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Direct routing turns Teams into a full unified communications solution
May 18th, 2020
Many Telecom providers have now launched direct routing for Microsoft Teams, allowing users to make and receive calls external to their organisation through the platform. Users can now use the normal Teams application whilst remote or on the move without the need for third-party softphones.
Microsoft recorded a huge spike in active Teams users since the lockdown was announced, as businesses look for an easy way to remain connected and collaborate with staff outside of the traditional office environment. This addition takes the functionality of Teams one step further, transforming it into a full cloud-based unified communications solution with enterprise-grade telephony.
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is a flexible, accessible and cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans and allows your business to make calls within Teams using SIP trunks to route the calls, without the need for on-premise hardware. It utilises Microsoft certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to deliver better value, greater flexibility, increased functionality and support for migration.
Direct Routing provides connectivity to your Microsoft Team’s tenant enabling full PSTN breakout on the public telephone network. Connections from Microsoft Teams to the telecom provider networks are via an IP connection (for example Broadband or Leased Lines).
What is required to enabled Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft 365 or Office 365 license including Teams
- Microsoft phone system add-on
- An internet connection
What are the benefits of Direct Routing?
- Call your normal contacts directly from the Microsoft Teams app without the need for additional third-party softphones
- Keep the same geographical number wherever you are
- Complete cloud-based solution with no CapEx costs
- Maximise your existing Microsoft 365 license
- Access to advanced call statistics such as call handling efficiencies, productivity, caller patterns and caller behaviour.
- 01, 02, 03 and 08 termination with no number translation
- Tailored business continuity with network and number level resilience to keep your business working
If your business is still using Skype for Business as it’s telephony platform, then it’s imperative that you make the move soon. Microsoft will be retiring Skype in 2021 and is encouraging all users to move to Teams. Not only does it offer all the functions of Skype for Business, but it includes instant messaging, screen sharing, web conferencing and a centralised collaboration.
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