If your organization uses a poor-performing phone service, it can lead to communication challenges for employees and with customers.
However, for organizations considering Microsoft Teams to improve their phone service, it is important to understand the alternatives they provide.
Because there are meaningful differences between the two alternatives, this information is important to ensure you’ve selected the best solution for your specific environment.
Coeo knows how important a reliable phone solution is to an organization and has delivered Microsoft Teams phone solutions to thousands of customers to improve their phone service.
We want you to understand the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect so you can determine which one is the best solution for your organization.
By the end of this article, you will understand the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect and which is the best solution for your organization.
The differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect
Microsoft Teams cloud-based phone solution can be a good option for many organizations looking to improve their phone service.
If this is a solution that will improve your phone challenges, it can be installed either through Direct Routing or Operator Connect.
It is important to understand the differences between the two so you can determine which solution is best for your organization. The differences between Direct Routing and Operator Connect include:
Installation
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing requires the use of an SBC to source SIP Trunking and secure the communication connection between the telecom provider and your organization’s data network.
Depending on the kind of SBC you use, your SBC can also provide transcoding to translate the different signals allowing older and newer phone technology to be able to communicate with each other.
Direct Routing also requires professional IT expertise to install and configure the SBCs and other hardware involved to get the phone solution up and running.
Alternatively, Microsoft Operator Connect does not require an SBC to be installed as part of the phone service.
Instead, Microsoft Teams-certified administrators use the Teams Admin Center to assign phone numbers and features to the organization’s phone solution.
In simpler terms, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing allows organizations to connect their existing phone system to Microsoft Teams while Teams Operator Connect allows you to connect to a phone solution directly from Microsoft Teams.
Accessibility and management
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing enables your organization to configure and manage your own telephony routing and policies from your phone system.
Operator Connect, on the other hand, allows your organization to access telephony analytics and insights directly from the Microsoft Teams portal.
This typically makes it easier for your organization to modify its phone solution since all you need to do is access the online portal.
Differences in providers
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing enables your organization to use your own current provider or any provider you would like to provide and manage your solution.
Direct Routing allows you to bring your existing phone service to Microsoft Teams along with your current provider.
With Microsoft Teams Operator Connect, you receive your phone solution from a Microsoft-certified provider.
Providers looking to get Microsoft certified must demonstrate the ability to deliver Microsoft Teams Operator Connect and pass a certification process to be approved.
Availability
Teams Direct Routing technology is a bit older and more widely available to organizations of all sizes.
Direct Routing only requires a phone system and enables you to use your current system to utilize Microsoft telephony. Because of this, it can serve a wider range of organizations.
Operator Connect, on the other hand, is newer technology and does not allow you to use your current provider if they are not Microsoft-certified.
Because Operator Connect is a newer technology there are fewer providers who are Microsoft-certified. Because of this, Operator Connect is less popular and less available on the market.
Which solution is the best fit for your organization?
While both options are reliable and can be a good solution for many organizations, there are some situations and organizations where one of the alternatives will be more appropriate.
Understanding which solution is best for your organization will help you determine which solution to integrate into your network.
If your organization is looking to keep its existing phone service and provider, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing may be the better alternative.
Direct Routing will enable you to utilize your existing provider and phone service with your Microsoft telephony solution.
If you are looking for greater flexibility to choose your preferred telephony provider for your Microsoft telephony solution, Microsoft Direct Routing may be a better alternative for your organization.
However, if you are looking for a fully managed solution so you do not have to manage the phone solution internally, Microsoft Teams Operator Connect may be a better fit.
Next steps to purchasing a Microsoft Teams solution
Now you know the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect and which solution is best for your organization.
This will allow you to determine which solution your organization should purchase.
No one wants to experience a poor-performing phone solution that can result in poor communication and productivity.
Understanding the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect will help you determine which solution will best improve your organization’s phone solution.
Coeo knows how important a reliable phone solution is to an organization and has delivered Microsoft Teams telephony solutions to thousands of customers to improve their phone service.
We want you to know the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect so you can determine which solution is the best fit for your organization.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about Microsoft Teams or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect, read this article below to learn about the factors that affect the cost of SBCs:
