Microsoft Teams has transformed communication, collaboration, and productivity for today’s businesses on an incredible scale. It offers companies almost everything they need to connect and synchronize their teams, from video and audio meetings, to chat, and even AI tools.
The only thing missing is a built-in external calling feature. If you want Microsoft Teams to become the heart of your voice strategy, then you need to connect a telecom solution. Previously, this meant purchasing a Microsoft Phone plan. Then, Microsoft introduced Direct Routing, to enable users to connect their own provider to the ecosystem.
However, Direct Routing has its challenges, from a complex setup, to the need for an in-depth knowledge of PowerShell. Fortunately, Operator Connect bypasses these issues, allowing companies to leverage their preferred voice provider in Teams, and manage everything through the Teams admin interface. The only issue? With so many Operators to choose from, it can be difficult to know which provider is best for your business.
What to Look for in an Operator Connect Provider
Operator Connect offers companies a streamlined and intuitive solution for voice-enabling Microsoft Teams. It’s ideal for smaller organizations with basic needs, who want access to streamlined management and control within the Microsoft Teams application.
However, unlike Direct Routing, Operator Connect requires a contract between Microsoft and an Operator, which used to mean there weren’t as many providers to choose from. Now, however, numerous companies have joined Microsoft’s program, many of which offering similar capabilities, features, and approaches to customer support.
So, how do you make the right choice? Here’s what you should be looking for.
1. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Teams
As standard, Operator Connect offers a more intuitive integration experience with Microsoft Teams than Direct Routing, allowing users to configure settings and assign numbers within the Teams Admin Center, rather than using PowerShell. However, not all vendors offer the same level of integration.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly experience, it’s crucial to select a provider that can deliver a full digital journey for your team through the Admin Center, without the need for external solutions. Prioritize operators that give you direct connectivity to Microsoft, with the ability to provision numbers instantly through an intuitive portal.
Ideally, the best provider should make it easy to manage everything in one place, from calling and conferencing through Operator Connect, to mobile connectivity.
2. Professional Operator Services
Leading providers of Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams go beyond simply giving companies access to calling capabilities. They provide access to a host of flexible services, and end-to-end support, to ensure business leaders can optimize workflows and enhance productivity.
For instance, CallTower’s Operator Connect services allow partners to connect companies instantly with a range of voice carriers and internet peering partners. Plus, they ensure companies can easily personalize their call routing system, choose how to delegate numbers to specific employees, and ensure conversations are handled efficiently.
Look for a provider with deep experience optimizing the performance of Microsoft Teams. They should be able to assist with the setup and configuration of your system, deliver training and support, and help you expand your ecosystem with new add-ons and features when necessary.
3. Advanced Functionality and Integrations
Aside from bringing external voice capabilities into your Teams ecosystem, Operator Connect providers can also build on the functionality of your communications platform. They can offer access to a range of additional, and often crucial features that improve business performance.
For instance, a leading Operator Connect provider can offer access to global voice optimization strategies, to ensure calling quality remains consistent in every part of the globe. They can give you access to advanced call transfer capabilities, and real-time monitoring tools that help you track the performance of your teams.
The top vendors can also offer in-depth calling analytics and reporting tools, to help you monitor crucial metrics, as well as failover options to minimize the risk of lost opportunities. Plus, they can build on your ecosystem with compliant call recording capabilities, and access to additional communication channels, like SMS/MMS texting.
Some providers will even be able to assist you in integrating Microsoft Teams with a range of other tools, from CRM systems, to contact center platforms, and even other collaboration tools. This can enhance your communication strategy, boost your compliance standards, and give you access to valuable insights that drive business growth.
4. Compliance Adherence, Security and Reliability
Call recording capabilities are just one of the features leading Operator Connect providers can offer to help protect your business from regulatory fines and legal disputes. The best providers will also ensure their ecosystem adheres to stringent requirements for call monitoring and data security.
For instance, CallTower’s global managed gateways have been custom-built with security in mind, ensuring organizations have the peace of mind they need when communicating through Teams. Ask your provider how they can help you adhere to federal and industry-specific regulations.
Make sure they can offer E911 solutions, and have a strategy in place for monitoring potential security risks and breaches. Additionally, it’s worth examining their telephony infrastructure, uptime guarantee, and failover methods, to ensure you get a reliable service.
5. Global Connectivity and Scalability
Finally, choosing Operator Connect over Microsoft’s own Calling Plans is often a great way to expand your geographical reach. However, not every provider offers the same level of coverage. If your organization spans across multiple countries, you need to ensure your Operator Connect provider can address your specific location needs.
Look for vendors that offer worldwide managed gateways for global coverage, ensuring companies can connect with telecom providers worldwide, and access optimized voice in all regions. Make sure these gateways are designed for high availability and reliability, to minimize business downtime, and ensure you can deliver consistent experiences to your users.
An Operator Connect provider with a wide global reach should also be able to help you configure your ecosystem, set up routing strategies, and ensure you’re staying compliant with local regulations.
Choose the Right Operator Connect Provider
There are now dozens of Operator Connect providers available to choose from if you want to take your Microsoft Teams investment to the next level. However, while every provider has been approved by Microsoft, they don’t always offer the same level of support, functionality, and scalability.
Assessing Operator Connect providers based on the seamless experience they can offer, scalability, global reach, integration options, and advanced feature sets will ensure you get the most out of your new, cloud-based communication strategy.
from UC Today https://ift.tt/8ciWxMv
0 Comments