Enhance Microsoft Teams Conference Call with Voice

Microsoft Teams Conference Call Features

The COVID-19 pandemic made Microsoft Teams’ popularity and adoption explode worldwide. Every month, 250 million people use this app, making Microsoft Teams conference call modes become more complex and intricate, adapted to hybrid workforces.

For example, aside from regular calls, meetings, or video chats, the Teams app introduced a feature called Together Mode back in 2020. The feature allows multiple users to share virtual space in real-time by digitally placing everyone in a variety of common backgrounds. It makes it feel like everybody is together in the same room. 

Collaboration is, in fact, the focus of many critical features such as integrations with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and other Microsoft tools you frequently use directly with Teams. More recently, groups can access other apps more effectively and increase productivity during a Microsoft Teams conference call. Some of these apps are Mural, Miro, and Lucidspark.

Microsoft Teams was born as a chat and conference calling app and it has evolved to become a powerful tool for organizations everywhere. However, companies with enterprise-like communications demands realize these essential features are limited for them. This is especially the case if they are wondering how they can go beyond a simple Microsoft Teams conference call, and integrate PBX-like capabilities, and adding voice may be the answer.

Related: Why Now Is The Time to Leverage Microsoft Teams SIP Calling

Adding Voice Functionality to Microsoft Teams

Data from a CNBC survey shows hybrid workplaces are the way to go. Here’s a sample of the most relevant findings:

• The second half of 2021 reports an increase in hybrid workforce models, according to 45% of the companies surveyed.
• 32% of the organizations surveyed stated they would prefer an “in-person first” employment model.
• 70% of the companies surveyed by Mercer in May said a mix of in-person and remote working would be the new norm. 

In order for companies to remain connected, they must provide employees with the right technology to ensure their teams are always in touch. Early in the pandemic, the market offered many communications tools that did not meet all remote collaboration needs, resulting in a substantial lack of options. As everyone became more familiar with a mobile, hybrid work model, Microsoft Teams seemed like a good, temporary fit for their collaboration requirements. 

However, within a few months IT managers had to think of a more comprehensive voice platform with enterprise-class features. In response, leading experts in the industry developed a voice-enabled solution for Microsoft Teams. By integrating voice, video, data, and mobile communications together, Teams enables a seamless connection between employees and customers.

By choosing the right provider you can improve Microsoft Teams conference calls with so many more features:

• Advanced queueing and call routing
• Cloud telephony options
• SIP trunk sharing and linking 
• Telephony extension management
• Intercom and paging use
• Enhanced communications security 
• Contact center capabilities
• Messaging features
• E911 management and support
• 100% service uptime guaranteed
• Mobile team members’ connectivity infrastructure

These features are easily accessible from any device with an Internet connection. You can use your cellphone, notebook, or tablet. You will be able to create a more scalable, streamlined network with less risk with the voice enhancement for Microsoft Teams. You can always keep your employees connected to your collaboration platform, no matter where they may be.

Related: Can Microsoft Teams Make External Calls?

How to Find the Right Voice-Enabled Microsoft Teams Partner

Currently, Microsoft doesn’t offer direct support for enabling voice capabilities for Teams but has authorized partners who can manage your business’s integration needs. The majority of IT staff do not have the necessary skills, time, or bandwidth to perform this migration efficiently. 

In comparison, managed service providers will progressively move your platform while keeping disruptions to a minimum during the migration. As soon as the deployment is complete, your company will have a unified system that offers an improved user experience across voice, video, and data. 

As previously mentioned, IT and telecom leaders began to think about integrating Microsoft Teams with voice calls when they realized the basic functionality of Teams was limited. The fact is that many businesses still need an array of other features, such as fax, phone tree, voicemail, advanced routing, and queueing, which Teams does not provide.

Adding enterprise voice capabilities to Microsoft Teams requires partnering with an expert who combines the collaboration tools of Teams with the voice solutions your business needs. The following are some quick and easy criteria for finding an ideal partner to help you with Microsoft Teams voice enablement:

Current Microsoft Certifications

Pick a service provider who has extensive Microsoft certifications and experience. Integration of voice and collaboration can be tricky, but the idea is to make sure you have all the features you need without the complexity. 

You can ensure you’re getting the most significant value from your provider if you choose a Microsoft Gold Partner. A Gold Partner must be able to demonstrate the highest level of skill in implementing a Microsoft-approved solution. In addition to saving time and money, engaging them for implementation can significantly reduce future troubleshooting headaches.

Demonstrated Track Record

If you use Microsoft Teams alone, you may experience voice and service gaps the need for you  to think beyond your IT department when deciding to migrate to Microsoft Teams voice calling. Speak with a reputable provider able to increase your Teams platform’s performance, transforming this app into an enterprise voice platform.

Regardless of your growing business needs, Microsoft Teams will still be able to provide the same video, chat, file storage, and Microsoft integrations that you already enjoy today, including enterprise voice capabilities.

Proven Telecom Expertise 

A provider with a combination of Microsoft experience and telecom knowledge is ideal for implementing Microsoft Teams voice services. You can add significant value to your voice networks by streamlining and improving them, but be cautious not to take any shortcuts. Outages are not uncommon and can lead to frequent interruptions, productivity loss, dissatisfied clients, and ineffective customer support.

Customers, partners, vendors, and other external contacts require access to your organization by reaching the right people immediately. Therefore, investing in new functionalities with a voice platform should be a priority. Integrating internal and external calling capabilities will cover your enterprise needs and make Microsoft Teams’ voice calling an even more valuable solution for you.

Today’s businesses require effective communication and collaboration. Assure your employees have the necessary tools for success and that your customers have a great experience whenever they contact you. 

Your employees can easily and quickly connect regardless of where they work during the day or what work model they operate with. BCM One’s voice-enabled Teams solution gives you the freedom to communicate without worrying about phone quality or network problems.BCM One is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. They can work with you to take a basic phone system and Microsoft Teams and make it a more comprehensive, effective communications tool. Your company can adapt to the new ways people are working by enabling collaboration and connection on the road, at home, or even at a coworking space abroad. With the power of Microsoft Teams and voice-enabled technologies, employees and customers can communicate efficiently, effectively, and productively. Get started now.