Your ultimate guide: Connecting Teams with a voice solution

Microsoft Teams has become the ultimate multi-tool for modern workplaces – it’s got chat, video calls, document sharing, and even virtual high-fives! But here’s the big question: can it replace your office phone, too? The answer is a resounding YES!

Let’s dive into how you can turn Teams into your all-in-one communication hub by integrating voice solutions. With this guide, you’ll be ready to connect Teams with a voice solution, giving your team the power to chat, call, and collaborate effortlessly from a single platform.

Why add voice to Microsoft Teams?

If you’re already using Teams for messages, tasks, and video calls, linking your phone system is a natural next step. Turning Teams into a one-stop shop for all communication not only eliminates the need for clunky desk phones but also streamlines workflows and cuts down on separate voice service costs. Plus, it’s an ideal way to keep everyone connected – no matter where they’re located.

The benefits of Voice in Teams

Adding voice to Microsoft Teams is an easy choice, offering perks like:

• Simplicity: Everything is in one app, so no more juggling between different tools.
• Cost Savings: Ditching traditional phone systems can lead to significant savings.
• Mobility: With Teams, you can take calls from anywhere, making you no longer tied to the office.
• Scalability: Need to add new users? Teams makes it simple as your business grows.

Four steps to Teams calling success

Step 1: Choose the right voice solution for Teams

When adding voice to Microsoft Teams, you have several options based on your business’s needs and level of customization. Here’s the lowdown on each:

Microsoft Calling Plans: The plug-and-play option

If you want a straightforward, fully managed solution, Microsoft Calling Plans might be your best bet. Microsoft handles everything, so you simply set up calling within Teams, and you’re good to go. It’s ideal for smaller teams or businesses that don’t need a lot of customization.

Direct Routing: The power move

Direct Routing is ideal for businesses with specific telephony needs or those looking to retain their current carrier. By connecting your telephony provider to Teams through certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Direct Routing supports custom configurations and call routing, while also offering cost efficiency by allowing direct rate negotiations with your provider. It enables complex compliance setups and gives businesses greater control over international calling plans and local regulations, making it a robust solution for companies with global reach.

Operator Connect: The balanced choice

Operator Connect offers a middle ground between Microsoft Calling Plans and Direct Routing. By partnering with certified carriers, Operator Connect makes setup easier without requiring intensive technical resources. This solution offers reliable support, fast setup, and the simplicity of managing carriers directly within the Teams admin center, making it perfect for organizations wanting a robust solution without the complexity of Direct Routing.

Step 2: Master your setup

Once you’ve chosen a voice solution, it’s time to set everything up. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Licenses: Teams calling requires licenses, so this is your starting point. Get them sorted.
• User setup: Assign phone numbers to your team members.
• Calling Policies: Define calling permissions, such as who can call whom and what features each user has (like call forwarding or voicemail).
• Hardware integration: If anyone on your team still prefers physical phones, you can connect compatible devices to Teams.

Step 3: Train your team (it’s worth it!)

Deploying a new tool is only half the battle. Invest time in training your team so everyone feels confident using the new call features. From setting up custom voicemail greetings to call forwarding, a bit of training can make all the difference.

Step 4: Prepare for support (Tech hiccups can still happen)

Even the best tech rollouts face challenges. Make sure your IT support team is ready to handle any issues, especially during the initial weeks. With Teams and voice in one place, you’ll want to keep everything running smoothly to maintain productivity and connectivity.

Supercharge Teams with voice, with Aura

Adding voice to Microsoft Teams might seem like a big step, but with the right approach, you can make the transition seamless. Whether you choose Microsoft Calling Plans, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect, your team will love the freedom and flexibility of making and receiving calls directly within Teams.

And if you need help on your journey to voice in Teams, Aura can help. We offer an end-to-end solution covering everything from setup and training to ongoing support and maintenance. No matter where your team is located, we’ll ensure a smooth migration to a Teams-integrated phone system that’s ready to grow with your business.