Overcoming Asia’s Network Challenges

Establishing your network infrastructure is no easy feat in an environment that’s as complex and diverse as Asia. In this article, we explore main network challenges you may encounter, along with suggestions on how to overcome them for a fuss-free expansion.

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Overcoming Asia’s Network Challenges

Few things are as exhilarating as embarking on a new journey. And that certainly goes for expanding your organization throughout the flourishing Asian region. With its untapped customer bases, thrilling opportunities for innovation, and emerging markets to conquer, it can be tempting to get swept up in the intoxicating possibilities.

However, before getting carried away, it’s critical to establish your new venture on a solid foundation, starting with your network architecture. And that’s no easy feat in an environment that’s as complex and diverse as Asia.

Some foreign companies view the continent as a homogeneous monolith, and wrongly assume that getting their network up and running will be a straightforward task. In reality, each country is governed by its own idiosyncratic network infrastructure, procedures, and regulations – which can be almost impossible to navigate without the right partner.

Here are some of the main network challenges you may encounter, along with suggestions on how to overcome them for a fuss-free expansion.

1: Highly fragmented regulatory environments

From firewall regulations and licensing requirements to data-protection laws and hosting rules, countries in Asia must adhere to unique network conditions that can differ substantially between nations. This can make it difficult and time-consuming to successfully integrate your network across the region.

To surmount this, you can partner with a service provider with deep regional and in-country knowledge. They have experience helping companies to connect their businesses across Asia, strong partnerships with global, regional, and local operators, as well as the expertise to navigate these complex regulations – thus liberating your IT department to tackle other important tasks.

2: Countries in various stages of technological development

Network infrastructure across Asia can be inconsistent, as countries are at different points in their digital-transformation journeys. This can result in slow and haphazard deployments and poor network linkages that may hamper business-critical operations.

Your provider should understand which technologies are needed in which countries, and have the ability to integrate the entire network for seamless use. To do this, they will need scalable, cutting-edge infrastructure, including cloud-ready networks and data centers that provide direct, secure, and consistent linkages to multiple private and public clouds.

3: Challenges of maintaining a complex network infrastructure

As you extend your footprint across multiple countries in Asia, the complexity of your network will inevitably increase. Not having the proper systems in place to manage and oversee this vast infrastructure can lead to decreased control and greater cost, time, and organizational inefficiencies.

To simplify network management and take full control of your IT environments, you can harness solutions that are centrally managed and offer end-to-end visibility of your entire network via a single dashboard. This allows for optimal monitoring and troubleshooting and enables you to configure and customize your network with ease.

4: Difficulties ensuring high-speed connectivity across Asia

Most major cities possess high-performing network infrastructure, but there are many remote or hard-to-reach areas within Asia. Providers without the required network architecture cannot facilitate effective connections in these areas, which can result in latency, lag, and performance issues.

For speedy, high-performing, and optimized connectivity throughout the continent and beyond, you should choose a provider with far-reaching, global PoPs and an extensive, reliable, and secure submarine cable network. This will allow you to run mission-critical workloads with peace of mind.

5: Inefficiencies of working with multiple vendors

While you have the option of partnering with individual providers in different countries, or for specific services, this approach can yield more cons than pros. For instance, having to liaise with multiple subpar vendors with different SLAs can be incredibly frustrating and saps resources – especially when it comes to fixing network problems.

Instead, you can select a single cloud-ready network specialist with an integrated suite of managed software-defined network services across connectivity, cloud, and security functions. This can ensure simplified deployment, reduced complexity, and top-notch customer support across your entire network.

A strong network foundation is essential to realizing your Asian aspirations. You can leverage the continent’s cutting-edge digital capabilities by partnering with a world-class provider with the right designs and solutions, the right infrastructure, and the right operations, people, and skills. A provider with many years of experience in the region will help overcome common network hurdles and prime your business for success.

Find out how Singtel software-defined solutions can help you expand swiftly both globally and in Asia.

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