What Is Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams?
Direct routing permits users to receive and make calls on Microsoft Teams by connecting the platform with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN through an approved partner. Direct Routing provides companies with the flexibility to combine Microsoft Teams with the companies' existing telephony solution. It also allows for integrating critical communication functions, like 911, fax, reception phones and other services by using a Session Boarder Controller (SBC).
Direct Routing enables the use of any PSTN trunk with Microsoft Phone System. Also, it allows configuring interoperability between customer-owned telephony equipment, such as a third-party private branch exchange (PBX), analog devices, and Microsoft Phone System.
Watch and learn to deploy Microsoft Teams with Direct Routing
What Is Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams?
Operator Connect is an operator-managed service that allows PSTN calling to Teams. Companies can keep their PSTN carrier and enable Microsoft Teams via a managed service. IT admins can easily connect their provider and assign phone numbers to users all from within the tab labeled “Operators” directly within the Teams admin dashboard.
What Are the Differences?
Operator Connect takes the Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) in Teams beyond basic connectivity, allowing service providers to connect their PSTN to Teams easily. It’s as simple as choosing and downloading applications from an app store.
Alternatively, direct routing allows companies to have more flexibility, where they can implement from call recording and analytics to contact center functionality, with a range of carriers that may not be supported by direct routing.
