What is Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams?
Operator Connect was made publicly available in September 2021 as the natural evolution of Microsoft's Direct Routing service. This solution simplifies the process of integrating Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connectivity into Microsoft Teams through a platform that's configurable within a convenient dashboard. Businesses can choose from an extensive list of Microsoft-approved carriers, provisioning and de-provisioning new users from a dedicated dashboard.
Key terms for Operator Connect
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In order to fully understand what Operator Connect is and does, there’s some relevant terminology that you must first understand.
Everything you need to know about the new Microsoft Teams Service
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Global Coverage: Operator Connect is currently supported in more than sixty countries, and most major telecommunications vendors and carriers are approved operators — also known as Operator Connect Partners.
As Operator Connect is essentially a managed service, vendors take care of all the technical work involved in PSTN integration. Operator Connect Partners may also offer a range of different value adds such as on-demand scaling, a self-service portal for billing and management, and unlimited calling plans.
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Local Expertise: First Technology offers Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, Nationally in South Africa.
Operator Connect allows any Microsoft Teams enabled device to be used for both inbound and outbound calls, making it the perfect option for businesses looking to integrate seamless PSTN-enabled calling with the familiar Microsoft Teams experience.
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What is Microsoft Teams Service
Once Microsoft has approved a PSTN carrier, that carrier is granted access to direct peering between the SIP trunking infrastructure and Microsoft Teams. Carriers are also provided with the capacity to configure automations around provisioning, billing, and reporting. In order to become an approved carrier, an organization must meet several requirements:
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The right architecture, integration, and interconnection infrastructure.
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The capacity to provide Tier 1 support, acting as the initial point of contact for most customer queries.
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At least two employees with Microsoft 365: Certified Teams Administrator Associate.
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At least two employees who have passed the Practical Guidance Assessment for Voice.
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Fully regulated and/or licensed to provide phone numbers and PSTN service.
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Direct peering through Microsoft Azure Peering Service (Maps).
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End-to-end quality of service and a strong service-level agreement.
Customer Benefits​
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Seamless setup
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Scalability: SME segment
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Direct Billing
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Simplified Management
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Certified Operators
How does Microsoft Teams Operator Connect work?
Pros and Cons of Operator Connect
Keep Your Existing Carrier
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If you're already working with an Operator Connect Partner as your carrier, you can continue with your existing relationships, pricing, and agreements.
Your current business numbers will also remain intact, without the need for number porting to integrate them into the Microsoft Teams phone system. It's noteworthy that Microsoft has already carefully evaluated and approved prominent carriers and PSTN providers.
Cost-Effective Calling
Operator Connect is widely recognized as a budget-friendly approach for businesses aiming to integrate PSTN capabilities into their Teams setup. Yet, it's vital to bear in mind that Operator Connect Partners offer diverse pricing models. Opting for the wrong provider might inadvertently erode the cost advantages gained from utilizing the service.
Several elements combine to render Operator Connect remarkably efficient from a financial standpoint:
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Minimal Hardware Outlay: The need for extensive hardware is minimized, leading to reduced hardware expenditure.
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Streamlined Configuration: Significantly less time, energy, and resources are invested in setting up voice features for Teams.
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Dynamic Scalability: The capacity to seamlessly scale resources as needed, aligning with demand, contributes to efficient budget allocation.
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No On-Premises Maintenance: The absence of a requirement to uphold or support on-premises hardware translates to potential cost savings in maintenance and upkeep.
In essence, Operator Connect emerges as a budget-conscious choice, offering a range of benefits that extend beyond cost-efficiency.
Simple Configuration, Deployment, and Management
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Administrators have the ability to link third-party carriers to Teams through an interface that also empowers them to manage users, facilitate provisioning, and perform de-provisioning. The beauty of it is that there's no need for coding or PowerShell expertise behind the scenes; the entire process is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible even for businesses without dedicated IT professionals.
Operator Connect goeswell beyond basic voice calling. The service also supports a wide range of additional features. These include, but are not limited to:
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Streamlined Number Management
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Auto Attendant/Call Queues
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Voice Policies
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Connectivity
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Third-Party Integration via the 365 API
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Streamlined Number Provisioning
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Number Porting
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Service Management
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Joint Microsoft/Carrier Support
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Flexible, Usage-Based Pricing
Interested ​in trying Operator Connect for your organization? Read on to see how easy making teams your dedicated business phone system can be.