Direct Routing & SIP Trunks for Microsoft Teams

With the continued high take-up rates of Microsoft Teams, many businesses are deploying Microsoft Teams as a replacement for their existing PBX/UC platform, or as successor to Skype for Business.

Microsoft Teams Daily Active Users

However, Microsoft’s own call tariffs and services look relatively expensive and there are concerns about being able to smoothly transfer existing numbers across from existing phone service providers, so businesses need to find the best way to handle the transition.

Direct Routing provides the answer to this dilemma. Using Direct Routing, an on-premise phone system can be easily linked to Microsoft Teams.

Don’t have an existing PBX? No problem. Microsoft Teams can provide that functionality, allowing the business to take full advantage of the phone capabilities within this growing platform.

What Is Direct Routing?

“Direct Routing” is the process by which calls initiated within Microsoft Teams are routed to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

This can be achieved by either using a Microsoft Calling Plan or by using Direct Routing. Although tightly integrated, there are some important downsides to using Microsoft Calling Plans. The options can be relatively expensive, number porting is not straightforward, can take a considerable amount of time and is reliant on Microsoft support with no dedicated point of contact during the process. The Plans don’t offer much flexibility and there’s absolutely no room for negotiation!

Direct Routing allows your business to use Microsoft Teams as a true Unified Communications platform – managing both inbound and outbound calls, just like a traditional PBX phone system.

With Direct Routing, Microsoft Teams can be readily connected to a range of service providers. It is a much more attractive and flexible option delivering cheaper call rates, more flexibility and better support. If your business makes a reasonable amount of outbound calls (especially international calls), Direct Routing is an attractive option.

How Does Direct Routing Work?

Direct Routing connects Microsoft Teams to the PSTN using a Session Border Controller and SIP Trunks.

A Session Border Controller (SBC) is placed at the border between different networks and manages the flow of voice data from one to another. An SBC is usually placed in the Cloud providing flexibility, resilience and lower cost of ownership.

What Does SIP Trunking Mean?

SIP Trunking is the process of connecting a phone system to traditional phone networks and other systems. SIP Trunking is essential for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing.

Making Microsoft Teams Work For Your Business

At Marlin Communications we offer an array of services to complement Microsoft Teams, such as:

• Microsoft certified SIP Gateways (either physical, virtualised or hosted in Azure)
• Cloud-based or on-premise Session Border Controllers (SBC)
• Microsoft certified IP handsets
• UC Headsets
• Contact Centre solutions
• SIP Trunks for Microsoft Teams – including number porting
• Free calls to UK landlines (01/02/03) and mobile (07) numbers

How Do I Get Started?

If you’d like to find out more, please call us free on 0800 032 8274, or use our contact form. Our experts are ready to guide you through the available options, without obligation.