What is Direct Routing?

Microsoft Teams – Direct Routing provides you with the ability to make calls within Microsoft Teams.

It enables PSTN calling and a range of additional call control features for Microsoft Teams. The service provides VoIP connectivity for the Microsoft Phone System add-on, allowing inbound and outbound telephony.

Many businesses already use Skype for Business as their Microsoft based telephony platform. However, Skype for Business is being retired in 2021 with Microsoft encouraging its users to make the transition to Teams.

Available to Microsoft 365 customers who wish to use their preferred voice carrier to enable their users to make and receive PSTN calls, Microsoft Teams – Direct Routing is an ideal solution for those businesses wanting to take steps into the cloud.

Microsoft Teams – Direct Routing is an ideal alternative to Microsoft calling plans and, with the solution, there’s no need for on-premise hardware. It utilises Microsoft certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to deliver better value, greater flexibility, increased functionality and support for migration, all as a cloud-based service.

What do I need to utilise Direct Routing?

To use Microsoft Teams – Direct Routing, you’ll need the following:

• Microsoft 365, or Office 365, license including Teams
  Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that brings together the Microsoft tools and applications for the way people work today. By combining apps like Excel and Outlook with cloud services like Teams, Microsoft 365 users create, share and communicate anywhere on any device. Teams is the Unified Communications environment which Microsoft 365 uses to create and share content and communicate in multiple ways via messaging, chat, voice and video
• Microsoft Phone System add-on and a reliable internet connection
  Phone System is the feature used by Microsoft as the PBX replacement or voice component of Microsoft Teams.
• Reliable internet connection
  A steady internet connection with enough bandwidth and capacity to host and utilise video conferencing technology – fibre broadband would be ideal for this.

Once you’ve got those sorted out, your business will be ready to take advantage of Microsoft Teams – Direct Routing.

What are the benefits?

Calls to Anyone – Supports calls to and from non-geographical, corporate or VoIP numbers (03, 05, 08), premium numbers both UK and international (09), mobile destinations (07), international destinations (00…) operator, emergency and non-emergency calls (100, 101, 111, 112, 116, 118, 123, 1800, 195, 999).

Cost Saving – Significant cost saving per user compared to Microsoft’s calling plans, allowing you to maximise your existing 365 license cost.

Agile – Allows for flexible and remote working as well as enabling a collaborative approach.

Complete Cloud Solution – With no expensive initial outlay and no requirement for traditional hardware, it’s a complete cloud-based solution.

No Missed Calls – Tailored business continuity with network and number resilience to keep your business working.

Access to Advanced Call Statistics – Online access to call statistics enables informed business decisions and access to advanced management information relating to call handling efficiencies, productivity, call patterns and caller behaviour as well as data regarding the time to answer calls, call waiting time and call outcome statistics.

Number Porting – Keep the same geographical number wherever you are.

Access to Education Community – Using “Janet Connected” accreditation connections means that we can provide IP voice services to the education community in a direct manner.