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Understanding the different methods for enabling voice features in Microsoft Teams is crucial for optimal deployment strategies. This involves determining when to use Calling Plan, provided by Microsoft, versus Direct Routing, which allows organizations to connect their own Session Border Controllers (SBC) to Teams. An individual preparing for the MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams exam needs to evaluate each option’s suitability based on business requirements.
This is a Microsoft 365 Phone System feature where Microsoft provides users with a primary phone number and the PSTN services to make and receive calls. Calling Plans are a straightforward choice for businesses that prefer an all-in-one solution from Microsoft. It’s easy to set up and manage directly from the Teams admin center.
With Direct Routing, an organization uses an SBC to connect their own PSTN service or uses a third-party carrier with Teams. This approach provides more control over the calling services and can leverage existing telephony infrastructure.
Here’s a high-level comparison to assist in decision-making:
Feature/Requirement | Calling Plan | Direct Routing |
Geographic Availability | Limited | Global (dependent on SBC) |
Integration with Microsoft Teams | Native | Requires SBC |
Carrier Flexibility | Microsoft as Carrier | Any Carrier |
Pricing Model | Per-user subscription | Variable (carrier-specific) |
Setup and Management Complexity | Low | High |
Customization and Control | Limited | High |
Support and Maintenance | Managed by Microsoft | Organization’s responsibility |
Required Infrastructure | None specific | Requires SBC |
Potential for Existing PSTN Contract Utilization | None | High |
Understanding each option fully will guide the right choice for an organization, depending on their specific needs and capabilities. It is also possible to use a combination of both Calling Plan and Direct Routing to tailor the voice solution based on department, geographic location, or other business requirements. Critical in any decision is how the choice aligns with the organization’s overall communication strategy and how it will impact users’ day-to-day activities. Proper evaluation of these factors will contribute to a competent Microsoft Teams voice deployment and administration, a learning outcome for candidates of the MS-700 exam.
Direct Routing enables organizations to connect their own SIP trunks to Microsoft Teams, thereby utilizing their current PSTN service.
PSTN calls in Microsoft Teams can be made using either the Microsoft Calling Plan or through Direct Routing.
The Calling Plan is a Microsoft-managed service that provides a full PSTN service within Teams without the need for on-premises equipment.
Direct Routing requires a Session Border Controller (SBC) and SIP trunks from a PSTN carrier to connect the external phone system with Microsoft Teams.
Calling Plan is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft that doesn’t require an on-premises voice infrastructure.
Direct Routing is beneficial for companies that already have PSTN contracts and require a flexible solution that can be used globally.
Calling Plan is a Microsoft-managed service with less flexibility in terms of SIP trunk providers, whereas Direct Routing allows you to connect with any SBC and SIP trunk provider.
Organizations with strict compliance requirements may prefer Direct Routing as it can offer more control over call routing and data residency.
Microsoft Calling Plan is a cloud-based service that does not require the purchase or configuration of a Session Border Controller, which is needed for Direct Routing.
When using Calling Plan, a business relies on Microsoft’s network infrastructure for its voice calling needs.
Direct Routing is often used as an alternative to Calling Plan, especially in countries where the Microsoft Calling Plan is not available.
Direct Routing allows organizations to make use of their existing telephony contracts with carriers, providing a cost-effective solution that leverages current investments.
Calling Plan is a service in Microsoft Teams that provides a telephone service for users who want to make and receive calls from their Teams client.
Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that allows users to make and receive calls through their own telephony infrastructure.
Phone System is a feature in Office 365 that allows users to make and receive calls using the internet, in addition to other features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and more.
Cloud Voice in Microsoft Teams is a feature that allows users to make and receive calls using the internet, instead of traditional telephone lines.
You should use Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams if you want a simple and easy-to-use telephone service that is integrated with Teams.
You should use Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams if you have an existing telephony infrastructure and want to integrate it with Teams.
Some advantages of using Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams include ease of use, scalability, and availability in many countries.
Some advantages of using Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams include more control over call quality, the ability to use existing infrastructure, and potentially lower costs.
To set up Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams, you need to purchase a Calling Plan license, assign the license to users, and configure the appropriate settings in Teams.
To set up Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, you need to have an existing telephony infrastructure, a Session Border Controller (SBC), and a Direct Routing configuration in Teams.
The costs associated with Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams vary depending on the country and plan, but generally include a monthly fee per user.
The costs associated with Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams vary depending on the SBC and telephony infrastructure, but generally include setup and maintenance costs.
Some limitations of Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams include a lack of advanced telephony features, potential costs for international calls, and potential latency or call quality issues.
Some limitations of Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams include the need for an existing telephony infrastructure and SBC, potential complexity in setup and maintenance, and potential security concerns.
Yes, you can use both Calling Plan and Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, depending on your organization’s needs and setup.
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