Why Alkira fits: advancing modern enterprise networks

Enterprise networking is undergoing a fundamental shift. AI, automation and multicloud architectures are reshaping how applications communicate and how data moves—placing new demands on the network to orchestrate connectivity dynamically across clouds, data centers, partner ecosystems and enterprise environments.

In this video, Lumen EVP and Chief Technology & Product Officer Jim Fowler explains why the Lumen and Alkira acquisition marks an important step in advancing the modern enterprise network—pairing the Lumen physical foundation with the Alkira cloud-native control plane to deliver a more seamless, software-defined networking experience.

0:05 Fowler: With the acquisition of Alkira, Lumen is taking an important step in advancing the modern enterprise network.

0:12 Fowler: What makes this moment so important is that enterprise networking is undergoing a fundamental shift.

0:18 Fowler: AI, automation and multicloud architectures are really changing how applications communicate and how data moves.

0:25 Fowler: That puts new demands on the network, not just to transport traffic, but to orchestrate connectivity dynamically across clouds, data centers, partner ecosystems and enterprise environments.

0:38 Fowler: This is where Alkira fits.

0:40 Fowler: Its cloud-native control plane gives us the software intelligence to simplify what has historically been very complex.

0:48 Fowler: Combined with the Lumen network, this helps create a more programmable connectivity platform, so customers can provision services faster, apply policy in software and scale across environments with greater consistency and control.

1:03 Fowler: It also expands what we can do in east-west connectivity—the fastest-growing segment of enterprise networking—and it helps us bring more of our digital capabilities to customers globally, including beyond our own footprint through partner ecosystems.

1:18 Fowler: From a technology standpoint, this is a substantial completion of our digital architecture and an important step in delivering a modern network designed for the hybrid, multicloud and AI-driven enterprise environment.

1:30 Fowler: Put simply, Lumen brings the physical foundation, Alkira brings the cloud-native control plane, and together we can deliver a more seamless, software-defined networking experience for customers around the world.

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The Lumen and Alkira acquisition brings together the physical foundation of the Lumen Network with a cloud-native control plane—giving enterprises the agility, programmability and reach to power AI, multicloud and next-gen applications with greater consistency and control.

Learn more about the Lumen and Alkira acquisition and what it means for the future of enterprise networking.

_{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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