Microsoft Operator Connect vs Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams

With the launch of Microsoft Operator Connect, now organizations have new possibilities to strengthen their calling experience. There is no doubt that through Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams, companies can obtain benefits that directly help increase their ROI. However, in today’s article we will compare Microsoft Operator Connect vs Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams and go deep into the advantages and disadvantages of each service.

What is Operator Connect?

Operator Connect is another option for providing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connectivity with Teams and Phone System.

This new service benefits small businesses who want to operate and manage their own phone numbers directly through Teams. For mid-size businesses with more complex needs, Operator Connect may not have the flexibility required to support key functions such as Multichannel Contact Center and Call Detail Records (CDR).

Operator Connect Advantages

With this option if your existing operator is a participant in the Microsoft Operator Connect Program, they can manage the service for bringing PSTN calling to Teams. The Operator Connect Program provides the following benefits:

1. Leverage existing operator contracts: Keep your preferred operator and contracts, while enabling a modern calling experience in Teams
2. Simple and quick to deploy: It can take just minutes to connect to your operator and assign phone numbers to users – all from the Teams Admin Center. You do not need to be an expert in voice to deploy calling to Teams
3. Operator-managed infrastructure: PSTN calling services and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) are managed by operators, saving on hardware purchase and management
4. Enhanced support and reliability: Operators provide tech support and shared service level agreements to improve support service, while direct peering powered by Azure creates a 1:1 network connection for enhanced reliability

Operator Connect Disadvantages

1. No Flexibility. Solving complex requirements are limited to the services available
2. Tied into using the carriers available
3. There is no option to look at reducing costs with alternative solution providers and 3rd party options
4. Unable to support larger businesses with more complex needs
5. No dedicated support

Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams

As more and more organizations are turning to Teams for their calling solution, the use of Direct Routing has expanded significantly – over just the past year, Direct Routing call minutes have grown 8-fold.

Direct Routing allows midsize businesses and enterprises connect a supported, customer-provided Session Border Controller (SBC) to Microsoft Phone System. However, this solution rather than coming from Microsoft, Direct Routing is offered by a VoIP provider, like BlueSky UC.

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Advantages

Firstly, Phone System through Direct Routing delivers a more flexible, cost-effective, and supportive service. Certainly, Direct Routing compared to Operator Connect, offers better pricing based on volume featuring pay as you go, as well as terms options.

Secondly, with Direct Routing you can get enterprise-class support to ensure high availability and business uptime. Therefore, you can enhance organization growth through tailored solutions such as CDR, Call Analytics, Call Recording, and Contact Center for Microsoft Teams.

Disadvantages of Direct Routing

Certainly, enabling phone system in Teams turns more complex through Direct Routing than Operator Connect, so, you will need the help of a third party provider.

In conclusion, the best option depends on you business’ size and requirements. If you are ready to enhance your company’s communications, contact us today. Our UC specialists will guide you through the best tools and options for your needs.