Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is a feature that allows organizations to connect their on-premises telephony infrastructure to Microsoft Teams. This enables users to make and receive calls to landlines and mobile phones directly from Teams. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Direct Routing:
Key Features:
- Integration with Existing Systems: Direct Routing integrates Teams with an organization’s existing telephony system (such as a PBX) using a Session Border Controller (SBC). This allows for seamless communication without needing to overhaul current telephony infrastructure.
- Flexibility and Customization: Organizations can choose their own telephony provider, providing flexibility in terms of cost and functionality. This is especially useful for businesses with specific requirements or existing contracts with telephony providers.
- Global Reach: Direct Routing can be deployed in multiple regions, making it a suitable solution for multinational companies.
- Advanced Call Handling: Features like call queues, auto attendants, and voicemail are available, ensuring robust call management capabilities.
- Unified Communications: By integrating voice calls into Teams, users benefit from a unified communication platform that includes chat, video meetings, and collaboration tools.
How It Works:
- Session Border Controller (SBC): An SBC is deployed either on-premises or in the cloud. It acts as an intermediary between the Teams environment and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
- Configuration: The SBC is configured to connect to the Teams Direct Routing interface. This involves setting up voice routing policies, PSTN usage records, and dial plans in the Microsoft Teams admin center.
- Call Flow: When a Teams user initiates a call to a phone number, the call is routed through the SBC to the PSTN. Incoming calls from the PSTN to a Teams user follow the reverse path.
Requirements:
- Microsoft 365 or Office 365 Licensing: Users need hong kong phone number the appropriate Microsoft Teams license, such as E1, E3, or E5 (or equivalent).
- Certified SBC: An SBC that is certified by Armenia phone number list Microsoft for use with Teams Direct Routing.
- Telephony Infrastructure: Access to a telephony provider or PBX that can interface with the SBC.
Benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Potential savings by leveraging existing telephony contracts and avoiding expensive migrations to new systems.
- Enhanced Productivity: Streamlined communication processes through a single interface (Teams) for all types of communication.
- Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate growing or changing business needs.
- Business Continuity: By maintaining existing telephony systems, businesses can ensure continuity and reliability of voice communications.
Implementation Steps:
- Planning: Assess current telephony infrastructure and define requirements.
- Selecting an SBC: Choose a certified SBC that fits the organization’s needs.
- Setting Up the SBC: Install and configure the SBC to connect with the Microsoft Teams environment.
- Configuration in Teams: Set up voice routing, policies, and user assignments in the Teams admin center.
- Testing and Deployment: Conduct thorough testing to ensure proper functionality before a full rollout.
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing provides a flexible, integrated solution for modernizing telephony systems while leveraging existing investments and infrastructure. It supports the shift towards unified communications, enhancing collaboration and productivity across the organization.
