Microsoft Teams has revolutionized the way we collaborate and communicate in the modern workplace. With more than 250 million users, it’s no wonder that many businesses are looking to integrate voice PBX capabilities into this platform. If you’re considering taking your company’s unified communications journey to the next level, you’re likely contemplating the choice between Microsoft Calling Plans and Direct Routing. Here, we will delve into these options and help you determine which one is the best fit for your business.
Learning Microsoft Calling Plans
What is Microsoft Calling Plans?
Microsoft Calling Plans are a product offering from Microsoft that allows businesses to seamlessly integrate phone numbers and a bundle of minutes into their Microsoft 365 plans. This native solution is obtained through a per-user license and is directly supported by Microsoft, eliminating the need for an additional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) carrier.
Types of Microsoft Calling Plans
There are two primary types of Microsoft Calling Plans available, catering to various communication needs:
- Domestic Calling Plan: Under this plan, licensed users can make outbound calls to numbers located within the country or region where they are assigned in Microsoft 365 or Office 365.
- Domestic and International Calling Plan: With this plan, licensed users can place calls to numbers in their assigned country or region and to international numbers.
Advantages of Microsoft Calling Plans
For small businesses, Microsoft Calling Plans present a straightforward and hassle-free way to embark on cloud-based telephony. Some of the benefits include:
- Simplicity: Calling Plans offer an easy on-ramp for businesses without the need to seek a third-party provider.
- Global Reach: With availability in 196 countries, you can connect with both local and international clients effortlessly.
Limitations of Microsoft Calling Plans
However, there are certain limitations to consider:
- Lack of Customization: Calling Plans offer limited customization options for Teams’ voice capabilities, which may not meet the unique needs of all businesses.
- Cost Considerations: The monthly licensing costs of Calling Plans can be relatively high, especially when compared to the flexibility offered by Direct Routing.
Exploring Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams
What is Direct Routing?
Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams is an alternative option, particularly suited for organizations with more than 20 employees and requirements that extend beyond basic telephony features. Let’s explore the advantages of this approach.
Benefits of Direct Routing
TECHOM System’s Direct Routing plans offer a cost-effective and non-committal alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans. Here are some of the advantages:
- Enterprise-class Support: Direct Routing solutions often come with higher availability and critical support, featuring a 30-minute response SLA.
- Failover Capabilities: In the event of Teams or Microsoft Cloud outages, Direct Routing provides advanced failover capabilities.
- Flexible Pricing: Direct Routing offers a flexible pricing model, including pay-as-you-go and term discounts.
- Customization: It allows you to extend Teams capabilities with features like call analytics, Call Detail Records (CDR), multichannel contact center capabilities, and call recording.
Challenges of Direct Routing
It’s important to note that while Direct Routing offers more flexibility, it can also present some challenges, particularly in terms of complexity. The suitability of this solution depends on your business’s specific requirements. Therefore, comparing potential providers’ capabilities and reliability is crucial.
Making the Right Choice
The choice between Microsoft Calling Plans and Direct Routing depends on your business’s size and communication needs. If you’re ready to enhance your unified communications, consider the following:
How to Determine Your Business’s Needs
- Size: Small businesses might find Calling Plans simpler, while larger organizations with complex requirements may benefit from the flexibility of Direct Routing.
- Customization: If you need highly customized communication features, Direct Routing could be the better choice.
- Budget: Evaluate the cost implications of both options in line with your budget.
Contacting TECHOM Systems
If you’re ready to take the next step in your unified communications journey, TECHOM Systems can assist you in deploying Microsoft Teams Voice with a custom migration plan and optimized quotes.
Custom Migration Plans
Our specialists can tailor a migration plan to meet your specific needs, ensuring a seamless transition to the best solution for your business.
Wrapping up
Microsoft Teams Calling Plans and Direct Routing are both valuable solutions to integrate voice PBX capabilities into your unified communications strategy. The choice ultimately depends on your business’s size, customization needs, and budget constraints. Make an informed decision to enhance your communication system effectively.
Contact us today or Get in touch with our dedicated representative at 1800 867 669 or drop us an email at hello@techomsystems.com.au to access comprehensive information and fully explore the wide array of possibilities that TECHOM Systems has to offer.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently select the optimal communication solution for your business.
