Microsoft Operator Connect vs Direct Routing
Pros and Cons of Microsoft Direct Routing versus Operator Connect
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Operator Connect versus Direct Routing
MICROSOFT TEAMS: Operator Connect vs Direct Routing Currently at a massive Microsoft Teams is the communication solution on the front line of the transition to flexible and remote work. Microsoft Teams has emerged as more than just a collaboration tool – monthly active users it’s a service which enables UCaaS functionality, CRM integration, CCaaS, and even productivity tools. However, for Microsoft users to leverage the full benefits of Teams, they need to access the right telephony and voice strategy. The good news is that Microsoft offers three ways to connect to the Microsoft Phone System. You can use a Microsoft calling plan or access certified Microsoft voice providers through Direct Routing or Operator Connect. For many wanting to take a flexible approach to Microsoft Teams calling with their own voice provider, Direct Routing and Operator Connect seem like very similar solutions. Let’s explore how they differ and how you can choose the right option for your organization. www.calltower.com [email protected] (800) 347-5444
Direct Routing represents a simple and flexible way for companies to connect to the Microsoft Phone Microsoft Teams System. Organizations can source SIP trunks from Telephony carriers or use managed service providers to get a more end-to-end solution including contact center. The Direct Routing offering allows providers to configure cloud-based Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to route calls from the Microsoft Phone System to their network for public telephony network access (PSTN). Depending on the Direct Routing solution, you can access additional specialist support to help optimize your telephony offering. For instance, with a provider like CallTower, you can port existing numbers from your existing carrier, so you don’t have to change numbers during a migration, or you can add services such as paging, handsets, headsets, contact center, CRM integration, redundancy services and receptionist console to mention a few. Direct Routing allows Microsoft Teams users to access their telephony solutions Direct Routing is advised as the ideal solution in more countries than you could access for Teams UCaaS if you’re looking for with Microsoft Calling Plans. Additionally, flexibility, advanced key integrations, and unlike with Microsoft Calling plans, Direct additional customized features. Routing gives companies a vast range of routing options to choose from. Microsoft Teams Operator Connect Operator Connect is the recent addition to Microsoft’s solutions for calling functionality. The platform enables enterprises to choose their own Teams PSTN carrier – like Direct Routing. With Operator Connect, the focus is on using a certified Microsoft provider via the Office 365 Admin Portal to manage your voice services. www.calltower.com [email protected] (800) 347-5444
With Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, IT groups will be able to connect to their provider and assign numbers to their users through a Teams admin dashboard “Operators” tab. This means there is no need for any telephony expertise or carrier negotiations. If you already have a relationship with one of Microsoft’s Operator Connect providers, you can maintain that relationship going forward. The solution makes it easier to connect your telephony solution into Teams with minimal headaches. You also get benefits like access to existing Access to existing Operator Connect providers Operator Connect providers to minimize costs, quick deployment (only minutes to Quick deployment manage phone numbers in the Teams admin center), operator-managed cloud-based SBC and PSTN infrastructure to reduce Cloud-based SBC and PSTN infrastructure hardware requirements and enhanced 24/7 support from operators such as CallTower. 24/7 support The Difference Operator Connect and Direct Routing seem like similar systems, as both solutions allow you to have more flexibility with your transition into Microsoft Phone functionality. If you are looking for a solution for Microsoft UCaaS that does not have the same restrictions or cost as the Calling Plans from Microsoft themselves, either service will work with the right provider. Operator Connect simply creates an option in the selection of calling options that today’s companies have when moving to Teams. The Operator Connect system differs in that it is a peering relationship between a service provider and Microsoft. The solution also includes a set of valuable APIs which integrate the deployment and purchase process, allowing for more simplicity for provisioning. Operator Connect takes the UCaaS offerings in Teams beyond basic connectivity, allowing administrators in the enterprise to simply go into their admin account, choose a service provider and administer phone numbers whenever they choose. It’s as simple as downloading applications from an app store. www.calltower.com [email protected] (800) 347-5444
Making the Choice Operator Connect and Direct Routing both offer significant benefits to users and are both likely to continue their growth within the Microsoft Teams ecosystem. For companies planning to access Microsoft Teams for their UCaaS and CCaaS solutions, the choice between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect will be a highly personalized one. Features Operator Connect Direct Routing DID Management Microsoft Admin Portal CallTower Connect Portal Connectivity into Microsoft Microsoft Azure Peering Service Microsoft Azure Peering Service Carrier Carrier GCC High Currently Unavailable Supported Conferencing Coming Soon Add-On/Outbound Only Contact Center Integration Add-On Add-On CRM Integration Currently Unavailable Add-On Devices Supported Supported Powershell Service Account Not Required Required Ad-Sync N/A Add-On E911 Emergency Services Included Included Mass Emergency Notification Add-On Add-On System International (DIDs) US & Canada 100+ Countries Operator Console Add-On Add-On Call Recording Add-On Add-On Compliance Recording Add-On Add-On SMS Text Add-On Add-On Call Masking Native Teams Calling ID Policies Calling Party Identity in Connect Porting to Teams Supported Supported Call Re-Routing/Failover Options Included Included Geo-redundant SBC’s Yes - SBC’s connect directly Yes - SBC’s connect to each to Microsoft tenant Calling Plan License Per DID uploaded to the tenant Per User assiged in Connect Licensing Unlimited or Metered Unlimited, Metered or Mix & Match by User 24/7/365 Support Shared SLA and ticketing Standard Premier Support between Microsoft and CallTower M365 Phone System Support CallTower works with Microsoft Customer works with license vendor LET’S CONNECT - DISCOVER WHICH SOLUTION WORKS FOR YOU LET’S CONNECT www.calltower.com [email protected] (800) 347-5444