The Benefits of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
Enterprises upgrading their communications to a cloud solution do so to experience scalability, cost reduction, and additional features. Throughout that transition there may be some hurdles, but when it comes to implementing the phone system offer through Microsoft Teams, there are direct benefits to utilizing Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Overall, it provides a smoother, more flexible experience. Among the features are the ability to utilize your session border controllers (SBCs) and SIP trunking services for connection, but enterprises can also expect to capture these additional benefits:
Faster Migration Timeline: Through Direct Routing, your employees retain control over the phone numbers, removing the need to port phone numbers to Microsoft Teams.
Reduces Costs: When your organization adopts Microsoft Teams, you can expect, on average, to spend approximately $7.91 per month (before management and staffing) for each phone line connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN), as compared to a domestic calling plan at $12 per month, or an international plan at $24 per month. Direct Routing allows your organization to keep or implement least-cost-routing of calls and use new billing models.
Supports Flexibility: The option to maintain your SBCs and SIP trunking allows you to avoid lock-in with Microsoft and to connect with other communications solutions if you may at some point utilize an on-premise or cloud contact center.
Equips Your Global Enterprise: Direct Routing supports global calling needs, such as having a local presence in areas not covered by your Microsoft calling plan.
Eliminate the Risk of Disruption: Direct Routing equips you to continue supporting your on-premise private branch exchange (PBX) as you transition, and you will not have to wait for your existing contracts to expire before transitioning to Microsoft Teams.
A successful implementation of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing requires a step-by-step approach, including the following tasks:
- Determine whether current SBCs are certified for Teams use, and evaluate the benefits of shifting SBCs to a virtualized software solution – or whether there might be a good fit in bundling SBC as a service through a cloud provider.
- Assess existing SIP trunking services and compare against alternatives.
- Examine whether SIP trunking services will support automated provisioning, short message service (SMS), and application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow for integration.
- Evaluate analytics and performance monitoring to support quality Microsoft Teams calling.
- Consider whether your SBC and SIP trunking providers are able to support your E911 capabilities and meet regulations for compliance in areas like security desk notification and location transmission at the granular level.
The benefits of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing are significant, from reducing costs to easing your migration to cloud communications. Contact us at One Connect to learn more about creating a seamless migration to the cloud.