Did you know that Microsoft Teams can now be used as a full-featured, cloud-based, phone system?

During the hight of the pandemic lockdown, half of the world reported their companies as having 81% or more of their employees working from home.

Businesses found themselves switching their phone systems to the cloud or the less fortunate, working from mobiles so they could keep communications flowing.

VoIP phone systems have always offered the capability to use a full-featured phone system anywhere, giving remote team members the communication support that they need whilst ensuring customers receive a consistent calling experience. We’ve all been on a call that you can tell is being rerouted and it’s annoying.

Many of these VoIP systems aren’t integrated with other technologies, meaning more team members have to switch between app and data that isn’t shared easily with other cloud programs. That is until Microsoft brought VoIP calling into Teams. However, any self-respecting IT provider will share that the native Teams voice platform is a dumb device. There is no call recording on the native platform, nor can you get activity reports, auto attendant option to name a few of the features lacking.

However, Microsoft Teams can now be used as a full-featured cloud-based phone system through an add-on called Microsoft Teams Direct Routing so companies can now keep all their communication activities (chat, messaging, video calls, phone calls) in a single place for easier tracking, organization, and improved productivity.

So why should business consider Teams Direct Routing?

It can increase staff productivity using App Calls on the business mobile.

Using an auto attendant function helps route calls to the team they need, making call flow more efficient.

It provides secure, high-definition voice quality so being remote doesn’t affect the sound like a mobile can.

Pricing has fallen since March 2020 so it’s worth revisiting and consider the option for budget purposes

Another huge benefit is the fact that you can manage call control with a reliable business continuity plan – if Microsoft has issues, you can still make and receive calls! But one of the most frequent requests we get is, can I use a desk phone!? It’s interesting that a system designed to be used on a PC or mobile still needs a traditional desk phone, so the good news is “yes” we can supply desk phones as well, for those who want or need them.

Our Teams Direct Routing set up now uses Operator Connect which provides seamless and integrated calling for your business via Microsoft Teams.

It’s simple to deploy and administrate plus, it includes 4000 UK minutes per user which are bundled so lighter uses support the heavier outbound calling part of the business.

So, should you consider Teams telephony? The answer is yes if you use the platform already to hold remote meetings, chat or just want to look at an alternative to a VoIP Cloud system.