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MICROSOFT TEAMS PHONE

Operator Connect vs. Direct Routing

Which is right for your business?

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Both Microsoft Direct Routing and Microsoft Operator Connect are telephony solutions that enable businesses to connect their existing telephony infrastructure with Microsoft Teams. However, they differ in their implementation, capabilities, and management approach.

Why Aura for Microsoft Teams Phone?

Fully automated provisioning

No coding, engineers or PowerShell knowledge, Aura has automated the whole process while still giving you the control and visibility you need.

Global voice network

Benefit from our global Tier-1 network for high-quality, low latency voice in 89 countries.

Experience

With 30 years of experience powering voice solutions in 120 countries, Aura is a trusted Microsoft-Certified Operator Connect Provider.

Integrated Teams voice solutions

Clear, efficient voice communication with our integrated Teams solutions. We offer a full suite of services, including attendant consoles, advanced analytics and managed services.

Key differences between Microsoft Operator Connect and Direct Routing

Operator Connect

Operator Connect enables Microsoft Teams administrators to easily integrate calling services, acquire phone numbers, assign them to users, and activate the system – all directly within Teams and in just a few minutes.

Say Goodbye to On-Premises

Leverage our certified telephony global networks, eliminating the need for SBCs or any on-premises hardware.

Hands-off Management

Certified operators, like Aura, handle telephony infrastructure, easing the load on IT teams.

User-friendly Portal

Manage user provisioning, calling plans, and features easily through a single portal, no need for technical knowledge.

Top-tier Service

Enjoy standardized calling features and plans – approved by Microsoft - ensuring reliable services from certified partners, like Aura.

Rock-solid Security

Benefit from Microsoft’s robust security measures, extended to telephony services.

Explore Operator Connect

Direct Routing

Direct Routing lets businesses integrate their preferred carrier into Microsoft Teams, offering better rates, global coverage, and advanced calling features.

Integration

Connect on-premises, legacy or third-party PBX and infrastructure to Teams.

Enhanced Compatibility

Leverage Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for smooth interfacing and communication.

Flexible Carrier Choice

Retain existing contracts or choose new telephony carriers that better fit your needs.

Customizable

Tailor calling plans, routing, and configurations to your needs, per site and region.

Advanced Features

Integrate custom call flows and advanced telephony features.

SBC

Maintain control over SBCs, routing, security, and compliance.

Explore Direct Routing

Go global

Aura gives you the most extensive global reach for Microsoft Teams Phone. Check out our coverage.
Coverage

FAQs

Direct Routing and Operator Connect are both methods to enable voice calling in Microsoft Teams. Direct Routing involves connecting your own Session Border Controller (SBC) to Teams, offering greater flexibility but requiring more technical expertise. Operator Connect is a managed service where a certified operator handles the infrastructure, providing a simpler setup and management process.

The best choice depends on your specific needs. Operator Connect is ideal for businesses seeking a simpler, managed solution with less technical involvement. Direct Routing offers more flexibility and control for organizations with complex telephony requirements or existing infrastructure. Aura works with both Direct Routing and Operator Connect. We can help you assess the best options based on your requirements and needs.

Operator Connect allows you to select a certified telecom provider from Microsoft’s list. This provider manages the infrastructure and connects your Teams environment to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). You can easily manage users and phone numbers within the Teams admin center.

Direct Routing provides greater flexibility in choosing a telecom provider, customizing your telephony solution, and integrating with existing systems. It also offers potential cost savings and better control over your telephony infrastructure.

 

****While it’s possible to switch between Direct Routing and Operator Connect, it often involves migrating phone numbers, reconfiguring settings, and considering potential downtime. Careful planning is essential for a smooth transition. [review Jon]

Key factors include your organization’s size, technical expertise, budget, desired level of control, and specific telephony requirements. Assess your needs carefully to determine the best fit for your business.

Both Direct Routing and Operator Connect prioritize security. However, the specific security measures implemented may be implemented by Aura and the carrier of your choice.

 

 

***No, you cannot use both Direct Routing and Operator Connect simultaneously for the same phone number. You must choose one method for each phone number or user.

Let's get started with Operator Connect