Direct Routing vs. Calling Plans: Why Direct Routing is a Game-Changer for Microsoft Teams

In today’s digital age, effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful organisation. Microsoft Teams, a collaboration platform that has gained immense popularity, offers a robust suite of communication tools to help teams connect and collaborate seamlessly. One of the brilliant features of Microsoft Teams is its ability to make and receive calls, transforming it into a complete Unified Communications solution. However, when it comes to enabling voice communication, organisations often face a crucial decision: Direct Routing or Calling Plans? This article will discuss the differences between these two options and explain why Microsoft direct routing as a service is emerging as a game-changer for Microsoft Teams users.

Understanding Direct Routing and Calling Plans

Before delving into the advantages of Direct Routing, let’s clarify what these two options entail.

Calling Plans: Microsoft offers Calling Plans as a bundled calling service within Microsoft Teams. With Calling Plans, organisations can purchase phone numbers and call minutes directly from Microsoft. This all-in-one solution simplifies procurement and management but can be limited in terms of flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially for larger organisations.

Direct Routing: On the other hand, Direct Routing allows organisations to connect their Microsoft Teams environment to a third-party Session Border Controller (SBC) and a telephony provider of their choice. This allows for greater customisation, cost control, and the ability to integrate with existing telephony systems. Direct Routing allows you to bring your carrier into Microsoft Teams.

Now, let’s explore the reasons why Direct Routing is considered a game-changer for Microsoft Teams.

1. Cost Efficiency

Cost considerations are often at the forefront of any technology adoption decision. While Calling Plans provide a convenient one-stop solution, they can be costly for organisations with a high volume of calls. With Direct Routing, you can choose your telephony provider, which can lead to significant cost savings. You can shop around for competitive rates and select the provider that best aligns with your budget and business needs.

2. Enhanced Flexibility

Flexibility is a critical factor in today’s dynamic business environment. Direct Routing empowers organisations to tailor their telephony solutions to their specific requirements. Whether you need advanced call routing, international calling options, or integration with legacy phone systems, Direct Routing offers the flexibility to meet these needs. You can adapt your telephony setup as your organisation grows and evolves.

3. Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Many organisations have invested heavily in legacy telephony systems like on-premises PBXs. Direct Routing allows for seamless integration with these existing infrastructures, preserving your previous investments while modernising your communication capabilities. This integration can also streamline user adoption, as employees can continue to use familiar phone systems within Microsoft Teams.

4. Geographical Reach

Ensuring reliable and cost-effective global communication is a top priority for multinational organisations. Direct Routing enables you to select telephony providers with international coverage, ensuring that your teams can connect with colleagues and clients worldwide without exorbitant international calling charges. This geographical reach is a significant advantage over Calling Plans, which may have limitations in certain regions.

5. Quality of Service (QoS)

Voice quality is paramount in business communication. Direct Routing provides greater control over the Quality of Service (QoS) for your calls. By selecting a reputable telephony provider and SBC, you can optimise your network for voice traffic, minimising latency, jitter, and packet loss. This results in crystal-clear calls and a better overall user experience.

In conclusion, in the ever-evolving landscape of modern business communication, Microsoft Teams has emerged as a powerful tool for collaboration and connectivity. When it comes to enabling voice communication within Microsoft Teams, the choice between Direct Routing and Calling Plans is crucial. While Calling Plans offer convenience, Microsoft direct routing as a service is proving to be a game-changer for organisations seeking cost-efficiency, flexibility, integration with existing infrastructure, global reach, customised call routing, enhanced QoS, compliance, and security. Ultimately, the decision between Direct Routing and Calling Plans should be based on your organisation’s unique needs, priorities, and budget.