If your organization is experiencing poor phone performance, it can result in communication issues with customers. These issues reduce productivity and efficiency often leading to lost customers and revenue.
Additionally, if your organization is using an out-of-date phone service, there may be quality and performance issues.
Therefore, it is beneficial to determine whether Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is the right solution to address these issues. Understanding the pros and cons of Microsoft Teams Operator Connect will help you answer this question.
Coeo understands how important a reliable phone service is and has delivered thousands of Microsoft Teams and other phone solutions to organizations to help improve phone performance and reliability as well as increase productivity and efficiency.
By the end of this article, you will understand what Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is, the pros and cons of the solution, and whether it is the right solution for your organization.
What is Microsoft Teams Operator Connect?
Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is a solution that enables organizations to connect their existing phone service to the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) through qualified Telecom Service Providers to make and receive calls.
Moving your existing phone service to Operator Connect enables you to make calls through Microsoft Teams rather than through another online connection. This also enables you to save money by continuing to use your existing phone system and infrastructure.
Operator Connect also requires you to connect your solution using certified operators directly to Microsoft Teams. These operators are certified by Microsoft to provide Operator Connect solutions to organizations.
Organizations looking to use Microsoft Teams Operator Connect can select Coeo Solutions, for example, from their list of certified operators to manage and provide this solution.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about Microsoft Teams Operator Connect or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect
There are many benefits and challenges to using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect. It is important to understand the pros and cons of using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect to determine whether it is a good solution for your organization. Some of the pros and cons include:
Pros
First, it is important to understand some of the benefits to using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect including:
Simplified setup and management
A significant benefit of using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is the simplified setup and management of the solution. Using Operator Connect makes it easy to add PSTN capabilities to Microsoft Teams.
With Operator Connect, there is no need for complex configurations like with Microsoft Direct Routing to get your solution up and running.
Additionally, the process is streamlined using the Microsoft Teams admin portal where your Microsoft-certified operator of choice is integrated into the solution.
Microsoft Teams Operator Connect also requires little to no additional hardware, unlike Direct Routing. This means that SBCs do not have to be set up and managed by your organization.
Fully integrated with the Microsoft Teams platform
Another benefit to using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is that it is fully integrated with the Microsoft Teams platform.
This means that not only are users improving the performance of their phone system, but it also enables them to use the other tools that Microsoft Teams has to offer such as video calls and chats.
Improved security
Operators that provide Operator Connect must meet the strict security standards that Microsoft requires to maintain enhanced security on the user's phone solution.
Operator Connect phone solutions are managed through Microsoft’s platform providing consistent security controls, compliance, and encryption ensuring that your phone solution is protected from malicious and unauthorized access.
Cons
While there are many benefits to using a Microsoft Teams phone solution, there are downsides to using the solution. Some of the challenges of using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect include:
Limited carrier choices
Because Microsoft Teams Operator Connect can only be offered and managed by operators that are certified by Microsoft, there are a limited number of operators to choose from.
Organizations looking for a Microsoft Teams Operator Connect solution may need to switch providers if their preferred carrier is not part of the certified network of providers. This can complicate the process if contract negotiations are involved in the switch.
Less control and customization
Microsoft Teams Operator Connect does not offer much control and customization over its phone solution. Businesses cannot directly manage their own SBCs and the majority of the solution is managed by the operator.
Because the solution does not allow for much control and customization, it’s a poor fit for organizations that need a solution catered to their specific needs.
Does Microsoft Teams Operator Connect meet the needs of your organization?
Now you understand what Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is as well as the pros and cons of using the solution. However, it is also important to understand whether Operator Connect is the right solution for your organization.
If your organization is looking to improve its communication both internally and externally with customers, Microsoft Teams Operator Connect may be the right solution to help improve phone performance and reliability.
Additionally, if your organization already uses Microsoft products and services and is looking for a phone solution that is easy to set up with a certified operator, Microsoft Teams Operator Connect may be the right solution.
However, if your organization needs a highly customizable phone solution and wants to manage the solution internally, an Operator Connect solution may not be best for your organization.
Determining whether Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is a good choice for your organization
Now you understand what Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is, the pros and cons of the solution, and whether it is the right solution for your organization. This will help you determine if your organization should invest in Microsoft Teams Operator Connect.
No organization can afford to have a poor-performing phone solution that leads to poor communication among employees and between employees and customers.
This can result in decreased productivity and efficiency and a loss of customers and revenue.
To avoid these challenges, it is important to understand the pros and cons of Microsoft Teams Operator Connect so you can determine whether it is the right solution to improve phone performance, reliability, and overall communication.
Coeo understands how important a reliable phone solution is and has delivered thousands of Microsoft Teams phone solutions to improve phone performance and communication.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about Microsoft Teams Operator Connect or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand the pros and cons of Microsoft Teams Operator Connect and whether it is a good choice for your organization, read this article to understand the differences between Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect:
