Alkira Launches Connect Partner Program for Cloud & AI Networking Growth

Alkira Launches Connect Partner Program for Cloud & AI Networking Growth

March 3, 2026 James Parker - Business Editor Business

San Jose, Calif. – March 3, 2026 – Alkira, a leader in Network Infrastructure as a Service (NIaaS), today unveiled the Alkira Connect Partner Program, a move designed to align its growth strategy more closely with its channel partners. The program aims to empower Global Systems Integrators (GSIs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cloud service providers, and firms specializing in security and artificial intelligence to deliver solutions more efficiently and profitably, particularly as demand for cloud and AI infrastructure intensifies.

The launch of Connect comes as traditional networking approaches struggle to keep pace with the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Alkira positions its platform as a solution to standardize connectivity and segmentation across diverse cloud environments, on-premise sites, and partner networks, with a growing emphasis on AI readiness. According to Tony Jaroszweski, Senior Director at AHEAD, the program “maps to how buyers are actually making decisions and gives partners a practical way to build differentiated offers around those priorities.”

The Partner Profit Stack: A Latest Approach to Channel Incentives

Alkira is moving away from traditional partner program structures, opting for what it calls the “Partner Profit Stack.” This framework offers multiple avenues for partners to increase revenue and deal profitability, rather than relying on a fixed benefits chart. The stack includes several key components:

  • Enhanced Margins & Bonuses: Tiered margins, quarterly rebates, and customer prepay bonuses are designed to improve cash flow for partners.
  • Connect Pipeline Fund (MDF): Dedicated marketing funds will be available to partners to generate demand and build their sales pipelines.
  • Velocity Incentives: SPIFFs (Sales Performance Incentive Funds) will reward partners for securing new customer Proofs of Concept (POCs), accelerating the sales cycle.
  • Differentiation & Retention: Partners will gain early access to Alkira’s labs for feature testing and be eligible for an OEM-sponsored President’s Club recognizing top performers.

This shift reflects a broader industry trend, where channel partners are evolving from simple resellers to “growth partners,” combining resale with high-value services. “Connect is built so partners deliver outcomes plus services,” explains Doug Houghton, Director of Channels at Alkira. “It’s about giving them a repeatable engine to solve the ‘impossible’ networking hurdles that face every Fortune 500 company today.”

Momentum and Enterprise Adoption

Alkira’s investment in its partner ecosystem follows a period of significant growth. The company reports acquiring its first Fortune 10 customer and enabling its 1,000th partner in the past year. More than 150 partners now contribute over 40% of Alkira’s total revenue, and the company is already distributing seven-figure commissions to its top-performing partners. This financial performance underscores the viability of the partner-centric approach.

Geographically, Alkira is experiencing rapid expansion. The company cites a 1300% growth rate in Latin America and successful launches in Canada, Australia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and China. This global reach is facilitated by Alkira’s cloud-native platform, which allows for rapid deployment of network infrastructure and security services. You can learn more about Alkira’s global presence on their website: https://www.alkira.com/.

Network Infrastructure as a Service: Addressing Modern Challenges

Alkira’s core offering, Network Infrastructure as a Service (NIaaS), addresses a critical gap in the market. Traditional network infrastructure often requires significant capital expenditure, lengthy deployment times, and ongoing maintenance. NIaaS, as offered by Alkira, delivers network capabilities on demand, eliminating the need for hardware and simplifying network management. Here’s particularly appealing to organizations grappling with the complexities of multi-cloud environments and the demands of emerging technologies like AI. Alkira details the components of its platform, including the Alkira Portal, which provides a user-friendly interface and Application Programming Interface (API), on their website: https://www.alkira.com/network-infrastructure-as-a-service-empowering-enterprises-in-the-cloud-and-ai-era/.

The demand for NIaaS is driven by several factors. Businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize costs. Although, managing connectivity and security across multiple cloud providers can be challenging. Alkira’s platform provides a unified control plane for managing network resources across different environments. The rise of AI is creating new demands for network bandwidth and low latency, which traditional infrastructure may struggle to meet.

Implications for the Channel

The Alkira Connect Partner Program represents a significant opportunity for channel partners to expand their service offerings and generate new revenue streams. By leveraging Alkira’s platform, partners can offer services such as network modernization assessments, segmentation and compliance design, and migration and cutover sprints. These services address critical pain points for enterprises and can command high margins.

The program’s emphasis on outcomes-based selling aligns with the evolving expectations of enterprise buyers. Customers are no longer simply looking for products; they want solutions that deliver tangible business results. Alkira’s Connect program empowers partners to deliver those results by combining resale with value-added services.

Looking Ahead: Webinar and Partner Onboarding

Alkira is hosting a webinar on March 12 at 8:00 AM PDT to provide partners with a detailed overview of the Connect program. Interested parties can register at: https://hubs.li/Q044gB530. The company is also actively onboarding new partners and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Further information about becoming an Alkira partner is available at: https://www.alkira.com/business-partners.

Alkira’s bet on a partner-first strategy signals a broader shift in the network infrastructure market. As enterprises increasingly embrace cloud and AI, they will rely on partners to aid them navigate the complexities of these technologies. The success of the Alkira Connect Partner Program will depend on the company’s ability to empower its partners to deliver innovative solutions and drive tangible value for their customers.