Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that allows you to connect your own telephony infrastructure to Teams, enabling you to make and receive external phone calls from within the Teams interface. This feature offers several benefits, especially for businesses looking to leverage their existing phone systems while integrating them with the modern collaboration capabilities of Teams. Here are some of the advantages of using Direct Routing with Microsoft Teams:
Integration of Voice and Collaboration: Direct Routing enables you to combine voice communication with collaboration tools like messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing within the Teams platform. This integration promotes seamless communication and collaboration workflows.
Unified Communication: By using Teams as your single platform for both internal and external communication, you simplify communication management, reduce the need for multiple communication tools, and create a consistent user experience.
Cost Efficiency: Direct Routing can offer cost savings compared to traditional phone services or other alternatives. It allows you to leverage your existing telephony infrastructure while benefiting from Teams’ modern collaboration features.
Flexibility and Choice: Direct Routing provides the flexibility to choose your preferred telephony provider, giving you more control over call quality, pricing, and feature sets. This choice allows you to tailor your communication solution to your specific business needs.
Global Reach: With Direct Routing, you can connect with external phone numbers globally, enabling international communication without the need for additional infrastructure or services.
Number Portability: If you’re transitioning from a traditional phone system, Direct Routing can often support number portability, allowing you to retain your existing phone numbers. This is crucial for maintaining business continuity and customer recognition.
Quality and Reliability: Direct Routing lets you use your existing voice infrastructure, which you may have already invested in for quality and reliability. This can contribute to a consistent and dependable voice communication experience.
Centralized Management: Teams’ centralized admin portal provides tools for managing both internal and external communication settings, users, and permissions. This simplifies administration and user management.
Compliance and Security: Teams is built on Microsoft 365, which adheres to rigorous security and compliance standards. When you use Direct Routing with Teams, your voice communication benefits from the same robust security and compliance measures.
Enhanced Productivity: Teams’ collaboration features, coupled with external calling capabilities, can boost productivity. Users can seamlessly switch between communication modes and access all necessary information in one platform.
Analytics and Reporting: Teams offers analytics and reporting tools that allow you to monitor call quality, usage patterns, and other performance metrics. This data can help you optimize your communication strategy.
Scalability: Direct Routing is scalable to accommodate organizations of various sizes, making it suitable for small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises.
Before implementing Direct Routing, it’s important to assess your organization’s telephony needs, existing infrastructure, and long-term communication goals. Working with a qualified provider or consultant can help ensure a smooth transition and optimal use of this feature.
