The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) paradigm revolutionizes networking and security. SASE converges wide-area networking (WAN) and network security services into a single, cloud-delivered solution to securely and efficiently provide access to users, devices, and applications.Though sase is simple, there's still some work to do. Adoption can often be stymied through roadblocks that prevent fully enjoying its benefits. In this article, we explore these challenges and present actionable solutions to overcome them.Understanding SASENow that we know what we are diving into, let's understand what SASE is. SASE is a cloud-native architecture that bundles several networking and security capabilities from the likes of SD-WAN, Secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), and zero-trust network access (ZTNA), to name a few.It protects networks while facilitating easy remote access to remote workers and distributed branches. For information on sase and its components, see this in-depth guide on SASE.Top SASE Challenges1. Unclear about what the requirements and goals are.When adopting SASE, many organizations have a tough time defining their exact goals. Without established objectives it becomes hard to discern how does SASE relate to the organization's current infrastructure and security strategy.Solution:Start your attack on your current network and security posture. Find pain points — is your remote access lackluster or do you have gaps in security? Define clear goals like better remote access, better threat detection, or reduced number of tools by bringing too many tools into one platform. Work with important stakeholders to align SASE adoption with business objectives.2. Integrating Legacy Systems is a Problem of Complexity.Many organizations run legacy infrastructure and use processes that were not designed to integrate with more modern technological SASE solutions. Such an incompatibility can cause delays and cost more when implementing.Solution:Migrate in a phased approach. Begin by including key areas of SASE, e.g., SD-WAN or ZTNA and not interrupt current systems. Choose a SASE vendor that can deploy in a way that fits your needs, and will work with your existing systems instead of forcing you to tear everything down and start fresh.3. Lack of Internal ExpertiseTo implement SASE, you must know both networking and security very well. Unfortunately, most IT teams do not have the required proficiency in specialized knowledge to design and roll out the full SASE framework.Solution:Ensure that your IT staff is given the attention and training to become upskilled on SASE technologies and best practices. You can alternatively partner with a managed service provider (MSP) or SASE vendor that provides end–to–end deployment support. It makes for a smoother transition, as it removes the pace of strategic decisions from your team.4. Resistance to ChangeWhile stakeholders are expecting legacy system behavior, shifting to a cloud-native SASE architecture often faces resistance. But this resistance tends to slow down the adoption process.Solution:Stakeholders engage them early in the decision-making. Draw out the constraints of current systems and accentuate the long-term benefits of SASE like cost savings, better performance and better security. Communicate clearly and train easily.5. Managing CostsAlthough SASE can lower your operational expenses in the long run, it's an upfront cost that can initially be a major hurdle for many businesses since it requires new hardware, software, and employee training.Solution:You should first develop a clear budget and ROI analysis prior to your SASE journey. A number of vendors' pricing models support this with scalable pricing — you could, for example, incrementally start adopting SASE. Select a solution that fits your budget but should be able to meet your requirements.6. Consistent Performance Across LocationsSASE implementation causes organizations with distributed teams and global operations to have inconsistent network performance.Solution:Choose a SASE provider with a rich Points of Presence (PoPs) global network. Thus, it's low-latency connections with a predictable performance, regardless of the user's location. And use SD-WAN's intelligent traffic routing to optimize performance.7. Adapting to Evolving Threat LandscapesBeing able to protect your organization from new threats is especially difficult because cybersecurity threats are also dynamic.Solution:Go with a SASE vendor that leverages advanced threat intelligence and regularly refreshed security capabilities. Seek out solutions that use machine learning and automation to proactively detect and respond to threats.Facing Implementation ChallengesSASE has to be done right. The implementation of SASE needs careful planning, collaboration, and the right vendor partnership to be done successfully. The hurdles of SASE are common, and with the right strategy and an open mind, organizations can realize the full power of SASE while securing, simplifying, and growing a modern network for their organization.Yet, as organizations adopt digital transformation, SASE emerges as an important enabler for securing and making use of efficient connectivity. If prepared adequately and with the right resources, you can overcome these challenges and set your organization up for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off in 2025, marking a milestone in the advancements in telecommunication technology. Providers are making a digital leap to more advanced networks, but it has left members of the public questioning: What's next?The PSTN has been the backbone of voice communication for decades, both in Asia and the rest of the world. However, from the beginning of 2025, it is being gradually phased out. This decision is due to a need for more cost-effective and advanced communication solutions with more features that the users need. It is costly to maintain the infrastructure needed for PSTN, and this network is also incompatible with the latest telecommunication developments.Telecommunication companies are instead investing in modern tech, like Next-Generation Networks (NGN) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), taking a step into the digital era. Asia is going to be most affected by PSTN retirement, as there are large rural areas that are underserved. The transition is likely to highlight areas where more inclusive communication solutions must be developed.It is not just the telecoms industry that is seeing a digital revolution. Various sectors have embraced tech advancements, turning online to bolster their offerings. For example, the entertainment industry has significantly grown in the online world, thanks to online games and gambling. The US has seen the biggest shifts, with online gambling revenue exceeding $20 billion. That's because of the convenience of these platforms. Online casinos in Texas, a state where gambling is tightly regulated, allow Texans to gamble online in a state where they can't access brick-and-mortar establishments. These offshore casinos come with the latest games, big bonuses, and advanced security measures.In addition to the entertainment industry, online shopping, cloud computing, and e-learning systems dominate the modern world. There is clearly a digital shift going on globally, with cloud-based technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) services overshadowing tech from decades ago. PSTN had its limitations and could not be accessed by people living in areas where the infrastructure could not reach, but now there are opportunities to reach these areas, providing social-economic benefits through digital transformation.However, there are also challenges to the retirement of PSTNs. There are many businesses and operating systems that rely on this technology, and these must be upgraded or overhauled completely to adapt to new technologies. This is most challenging in the security, healthcare, and financial sectors where alarms and medical devices are linked to PSTN infrastructure.Many Asian companies are also not yet aware of the implications of the PSTN phase-out. There needs to be an effort to educate the community and implement mechanisms to support those who will be most impacted.As mentioned, the rural areas will also be most impacted. Currently, many regions of Asia rely on PSTN telemetry systems to monitor utility availability. Transitioning from these systems to, for example, IoT sensors that transmit data, may be beneficial in the long run since it deliver up-to-date data and real-time analytics, but the initial deployment can be expensive.Even in large metropolises, like Singapore and Tokyo, the retirement of PSTN will be challenging. These cities rely on PSTN for emergency communication in elevators and other scenarios and will have to quickly implement new emergency measures.Although the switch-off is laying the foundation for new telecommunication technologies, the new tech, like 5G networks, NGN, IoT, and VoIP must be immediately implemented to prevent obstructions. The retirement of PSTN in Asia and abroad marks the end of an era but also signals new beginnings as flexible and feature-rich solutions are rolled out.

In the dynamic world of gambling venues, the newest casinos in the Netherlands emerge as pioneers of innovation and sustainability. These casinos strive to captivate the modern player through a fusion of tradition and progressive technology. The Netherlands has a rich history of traditional gaming halls, but the need for change and adaptation to modern demands has produced new projects that are both impressive and in line with contemporary standards.A notable example of this is the development of the Holland Casino in Venlo. Here, architecture and ecology have gone hand in hand, with the building providing energy-saving solutions such as solar panels and LED lighting. For more information on the design and sustainability of this casino, you can take a look at the sustainability and technology of the Holland Casino Venlo. In addition, recent developments show that online gambling platforms in the Netherlands are quickly adapting to changing regulations. These platforms offer a wide range of games, various payment options, and a strong focus on user safety. As a result, the gaming environment is changing drastically and ensures that both physical and digital casinos can offer innovative and reliable gaming experiences.Sustainability as a key to successSustainability has become a central theme in the latest casino projects in the Netherlands. Holland Casino in Venlo is a key player in this, with an impressive integration of biometric access control and ecological focus. For example, special corridors for bats have been installed to protect local wildlife. This approach to sustainable building is becoming increasingly important as players and visitors make more conscious choices regarding their environmental impact. Furthermore, other new casinos are encouraged to adopt additional innovations and sustainable technologies that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This leads to a trend in which Dutch casinos play an exemplary role, inspiring already established institutions to also take steps towards green energy and environmental conservation.Regulations and the digital transformationThe gambling industry in the Netherlands is currently undergoing significant changes due to new government regulations. These changes have consequences for both physical and online casinos. Online platforms benefit from licenses issued by the Netherlands Gambling Authority, which leads to a regulated and safe gaming environment for enthusiasts. Innovations such as the use of IDEMIA's digital vault technology ensure compliance and data security. This type of technology ensures that casinos not only meet regulatory requirements but also build trust among their players. This transition to stricter regulation reflects the need for a balance between opening up the market to international players and protecting local interests, while also emphasizing the importance of technology in the gambling experience.Popular gaming options and technological innovationsThe modernization of casinos in the Netherlands is further emphasized by the implementation of advanced technologies and the expansion of gaming options offered. Traditional games such as blackjack and roulette remain popular, but there is a growing interest in digital versions and interactive experiences such as video poker. Holland Casino is leading the way in this regard, investing in advanced video technologies that seamlessly connect with the needs of the current generation of players. For more details on the architectural and technological developments, you can view the project details of MVSA Architects for Holland Casino Venlo. This combination of technology and classic gaming is also found in online casinos, which appeal to an ever-growing audience with their bonuses and extensive payment options. This evolution points to an era in which the latest casinos in the Netherlands are positioning themselves as more than just a place for escapism but as an innovative spearhead for entertainment and technology.