Space division multiplexing (SDM) has been proposed as the ultimate solution to address the capacity crunch of optical transport networks. The efficient utilization of SDM requires some forms of spatial integration which is expected to bring huge cost savings for the deployment of SDM-based optical networks. Spatially integrated components with different characteristics have been largely explored and demonstrated for the realization of SDM networks, including; transmission media, transceivers with sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) units, amplifiers, and ultimately optical switching nodes which are the key elements for the realization of transparent optical networks exploiting SDM technologies. As a consequence, in contrast to the currently deployed optical networks based on standard single mode fibers (SSMF), the next generation of optical networks exploiting SDM technologies can be realized utilizing various kinds of transmission media and the other corresponding elements. However, due in part to the physical properties of different components, their complexity, and the technology limitations not all of them meet the economic feasibility and a desired level of network-wide performance. Therefore, careful analysis should be done revealing the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions. In this work, we review the recent developments and findings which pave the way for a simplified and efficient implementation of the spectrally and spatially flexible optical networks.