Microsoft Teams is widely used among businesses. It’s a useful way to communicate within the office, host meetings, and stay in contact with anyone working outside of the office space.
If you’re about to implement Microsoft Teams in your workplace, or you’re already using it but aren’t sure whether you’re getting the most out of it, it’s helpful to consider the provider options Teams offers: operator connects and direct routing.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – this guide is here to explain the key points of both options to help you decide which might be best for your business.
What is operator connect?
Operator Connect allows Microsoft Teams users to communicate by providing a list of operators for the Teams admin to choose from. The selected operator will provide Teams users with a number of communication tools – such as text-based messaging and voice calls – within the Microsoft Teams app.
This is useful as it means all communication can be done within Teams, removing the need to switch to a different application. This is even true for phone calls, as with operator connect, phone numbers can be called and answered within Teams.
Having a list of operators available can make communication much easier, as you don’t have to spend time looking for a provider yourself. With Microsoft Teams operator connect, voice calls, messaging and more are in one place, making accessing them simple. This is particularly helpful if an unexpected issue arises or you need to get in touch with someone quickly, as all your communications are unified.
What is direct routing?
Direct routing is another way to allow the office to stay in touch. However, unlike operator connect, the admin is not given a list of operators to choose from. Instead, direct routing lets businesses make voice calls and send messages by connecting them to their own provider.
One of the benefits of direct routing is that you will retain control over who your business’ provider is which can be useful if you need to get in touch with the provider to ask a question or resolve any problems that may occur.
It also offers more flexibility than operator connect, as you’ll be able to decide which of your communication systems you want to use within Teams and add them at your own pace. This means that you can have some systems integrated into the cloud while leaving others out, or use the cloud for everything – it’s up to you.
Which is best for you?
Whether Microsoft Teams operator connect or direct routing is best for your business all depends on what you want from Teams and how you’d prefer to use it. For example, if you want the final say in who your provider is, rather than having to pick from a list of options provided by Microsoft, direct routing may be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, some people find that operator connect makes communication systems easier to use, as it leaves finding a provider to Microsoft. Ultimately, the best option comes down to what you think will be the most helpful for your business.
