Microsoft has proven itself to be a true innovator in recent years, powering the future of work for countless companies. Not only does the organisation offer some of the most popular productivity tools on the market, but it also offers a powerful range of tools for communication and collaboration.
With solutions like Microsoft Viva, Dynamics, and Microsoft Teams, Microsoft has soared into the leadership position in Gartner Magic Quadrant reports, and reshaped the way we work. However, unlocking the true value of solutions like Microsoft Teams often requires companies to access the support of innovative partners, capable of upgrading Microsoft’s tools.
Choosing the right Microsoft partner is essential to ensuring your team can access not just cutting-edge voice solutions, but intuitive integrations, and excellent technical support. So, how do companies select the right partner for their needs?
Chris Wade, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Gamma, says:
“We see organisations across Europe embracing modern ways of operating to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Secure, cloud based technology tools such as Teams Phone offer enhanced worker retention by providing flexibility, remote work capabilities, and improved work-life balance. Operational efficiency is also boosted through streamlined workflows and automated processes.
Furthermore, we’ve witnessed businesses leveraging these tools to enter an entirely new market, expanding their revenue potential. Gamma is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work, with an advanced specialisation in calling for Microsoft Teams that drives worker productivity and collaboration, empowering organisations to thrive in the digital age.”
Step 1: Assessing Goals and Requirements
The first step in choosing any partner for the implementation of new and innovative technologies, is assessing your specific requirements. Start by determining what you want to achieve with a Microsoft partner. Many companies are embracing intelligent voice solutions within Microsoft Teams to empower employees in the age of remote and hybrid work.
However, companies may also have specific things they want to accomplish, like improving productivity and efficiency with an easy-to-use communication platform, enhancing team collaboration, and even unlocking new customer service strategies.
Determining your key goals and requirements for a Microsoft solution will help you to choose the right vendor, and the correct connectivity strategy. Ask yourself:
- How important is it to easily manage numbers and features within Teams?
- What kind of SLA will you need for peace of mind?
- How often will you need to add users to your system?
- How much support and guidance will you need to implement a voice solution?
- What kind of integrations and tools will you need to leverage within Teams?
Step 2: Exploring Connectivity Options
Once you’ve examined your current communication environment and set goals for your Microsoft strategy, the next step is determining how you’re going to work with a partner to bring voice to Teams. Today’s business leaders have a lot of options to explore outside of the standard business calling plans offered by Microsoft directly. You can consider:
- Operator Connect: Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams offers businesses an opportunity to quickly enable voice features within the Teams environment, leveraging a certified operator. The solution eliminates a lot of the technical aspects of other strategies like direct routing and makes it easy to manage numbers and features within the Teams admin centre.
- Direct Routing: One of the most flexible solutions for adding voice capability to Teams, Direct Routing empowers you to manage deployment in-house. This solution can offer access to enhanced call control features, carrier-grade infrastructure, enhanced call features, and additional flexibility for adding unique capabilities to the ecosystem.
- Managed services: Some intuitive Microsoft Teams partners can offer a combination of cloud solutions, delivered as a service to enhance the standard Microsoft Teams environment. These managed services solutions are ideal for companies that require additional flexibility, or may have more specific international requirements and complex estates.
Each connectivity option has its own benefits and weaknesses to consider. Many leading partners will be able to discuss your specific needs with you, to guide you towards the right solution.
Step 3: Finding Reputable Partners
Finding a partner you can trust is essential when optimising your Microsoft strategy. The right partner should have an excellent heritage in the cloud and communications space, offering fantastic SLAs, uptime guarantees, and Microsoft Teams expertise.
Look for a vendor that has years of experience implementing Microsoft Teams solutions, with full PTSN breakout options. It’s also worth ensuring your chosen provider is certified by Microsoft, as part of the Microsoft Partner network. Certified vendors have been carefully assessed by the Microsoft team, and adhere to specific requirements for excellent performance.
Approved cloud partners for messaging, communications, cloud productivity, collaboration, and content will ensure business leaders can take full advantage of their Microsoft ecosystem.
Some leading partners will even be able to offer exceptional flexibility and control, by giving your organization access to a fully-owned network infrastructure. Make sure you assess the background of each company before committing to a partner.
Step 4: Assess the Support and Service On Offer
Finally, once you’ve found a credible, Microsoft-certified provider for your Teams initiative, the last step is evaluating the level of service and support you’ll be able to access. The best Microsoft partners aren’t just highly accredited, reliable, and secure, they also offer intuitive solutions designed to support businesses on their communications journey.
A leading partner will be able to offer access to dedicated account managers, 24/7 support, SIP and SBC support, and regular service reviews, so you’re getting the most value out of your investment. Some partners can also offer access to assistance with:
- Managed onboarding and user migration
- Training and adoption services with cloud-based resources
- Microsoft Teams management support for moves and changes
- Packaged services for step-by-step integration
- Number porting assurance services
- Guided success delivery frameworks
Ensure your partner can work with you through every stage of the discovery and implementation process, guiding you towards the right technologies, and helping you implement the best tools.
Finding Your Ideal Microsoft Partner
On its own, Microsoft Teams offers companies a powerful solution for improving communication and collaboration in the changing business environment.
However, the limited business calling plans available through Microsoft could mean many businesses need to seek extra support from a dedicated partner. The right partner can work with you to ensure your Teams instance delivers on your business goals, and drives new opportunities for growth.
Assessing your landscape carefully, examining your connectivity options, and finding a vendor you can trust to deliver constant support, security, and reliability is essential. With the right partner, you’ll be able to ensure your Microsoft Teams investment really pays off.
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