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Beyond connectivity: Alkira and the global control plane for AI networking

Enterprise networking is undergoing a fundamental shift. As companies scale across cloud, SaaS and global environments, connectivity is no longer the hardest problem—control is. Applications and data now move across multiple clouds, SaaS platforms and data centers, often over networks an enterprise doesn’t own or influence. So, the real challenge isn’t just connecting everything; it’s controlling it everywhere.

In this video, SVP of Product, Scott Yow, explains how Alkira delivers a global control plane for AI networking—one that sits above every environment and extends consistent policy and control across clouds, regions and providers, even off-net, through a single unified interface.

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An Alkira infographic titled "The Global Control Plane for AI Networking" displays icons and labels for Intent-Based Networking, Policy & Segmentation Anywhere, Automation & Workflows, Analytics & Assurance, and Integrations & APIs.
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0:07 Yow: As companies scale across cloud, SaaS and global environments, connectivity is no longer the hardest problem.

0:14 Yow: Control is. You’re operating across multiple clouds, SaaS platforms and data centers, often across networks that you may not own or have influence on.

0:24 Yow: So, the real challenge isn’t just connecting everything; it’s controlling it everywhere.

0:30 Yow: And that’s exactly what Alkira enables.

0:32 Yow: It provides a global control plane for AI networking, and it sits above everything.

0:38 Yow: So now we’re not just controlling what’s in our network, we can extend that control across off-net environments as well.

0:46 Yow: Across clouds, across regions, across providers globally, all through a single unified interface.

0:55 Yow: And that’s what makes the network truly programmable.

0:58 Yow: Instead of configuring individual connections, you define what you want and the network adapts.

1:04 Yow: It can route traffic dynamically, optimize performance and cost, and apply consistent policy everywhere.

1:11 Yow: And that becomes critical in an AI-driven world where workloads are distributed and constantly changing.

1:16 Yow: So the network doesn’t just connect things anymore, it behaves more like the cloud itself.

1:22 Yow: Dynamic, scalable and intelligent by design.

Alkira gives enterprises a programmable, cloud-like network—one that lets teams define intent instead of configuring individual connections, route traffic dynamically, optimize performance and cost, and apply consistent policy everywhere. In an AI-driven world where workloads are distributed and constantly changing, the network no longer just connects things—it behaves more like the cloud itself: dynamic, scalable and intelligent by design.

Learn more about what we’re building together.

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This blog post contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Lumen’s acquisition of Alkira and the anticipated benefits of the transaction; expected improvements in network simplicity, performance, scalability, and governance; the ability to integrate Alkira’s platform with Lumen’s network and services; the development, functionality, and adoption of a programmable network operating model; and Lumen’s broader transformation strategy, product roadmap, and ability to support evolving enterprise, cloud, and AI-driven workloads. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations only and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including our successful integration of Alkira; our ability to realize expected benefits, synergies, and operational efficiencies from the acquisition in a timely manner or at all; the performance, scalability, and market adoption of combined offerings; competitive and technological developments; changes in customer demand; cybersecurity threats; regulatory and economic conditions; and other factors that may impact Lumen’s business and operations, as well as the risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

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Lumen is a global communications services provider that ignites business growth by connecting people, data and apps—quickly, securely and effortlessly. Our networking, edge cloud, collaboration and cybersecurity solutions and managed services are designed to elevate your business and deliver the most user-friendly, intuitive and productive technology environments.