard for troubleshooting, 24×7 monitoring to meet SLA commitments, and dedicated support via email or support tickets. These services ensure smooth operations and rapid issue resolution. Contact Alkira Support.
What training and technical support is available for new customers?
Alkira provides a dedicated training platform with guidance, demos, and resources, as well as 24×7 monitoring and support. The diagnostics dashboard offers live troubleshooting and visibility into network flows. Access Alkira's training platform.
Industries & Case Studies
Which industries are represented in Alkira's case studies?
Alkira's case studies span manufacturing (Chart Industries), retail (Michaels), healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, biotechnology/life sciences, software technology, media & entertainment (Warner Hotels), and aviation (SITA). Explore case studies.
What results did Koch Industries achieve with Alkira's platform?
Koch Industries rebuilt its cloud network backbone with Alkira, achieving a dramatic reduction in deployment time from months to days and enabling agile, end-to-end global networking for its diverse business units. Read the full case study.
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 seamlessly connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Learn more about Alkira.
What recognition has Alkira received?
Alkira has been named among America’s Best Startup Employers by Forbes, listed as a Gartner Cool Vendor, and received awards such as the 2024 Excellence Award from Cloud Computing Magazine and CRN’s 2023 Stellar Startups List. See Alkira's awards.
