CallTower’s Commercial Microsoft Teams Solutions: Buyer’s Guide
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a hub for teamwork within the Office 365 suite, offering:
- Chat, Group Chat, Calls, and Meetings: Seamless communication for modern teams.
- Integrated Office 365 Apps: Access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
- Customizable and Extensible: Adaptable to outside groups and specific needs.
- Enterprise Security and Compliance: Ensures manageability and data protection.
CallTower enhances Microsoft Teams with Direct Routing and Operator Connect, enabling users to make calls directly from the Teams application, saving time and improving ROI.
Microsoft Teams Buyer’s Guide: Telephony Options
1. Direct Routing
- Integrates existing phone systems with Microsoft Teams.
- Offers flexibility and scalability for businesses.
2. Operator Connect
- Simplifies telephony integration with Microsoft Teams.
- Provides a managed service for seamless communication.
Why Choose CallTower for Microsoft Teams?
CallTower was the first provider to deliver a native Office 365 Microsoft Teams experience with global calling plans. Key benefits include:
- 24/7/365 Client Services Team: Personalized implementation, training, and support.
- Microsoft Gold Partner: Ensures high-quality user experiences.
- Enhanced Features: Fills gaps in Microsoft Teams UCaaS functionality.
Options for Selecting a Microsoft Teams Solution Provider
Option 1: Microsoft Direct
- Pros: Direct licensing from Microsoft.
- Cons:
- Higher costs.
- Limited support and self-management required.
- Lacks advanced telephony features.
Option 2: Third-Party PBX System
- Pros: Allows use of most VoIP phones.
- Cons:
- Additional licensing and costs.
- Requires third-party voicemail and lacks native Teams features like Auto-Attendant and Call Queue.
Option 3: Third-Party Integration
- Cons:
- Complex end-user functionality.
- Higher risk of failure and support needs.
- Limited native Teams features and functionality.
Option 4: Native Direct Routing or Operator Connect Partner (e.g., CallTower)
- Pros:
- Lower pricing compared to Microsoft.
- Flexible pricing plans.
- Dedicated implementation teams and porting experts.
- 24/7/365 Tier 1 Support Team.
- Network optimized for voice traffic with PSTN redundancy.
- Additional features like contact center integration, fax, paging, and recording.
CallTower’s Advantages Over Microsoft
- Optimized Network for Voice: Ensures reliable service.
- Enterprise Security and Compliance: Meets global standards.
- Emergency Services: Available in 36 international countries.
- Direct Routing as a Managed Service: Simplifies telephony integration.
- Comprehensive UCaaS Offering: Includes SMS, contact center, CRM, and more.
Office 365 and Microsoft 365 Licensing Options
Enterprise Licenses
- Includes Phone System and Audio Conferencing licenses.
Small Business Licenses (300 Users or Less)
- Tailored for smaller organizations with additional features like SMS Text and CRM integration.
Interested in Learning More?
CallTower offers free consultations to help organizations transition to Microsoft Teams and find the best unified communication solution.
