<p>With the accelerated switch to remote working, partially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for an efficient and powerful communication tool became more urgent. </p>



<p>Businesses of all industries, especially those with a significant online presence, can embrace the new normal and look for tools that allow them to continue operating and communicating seamlessly, both internally and externally.</p>



<p>This is something you can get done with the integration between Microsoft Teams and ULTATEL’s VoIP Platform.</p>



<p><a href="https://blog.ultatel.com/what-is-microsoft-teams/">Microsoft Teams</a> is a digital platform for hosting corporate group chats, sharing documents, video conferences, and more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here at ULTATEL, we connect Microsoft Teams with your business phone system, allowing your remote team members to collaborate and make calls outside the PSTN.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ULTATEL’s VoIP Platform Made Even Better with Microsoft Teams Integration</h2>



<p>Over the past few years, big businesses have reached a crossroads as more and more of their employees who used to fill up office space at headquarters are now preferring to work from the comfort of their homes.</p>



<p>This means that there is an increasing need for corporate businesses to utilize the power of technology and the integration of different tools to ensure successful business operations.</p>



<p>ULTATEL’s VoIP phone offers an entirely cloud-based system for all of your business communication needs. All your employees need is their computer and a reliable internet connection to enjoy the fantastic features of our cloud-based phone.</p>



<p>Along with powerful software such as Microsoft Teams and ULTATEL’s cloud phone, your business can become a powerhouse from anywhere in the world.</p>



<p>ULTATEL’s commitment to providing a simple <a href="https://www.ultatel.com/integrations/microsoft-teams/">integration with Microsoft Teams</a> guarantees an easy and timely transition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your employees can easily integrate Workflow tools, Microsoft Teams Plugins, Apps, and extensions without any hassle.</p>



<p>One of the major concerns that many company executives raise is the implementation time of Microsoft Teams Integration. Our engineers work remotely with your technology department to install and launch the fully integrated system in record time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams Integration Key Features</h2>



<p>There are many reasons why connecting your current systems to your Microsoft Teams suite can be beneficial to your business. Most importantly, these benefits include both enhanced efficiency and security.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Global PSTN Access</h3>



<p>PSTN refers to the massive collection of telephone networks that allow people to complete phone calls with a landline telephone anywhere in the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Global PSTN access ensures that there are no limits to the distance your phone calls are able to reach. Whether you are calling a neighbor or someone on the other side of the world, global PSTN access ensures a high-quality phone call regardless of the distance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. SBC and Direct Routing</h3>



<p>The days of third-party lines are long gone, and a Session Border Controller (SBC) is just one of the services we provide to protect your company’s privacy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the name implies, a session border controller guarantees that the phone calls made between employees and customers are protected from the rest of the internet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Scalable SIP Trunk Solution</h3>



<p>Our VoIP systems are fully capable of doing everything that traditional landlines can do and with some extra bonuses included. Scalable <a href="https://blog.ultatel.com/sip-trunk/">SIP Trunk</a> Solution is the technical name for the technology that allows our VoIP system users to make phone calls outside of the organization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our system allows this by sending multiple signals simultaneously. Rather than the ancient dial tone, users will hear the more current sounds of modern technology. Our enhanced security measures provide peace of mind for corporate users.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Learn More About Microsoft Integrations with ULTATEL’s VoIP Platform&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Microsoft Teams integrations can seem like an overwhelming concept at first. The inner workings of a complicated corporate business are both delicate and intricate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deciding to integrate your Microsoft Teams App with ULTATEL’s cloud business phone might seem like a difficult choice at first. However, our team is here to support your business through every step of the process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once the system has been fully integrated, you will immediately notice the advanced benefits of the collaboration between the platforms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Allow your remote employees to collaborate seamlessly across Microsoft Teams apps and the ULTATEL VoIP system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Visit our website for more information about how you can make your business run more smoothly today by integrating Microsoft Teams with ULTATEL’s VoIP platform.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams Integration FAQs</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. What Does Microsoft Teams Integrate With?</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams can integrate seamlessly with many different digital tools to make remote work more accessible, smoother, and more efficient. The ULTATEL VoIP system is just one example of how this technology can make work much more straightforward than it has been in the past.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. How Many Integrations Does Microsoft Teams Have?</h3>



<p>As technology continues to evolve and grow over time, there is endless potential for collaborations among your business tools. To date, Microsoft Teams features over 700 applications that you can integrate with their service.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Can We Integrate Microsoft Teams?</h3>



<p>Absolutely. You can integrate your Microsoft Teams apps with many different operating systems and platforms available to your business today. This integration will make the internal operations within your business smoother and more efficient.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. How Do You Integrate Apps in MS Teams?</h3>



<p>Integrating apps with your Microsoft Teams needs a bit of background, especially if this is your first time dealing with cross-platform integration solutions. Our team of advanced technology gurus are ready to help you choose to create a collaborative workplace with Microsoft Teams based on your exact needs.</p>


Microsoft Teams Integration with ULTATEL’s VoIP Platform

What is Microsoft Teams? The Definitive Guide to Teams

<p>Most businesses have made improvements with their means of communicating and collaborating. It is necessary to choose a platform for efficient communication and engagement within your remote team and to provide services to your clients. It is beneficial to understand how to enable voice for Microsoft teams and it as your softphone. Teams with voice become the most leading communication platforms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Note that to have an excellent team space is equal to creative team decision-making and efficient communication. So, if you want to learn more how you can take advantage of this application to communicate with your customers, vendors and partners, read until the end.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Microsoft Teams?&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a class="rank-math-link" href="https://blog.ultatel.com/what-is-microsoft-teams/">Microsoft Teams</a> is a platform for effective communication among remote workers. It is one of Microsoft Office 365’s cloud-based platforms and it will be efficient if you’ll start to turn the voice option to your MS Teams since Skype for Business Online (SFB online) will be completely discontinued starting on July 31, 2021.</p>



<p>This March 2020, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-teams-coronavirus-daily-active-users-2020-3">Microsoft teams users spiked to 12 million users</a> daily per week bringing it to a total of 44 million users. This is also because companies started to establish work from home setups due to the current pandemic.</p>



<p>Here are some Microsoft Teams features that can help boost your remote team collaboration:</p>



<ul><li>Create teams and channels. It allows instant chat and team conversations too which can make remote collaboration easier since messages will be visible to all team members.</li><li>Your team will have its document storage in SharePoint. All shared files within the team conversation will be automatically saved to a folder on a SharePoint online site. Note that you can customize the permission for each document to ensure the security of sensitive information.</li><li>Video conferences are also available in Microsoft Teams. Aside from that teams can share their desktop during the call. This will help you to boost real-time collaboration in your business.</li><li>Audio conferencing is possible with Microsoft Teams if you will connect it to an SIP provider. You’ll have the option to participate in a call even without interruption which will be beneficial if you’ll conduct it with your client.</li><li>You can conduct online meetings and even include anyone in or out of the business.&nbsp;</li><li>Microsoft Teams can function as your softphone if you decide to connect it to <a class="rank-math-link" href="https://www.ultatel.com/">ULTATEL</a> so you can make and receive calls on any device.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>One more thing: It is included in Microsoft 365 and Office365 for free. Microsoft Teams is an all-around hub for your team because you can also access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneNote, Planner, and more with just a fingertip.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can You Use Microsoft Teams as a Softphone?</h2>



<p>Microsoft Teams can replace your traditional PSTN line. It is available as an add-on feature to your Microsoft Office 365 subscription.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You can use Microsoft telephony with your headsets, laptop, or even using your mobile phone. So, you can now cut all the additional expenses for hardwired copper installation for your traditional telephony.</p>



<p>Microsoft Teams offers two options in order to make, receive, and transfer calls:</p>



<ol><li><strong>&nbsp;Enable Phone System and Calling Plans </strong>&#8211; Microsoft will provide phone numbers to your users and all PSTN services and this option is 100% in the cloud.</li><li><strong>Direct Connect </strong>&#8211; use PSTN connection through a Session Border Controller (SBC) to connect Microsoft Teams to your old PBX, any cloud PBX or your SIP trunking provider. ULTATEL offers a certified SBC solution that can help you with any of the scenarios above.</li></ol>



<p>Note that you should have the following licenses to connect Microsoft Teams to PSTN:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Business Essentials</li><li>Business Premium</li><li>Enterprise 1 (E1)</li><li>Enterprise 3 (E3)</li><li>Enterprise 3 (E5)</li></ul>



<p>These licenses have Microsoft Teams included and will allow your team to have internal chat, file and screen sharing, and conduct internal meetings. If you wish to dial someone or if you’ll conduct an audio conference with a partner outside your business, you can add this feature through Microsoft to enable voice connection through direct routing methods.</p>



<p>But it would be more beneficial to your business if you’ll take advantage of the services that ULTATEL offers. They can provide voice options to your MS Teams which is actually cost effective than the additional licensing from Microsoft. They can connect your Microsoft Teams account to your current SIP provider, if you have one, through its certified SBC or provide you with a complete solution with the SBC plus the SIP trunks</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5 Reasons Why Microsoft Teams Should Be Your Next Softphone for your Business</h2>



<p>Softphones will be the future voice of businesses. Aside from Microsoft Teams being user-friendly and straightforward, here are the other five reasons why it should be your next business softphone:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Productivity gains and enriched communication</h3>



<p>Teams can help your business increase productivity because Microsoft 365 brings all the collaboration tools in one place. You can easily access your team’s conversations, meetings, shared documents, notes, and many more in one single app and interface. And Teams also has 3rd party apps that are integrated with Microsoft Teams that can help you stay in the app even working on the other tools to get your tasks done.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Increased focus on work</h3>



<p>Teams help you to focus on work-related topics which will also help you to save time. You don’t need to go through all the messages in your inbox which also contains unimportant contents. Teams brings all the information you need in your channel and it contains your team conversations, meetings, and documents that are related to the topic of your organization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You will not get lost since Teams also has a search bar. So you won’t be side-tracked with any random email and you can save time cleaning up and sorting your inbox.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Promotes transparency</h3>



<p>One of the challenges that the digital workplace faces is keeping everyone on track and ensuring that all team members are still in the loop of what’s been going on in their organization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With Microsoft Teams, this has been made easier since you don’t need to put extra time double checking if you were able to put all the necessary names on CC in an email. With Teams, you simply need to mention the team members using @ to notify them and to read your message.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’ll conduct a meeting, you can just send the message to a specific channel that you have wherein your message will be visible to everyone. In this way, you can make the relaying of messages much easier and increase transparency by enabling all members to “pop-in” in the channel.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Seamless move to a digital workplace</h3>



<p>One of the huge benefits that a business could get from moving to a digital workplace in the cloud is you can access business information anywhere and on any device. Since Microsoft Teams is a fully cloud-based platform, moving to the cloud is seamless.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’ll build your workplace in the cloud, you can maximize the benefits of big data processing and artificial intelligence built for businesses. Also, if your team members are multilingual, Teams offer translations of conversations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another thing, if ever you’ll miss an important meeting, you don’t need to worry because you can tune in to any part of the meeting that you need the most by searching keywords that have been discussed in the video recording.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. New team members can quickly get up to speed</h3>



<p>In today’s business setup wherein everyone works remotely and talent sourcing from anywhere in the world is easy, you can use Teams to quickly get new employees up to speed and engage in your teamwork regardless of their geographic location.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams Softphone Cost</h2>



<p>The cost of Microsoft Teams is more beneficial to smaller companies since it is much cheaper than the monthly costs of typical phone lines or to any other cloud-based phone system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But for big companies, you can easily add up calling plan licenses to all your team members. Microsoft will divide the calling plan minutes among all the team members. So if your plan has 30,000 minutes before overage charges and you have 10 users, each user will have an allotted 3,000 minutes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Add-on license costs may vary from $4 up to $25 per user every month for commercial companies. But if your business is a non-profit entity, an Education organization, you can have it at a much lower price. License cost will depend on the needs of your business.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For audio conferencing, you need the Microsoft Audio Conferencing feature for $4 MSRP/user based on a monthly subscription.</p>



<p>For external dialing, you need the Microsoft License feature which is at $8 MSRP/user every month.</p>



<p>For domestic call plans, it’s at $12MSRP/ user monthly and for international call plans at $24 MSRP/user.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are There Any Downsides and Limitations?</h2>



<p>Any collaboration tool has its downsides and limitations. For your knowledge and to serve as your reference, here are for Microsoft Teams:</p>



<ul><li>Link sharing of the document that you edited on Word is not possible in Teams at this time. So, you need to send it via email.</li><li>Microsoft Teams still doesn’t support Group calendars, so if you need to you’ll have to switch to Outlook.</li><li>Whenever you move a file into a new folder, the link in Teams in all conversations will be broken.</li><li>One of the benefits of Microsoft Teams is all team members who belong to a channel can access automatically all the information and files that have been shared. But if you want to customize the permission since teamwork isn’t always binary, it’s not possible at this moment. One thing that you could do is to create a private channel but adding “guest users” is not allowed.</li></ul>



<p>Microsoft is working hard to address these issues. What’s important at this time is you’re aware of them and you’ll be guided properly. In that case, you can maximize the benefits that it has.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Switching to Microsoft Teams as Your Next Softphone</h2>



<p>Just like with other business softphones, if you are planning to change your provider, you should be prepared and ensure that it will not be disruptive to your business and your team members. But expect that switching might cause minimal disruption.</p>



<p>You can <a href="https://www.ultatel.com/contact-us">contact ULTATEL</a> to discuss more and to review your current licensing or if you don’t have any we can help you set up and provide all the necessary information until the installation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summary</h2>



<p>There are several reasons why you should choose Microsoft Teams as your next business softphone and those have been discussed above. If you still have questions, we can help discuss them further.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s better to switch now to cut the cost of monthly plans with a traditional PSTN plan and to increase productivity in your team while maximizing the benefits of easy file sharing and efficient communication in different forms.</p>


Why Your Business Needs to use Microsoft Teams as a Softphone

<p>For businesses, especially medium to large-sized companies, there are instances where communication among colleagues or to clients becomes an issue. It may be the area has a bad mobile signal, no working telephone lines are present, or there is no internet connection. Not only that but when the organization plans to upgrade its telephone plans to avail more communication features, it significantly increases the operational cost of the company.</p>



<p>One of the solutions to these problems is to connect the business’s current telephony structure to its MS Teams network via Direct Routing. But what exactly is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing? How does it work? Are there additional benefits to it for businesses? How does it differ from Microsoft&#8217;s Calling Plan? What are the requirements for Direct Routing’s integration into MS Teams? And how to set it up? All of the questions will be answered below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.ultatel.com/direct-routing-teams-sbc/">Microsoft Teams Direct Routing</a> is a telephony solution that empowers organizations to integrate their existing phone systems with the Teams platform. This is achieved by connecting Session Border Controllers (SBCs) directly to Teams. SBCs serve as the bridge between the organization&#8217;s communications infrastructure and the Microsoft Teams service, facilitating seamless transactions.</p>



<p>By leveraging Direct Routing, users can make and receive calls within the Teams interface, transforming it into a comprehensive communication hub. This approach enables organizations to retain their current telephony setup while taking advantage of Teams&#8217; collaborative features. Direct Routing&#8217;s flexibility accommodates diverse telephony configurations, making it a versatile solution for businesses seeking to unify their communication tools and networks.</p>



<p>Direct Routing enhances the interoperability of Microsoft Teams, providing a bridge between traditional telephony systems and the modern, collaborative environment of Teams, fostering efficient and integrated communication within organizations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Does Direct Routing Work?</h2>



<p>It works by connecting an organization&#8217;s existing telephony infrastructure with Microsoft Teams, enabling seamless voice communication within the platform. The key component in this process is the Session Border Controller (SBC). Organizations install SBCs, which act as intermediaries between their private network and the Microsoft Teams service.</p>



<p>Firstly, SBCs establish a secure connection to the Teams service, allowing voice traffic to flow between the organization&#8217;s phone system and Teams. This connection adheres to industry standards, ensuring compatibility and security.</p>



<p>Secondly, users within Teams gain the ability to make and receive calls through the integrated telephony features. Direct Routing supports a range of telephony configurations, allowing for a tailored integration that aligns with the organization&#8217;s specific needs.</p>



<p>This approach offers flexibility and scalability, enabling organizations to leverage their existing investments in telephony infrastructure while benefiting from the collaborative and communication features of Microsoft Teams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing</h2>



<p>The adoption of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing provides several benefits for organizations seeking to integrate their telephony with the collaboration platform. Here are examples:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cost Efficiency</h3>



<p>Direct Routing allows organizations to leverage their existing telephony infrastructure, avoiding the need for a complete overhaul or migration to other Microsoft Calling Plans. This can result in significant cost savings, as it maximizes the use of current investments in on-premises phone systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flexibility and Compatibility</h3>



<p>MS Teams Direct Routing offers flexibility in telephony configurations, supporting various setups such as on-premises <a href="https://blog.ultatel.com/what-is-ip-pbx">Private Branch EXchange (PBX) systems</a>, <a href="https://blog.ultatel.com/sip-line">Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking</a>, or a hybrid of telephony solutions. This adaptability ensures compatibility with different organizational structures and telephony preferences.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Global Reach and Local Presence</h3>



<p>Organizations can extend their global reach by connecting Microsoft Teams with telephony providers worldwide through Direct Routing. This enables users to make and receive calls globally while maintaining local phone numbers, improving accessibility and enhancing communication efficiency.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Unified Communication Experience</h3>



<p>By integrating telephony features such as Direct Routing into Microsoft Teams, users benefit from a <a href="https://blog.ultatel.com/what-is-ucaas">unified communication experience</a>. They can seamlessly transition between collaboration tools and traditional phone functions, streamlining workflows and improving overall productivity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scalability and growth</h3>



<p>As a business grows, so do its communication needs. Direct Routing supports this scaling demand by offering additional features to their telephony infrastructure alongside Microsoft Teams, ensuring that the communication system remains aligned with the organization’s expansion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enhanced Collaboration Features</h3>



<p>Users gain access to advanced collaboration features within Microsoft Teams, such as document sharing, video conferencing, and chat, in addition to telephony functions. This integration enhances team collaboration by consolidating communication tools into a single platform.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Security and Compliance</h3>



<p>Direct Routing adheres to industry standards and protocols, ensuring secure communication lines. This is crucial for organizations with strict security and compliance requirements, as it helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of voice communications.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Customizable User Experience</h3>



<p>Organizations can tailor the user experience to their specific needs by choosing the telephony setup that best aligns with their business requirements and operation style. This customizable approach allows for a more personalized and efficient communication environment.</p>



<p>In summary, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing offers a cost-effective, flexible, and feature-rich solution for integrating telephony with the collaboration platform, providing organizations with the tools they need to enhance communication, collaboration, and overall efficiency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Calling Plan vs. Microsoft Direct Routing</h2>



<p>Microsoft’s Calling Plan and Direct Routing can both be integrated into Teams. However, the first serves as a telephony provider with consolidated billing, offering simplicity but potentially at higher costs.</p>



<p>In contrast, Microsoft Direct Routing allows organizations to connect their telephony infrastructure to Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility and cost-efficiency by leveraging existing systems, and customization in telephony configurations. The choice depends on whether users prefer an all-in-one solution or seek greater control and adaptability in telephony integration with Teams.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>Microsoft Calling Plan</strong></th><th><strong>Microsoft Direct Routing</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Microsoft serves as the telephony service provider.<br><br>&#8211; Billing is consolidated within Microsoft 365 subscriptions.<br><br>&#8211; Straightforward, all-in-one solution managed by Microsoft.<br><br>&#8211; Suitable for organizations looking for simplicity and ease of management.<br><br>&#8211; May result in higher costs, especially for organizations with extensive telephony infrastructure.</td><td>&#8211; Organizations connect their telephony infrastructure (e.g., SBCs) to Microsoft Teams.<br><br>-Provides flexibility and customization in telephony configurations.<br><br>&#8211; Enables users to leverage existing telephony investments for potential cost savings.<br><br>&#8211; More suitable for organizations with specific telephony preferences or regulatory compliance requirements.<br><br>&#8211; Offers greater control over the telephony setup and billing arrangements based on existing agreements with telephony providers.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Licensing Requirements</h2>



<p>Licensing requirements for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing involve several components to ensure proper integration. Key elements include:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Various Microsoft 365 or Office 365 Licensing</h3>



<p>Users must have either Microsoft 365 or Office 365 (Teams Phone, Microsoft Teams, Audio Conferencing, and Business Basic + Microsoft 365 Business Voice to Nonprofit E5) licenses/subscriptions, as Microsoft Teams is typically included in these plans. Licensing may vary based on the specific features and capabilities needed, but Teams licensing is a foundational requirement.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Phone System License</h3>



<p>To use Direct Routing for telephony features in Microsoft Teams, users need a legitimate Phone System license which can be acquired through an MS Teams or MS 365 subscription. This license provides the necessary permissions for users to make and receive calls through Teams and is a crucial component for enabling telephony capabilities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Call Plan or Direct Routing Add-on</h3>



<p>Organizations must choose between Microsoft&#8217;s Calling Plan or implement Direct Routing. For Direct Routing, additional licensing or add-ons may be required, depending on the specific implementation and any associated third-party services.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Session Border Controller (SBC)</h3>



<p>Since Direct Routing involves connecting to an organization&#8217;s telephony infrastructure, a Session Border Controller (SBC) is essential. Organizations may need to procure or configure their current SBCs, and the specific SBC requirements may depend on the chosen vendor and deployment scenario.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Operator Connect for Carrier Integration (Optional)</h3>



<p>If the organization chooses to integrate a telephony carrier through Operator Connect, additional licensing or agreements with the carrier may be necessary. Operator Connect simplifies the connection between the telephony carrier and Microsoft Teams. For additional information, please inquire through the MS Teams’ customer support service.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Configure Call Routing for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing</h2>



<p>Configuring call routing for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing involves several steps to ensure seamless integration of telephony services. You can start by:</p>



<ol>
<li>Confirming that your Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription includes the necessary licenses, such as Microsoft Teams, Phone System, and any additional licenses required for Direct Routing.</li>



<li>Deploy, connect, configure, and validate the Session Border Controllers (SBCs) in your network. These devices act as intermediaries between your telephony infrastructure and Microsoft Teams. Ensure that your SBCs are properly configured for security and interoperability with Teams.</li>



<li>Create SIP trunks or directly connect your SBCs and your telephony infrastructure. This connection facilitates the exchange of voice traffic between Microsoft Teams and your existing telephony setup.</li>



<li>In the Microsoft Teams admin center, set up voice routes to determine how calls are directed. Voice routes define the path that calls take through your network. Configure these routes based on factors like destination, cost, and availability.</li>



<li>Configure dial plans to define valid numbering formats for your organization. Dial plans help ensure consistency in how phone numbers are formatted and dialed. This step is crucial for maintaining a standardized numbering convention.</li>



<li>Assign phone numbers to users in the Teams admin center. Ensure that each user is associated with the appropriate phone number and that their configuration aligns with the defined voice routes and dial plans. In this step, you can also translate the numbers into an alternate format such as assigning each user a unique caller ID.</li>



<li>Conduct thorough testing to ensure that call routing is functioning as expected. Test both incoming and outgoing calls to verify that calls are reaching the intended destinations without issues. Identify and address any issues during this testing phase with the MS Teams customer support service for assistance when issues arise.</li>



<li>Implement monitoring tools to track call quality, system performance, and potential issues. Regularly review and optimize configurations as needed, especially if there are changes in your telephony infrastructure or organizational requirements.</li>



<li>Document the call routing configuration, including details about voice routes, dial plans, SBC configurations, and user assignments. This documentation serves as a reference for troubleshooting and future maintenance.</li>
</ol>



<ol start="5"></ol>



<ol start="6"></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Which type of companies benefit from Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is particularly beneficial for companies that have existing investments in telephony infrastructure, such as on-premises PBX systems or SIP trunks, and seek to integrate these systems seamlessly with their collaboration platform.</p>



<p>This solution is ideal for businesses looking to leverage their current telephony setup, maintain flexibility in choosing telephony providers, and optimize costs while enjoying the collaborative features of Microsoft Teams. It caters to organizations with diverse telephony preferences, regulatory compliance needs, or those prioritizing a customized and cost-effective approach to unified communication.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Can I still use desk and softphones with Direct Routing?</h3>



<p>Yes, with Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, you can continue to use both desk phones and softphones. Direct Routing allows for the integration of various telephony endpoints, including traditional desk phones and software-based softphones.</p>



<p>This flexibility enables users to make and receive calls using their preferred devices, accommodating diverse work preferences within the Microsoft Teams collaboration environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Will Direct Routing cost more than my currency phone system?</h3>



<p>The cost comparison between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and your current on-premises phone system depends on various factors such as the scale of your organization, existing telephony infrastructure, and specific feature requirements that you want to avail.</p>



<p>While Direct Routing may involve initial setup costs and licensing fees, it often provides a cost-efficient option by leveraging your current investments and potentially reducing ongoing maintenance expenses.</p>



<p>Additionally, Direct Routing allows for flexibility in choosing telephony providers, which can contribute to cost optimization. A careful assessment of your organization&#8217;s needs and a thorough cost analysis will determine whether Direct Routing offers a more economical solution compared to your existing phone system in your currency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summary</h2>



<p>Depending on where your business is based and the rate of dollar exchange, Direct Routing to your company’s MS Teams could be one of the best options for your communication needs in both flexibility and cost-efficiency.</p>



<p>Since most organizations nowadays use telephony structures and Microsoft products for daily operations, half of your Direct Routing requirements may have already been fulfilled. All you need to do if you’re interested is to get an SBC and follow the configuration steps given above.</p>



<p>But for now, do a cost analysis to figure out if MS Teams Direct Routing is a better investment for your organization&#8217;s communication needs than your current telephony structure and assess if it’s needed.</p>


The Definitive Guide to Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

<p>Microsoft Teams and Slack have much in common, so choosing between the two might feel like a coin toss. Still, both have pros and cons, and your choice will depend on how you prefer to communicate with your team.</p>



<p>This guide is for you if you’re caught in the Slack vs. Teams battle. Learn how each team chat app functions and how they stack up against one another regarding overall features, plans, user experiences, and more.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s the Difference Between Microsoft Teams and Slack?</h2>



<p>The main difference between Microsoft Teams and Slack is its usage. Because Slack is comparatively easier to sign up for and use, it is better suited for smaller teams, whereas Microsoft Teams is more compatible with larger enterprises and organizations.</p>



<p>Another stark difference between the two is integration capabilities. While Microsoft Teams seamlessly integrates with <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/products-apps-services" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Office 365 applications</a>, Slack boasts a whopping <a href="https://slack.com/integrations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">2,000+ integrations</a> with third-party applications.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams vs. Slack Which Collaboration App is Better?</h2>



<p>As the two clear market leaders in the team collaboration industry, Microsoft Teams and Slack can pose a challenging choice for business managers. By comparing the two on every level, you can better understand which collaboration tool can satisfy your needs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Features</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams offers robust features deeply integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite. Users can conduct video meetings, share files, co-author documents in real time, and manage tasks within the platform. Teams also provides access to Microsoft&#8217;s productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, streamlining workflows for those already entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem.</p>



<p>On the other hand, Slack boasts a wide range of third-party integrations, allowing users to customize their workspace with over 2,400 apps. Its features include channels for focused discussions, direct messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, and integrations with popular tools like Google Drive and Trello.</p>



<p>Here’s a more in-depth table comparison of Teams and Slack features.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Features</strong></th><th><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong></th><th><strong>Slack</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Channels</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Private Messages</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Number of Users</strong></td><td>Up to 500,000 (free plan)</td><td>Unlimited</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Unlimited Messages</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comp. Message Search</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Up to 10,000 (free plan)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>File Sharing</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Guest Access</strong></td><td>5 per account (paid plan)</td><td>Unlimited (paid plan)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Screen Sharing</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes (paid plan)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Video and Audio Calling</strong></td><td>Unlimited</td><td>Unlimited</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Video Conferencing</strong></td><td>Up to 250 users (paid plan)</td><td>Up to 15 users (paid plan)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Web, Desktop, and Mobile</strong></td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Shortcuts and Productivity</strong></td><td>40+ shortcuts (desktop)</td><td>50+ shortcuts (web, desktop)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bots and Workflow</strong></td><td>Who Bot (paid), 3rd party</td><td>SlackBot</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Integrations</strong></td><td>472 apps</td><td>Up to 10 (free), 2,000+ (paid)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Plans and Pricing</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams and Slack offer free plans with basic features, making them accessible to small teams and individual users.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Microsoft Teams&#8217; paid plans come with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, providing access to additional features like enhanced security and increased storage. Plans include the following:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Free</strong></li>



<li><strong>Business Basic: </strong>$5 per user/month</li>



<li><strong>Business Standard: </strong>$12.50 per user/month</li>



<li><strong>Office 365 E3: </strong>$20 per user/month</li>
</ul>



<p>Slack&#8217;s paid plans are more straightforward, offering tiered pricing based on organization size and additional features like unlimited message history and advanced administration controls. Plans include the following:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Free</strong></li>



<li><strong>Standard: </strong>$6.67/mo</li>



<li><strong>Plus: </strong>$12.50/mo</li>



<li><strong>Enterprise Grid: </strong>Pricing upon request</li>
</ul>



<p>If your company is already paying for the Microsoft Office 365 suite, it may make more financial sense to invest in Microsoft Teams. While Slack can accommodate more users per company, Microsoft Teams provides better overall value for larger teams.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, you can access more features on a free Teams plan than you would on Slack.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">User Experience</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams provides a user-friendly interface with a familiar Microsoft design language. Users accustomed to Microsoft products will find the navigation intuitive. The platform emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, making it easy for users to access shared files, hold meetings, and collaborate seamlessly.</p>



<p>Slack has a clean and modern interface. Its channel-based organization fosters focused discussions, while direct messages enable private communication between team members. Slack&#8217;s user experience is lauded for its simplicity and quick onboarding process.</p>



<p>However, Microsoft Teams’ interface is slightly more streamlined, as users divide channels into teams, not channels based on topics. In addition, Slack enables any user to create channels, which can potentially lead to interface overload.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Integrations</h3>



<p>Slack is renowned for its extensive integration ecosystem, allowing teams to connect and centralize various third-party apps and services. This flexibility enables users to customize their workspace and automate workflows effortlessly.</p>



<p>While Microsoft Teams started with a narrower range of integrations, it has expanded significantly over time. Its strength lies in tight integrations with other Microsoft services, but it also supports integrations with popular third-party apps.</p>



<p>In this regard, Slack may seem like the obvious winner, but that isn’t always the case. If your team already functions on a Microsoft ecosystem and doesn’t require too many integrations, using Teams makes sense. However, smaller groups requiring flexibility, mobility, and scalability might prefer Slack.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ease of Use</h3>



<p>Both platforms excel in offering user-friendly experiences, but preferences may depend on your team&#8217;s familiarity with the respective ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Microsoft Teams provides a seamless experience for users already entrenched in Microsoft tools.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Slack&#8217;s intuitive interface makes it accessible to teams of all backgrounds, and its customization options enhance overall usability. Slack also has superior notification customization, allowing new users to overcome learning curves as quickly as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Calls and Messaging</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams offers reliable video conferencing and calling capabilities, empowering teams to collaborate face-to-face, regardless of location. It supports large meetings, screen sharing, and interactive collaboration features.</p>



<p>Slack&#8217;s video and voice calling features are available across all plans, with the option to integrate with third-party video conferencing tools for larger meetings. Its messaging system is robust; users can easily share files, images, and documents within conversations.</p>



<p>Overall, Slack isn’t as invested in supporting calls, as you’ll only get one-on-one capabilities with a free plan. Plus, moving onto a paid plan doesn’t help much—group calls can only support up to 15 people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparison, Teams can host huddles of up to 300 people on a paid plan—perfect for workshops and conferences.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Storage</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with OneDrive and SharePoint, providing generous file storage and access to collaborative document editing. The storage capacity depends on the Microsoft 365 subscription plan.</p>



<p>Slack integrates with various cloud storage providers, enabling users to access and share files from platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. Its free plan offers limited file storage, while paid plans provide more extensive storage options.</p>



<p>While both programs offer up to 1TB of storage, this is only available to Slack users on its Enterprise tier. By comparison, Microsoft Teams users can easily access this much storage with its Basic Package.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Security</h3>



<p>Both programs offer industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage. Microsoft Teams leverages the security features of Microsoft 365, including compliance capabilities, data loss prevention, and identity management. Teams is Microsoft Certified for Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (Exam SC-900).</p>



<p>Slack provides enterprise-grade security, including data encryption, two-factor authentication, and user access and permissions management. Its Enterprise Grid plan also offers larger organizations advanced security and compliance features. Its compliance certifications include the following:</p>



<ul>
<li>ISO/IEC 27001</li>



<li>ISO/IEC 27017</li>



<li>ISO/IEC 27018</li>



<li>SOC 2</li>



<li>SOC 3</li>



<li>EU/US Privacy Shield</li>



<li>Swiss/US Privacy Shield</li>



<li>CSA</li>
</ul>



<p>While Slack may appear better-equipped, Teams offers better access control and information management, as you’ll see in its information architecture.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support</h3>



<p>Microsoft Teams benefits from Microsoft&#8217;s extensive support infrastructure. Users can access a wealth of documentation, tutorials, and a dedicated support team to address issues or concerns.</p>



<p>Slack also offers comprehensive support resources, including a help center, community forums, and email support. Paid plans come with additional premium support options and faster response times.</p>



<p>Both platforms provide 24/7 bot support, and both help bots function almost identically—just plug in a keyword or query in the T-Bot channel on Teams or Help Centre on Slack, and you’ll get your answer immediately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Teams vs. Slack The Verdict</h2>



<p>The choice between Microsoft Teams and Slack depends on an organization&#8217;s existing tech stack, collaboration needs, and preferences. Some teams might find Microsoft Teams more suitable due to its integration with Microsoft&#8217;s suite of products, while others might prefer Slack&#8217;s flexibility and extensive third-party integrations.</p>



<p>Microsoft Teams is a sensible and natural choice if you run a large enterprise on an Office 365 ecosystem. Alternatively, Slack may be better if you require many integrations and further customization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whatever the case, having a reliable and secure cloud phone system is part of any successful business infrastructure, whether it functions on Teams or Slack. You can work and contact your team from anywhere with ULTATEL’s robust <a href="https://www.ultatel.com/cloud-based-phone-system/">cloud phone systems</a>.&nbsp;</p>


Microsoft Teams vs. Slack: Which Collaboration Tool is Better?

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