Microsoft Teams has become the go-to collaboration tool for businesses worldwide, offering seamless messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing. However, many organizations are still unaware of how Microsoft Teams Voice Calling can transform their business communications by integrating enterprise-grade telephony into the Teams platform.
With businesses utilizing ditributed workforces, the need for a scalable, flexible, and feature-rich communication solution is greater than ever. By leveraging Teams Voice Calling, organizations which have adopted Microsoft Teams can centralize their communication tools, reduce costs, improve collaboration, and streamline operations.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of Teams Voice Calling, how it works, key considerations for deployment, and why integrating it with Accent’s Cloud Phone System is a game-changer for organizations looking to enhance their communication infrastructure.
What is Microsoft Teams Voice Calling?
Microsoft Teams Voice Calling enables businesses to make and receive phone calls directly within the Teams app, eliminating the need for separate communication apps. By integrating Teams with a cloud-based VoIP solution, businesses gain access to enterprise-level calling features and phone system capabilities while keeping their Teams workflow intact.
Teams Calling can be deployed in two differing ways:
- Direct Routing: Connect Microsoft Teams to an external VoIP provider, like Accent, for advanced telephony features and cloud phone system.
- Microsoft Calling Plans: A basic option provided by Microsoft with limited flexibility and potentially higher costs.
For businesses seeking a scalable, feature-rich, and cost-effective solution, Direct Routing with Accent’s Cloud Phone System is the preferred choice.
Key Benefits of Microsoft Teams Voice Calling
1. Unified Communication & Collaboration
Instead of juggling multiple communication platforms, Teams Voice Calling consolidates voice, video, messaging, and file sharing into a single interface. This enhances productivity by keeping everything in one place.
2. Enterprise-Grade Phone System Features
When integrated with Accent’s Cloud Phone System, businesses gain access to advanced calling features, including:
- Call forwarding, call queues, and voicemail transcription
- Auto-attendant and IVR menus
- Call recording and analytics
- Toll-free and international calling
- A.I. call and meeting analysis
3. Cost Savings Compared to Traditional Phone Systems
Switching to Teams Voice Calling with Direct Routing can reduce communication costs by up to 40% compared to legacy PBX systems or Microsoft’s Calling Plans. Accent’s VoIP solution offers flexible pricing, unlimited calling, and no hidden fees.
4. Seamless Remote & Hybrid Work Integration
With employees working from anywhere, businesses need a scalable and mobile-friendly solution. Teams Voice Calling allows employees to make calls from any device, ensuring business continuity and mobility.
5. Improved Call Quality & Reliability
Accent’s Direct Routing solution ensures higher call quality, reliability, and uptime compared to Microsoft’s Calling Plans, thanks to its redundant infrastructure and 24/7 support.
SMS Text Messaging via Microsoft Teams with Accent
Beyond voice calling, Accent’s integration with Microsoft Teams also enables SMS text messaging, providing businesses with a versatile communication solution. Employees can send and receive text messages directly from the Teams app, ensuring seamless communication with clients, customers, and team members.
Key Benefits of SMS Text Messaging in Teams
- Engage Customers More Effectively: Reach clients through their preferred communication method—text messaging.
- Improve Response Times: Texting allows for quick responses, ideal for support teams and sales representatives.
- Centralized Communication: Keep all business conversations—calls, video, chat, and SMS—within Microsoft Teams.
- Secure & Compliant Messaging: Accent ensures SMS messages are encrypted and compliant with industry standards.
Microsoft Teams Voice vs. Microsoft Calling Plans: Which is Better?
| Feature | Microsoft Calling Plan | Direct Routing with Accent |
|---|---|---|
| Calling Cost | High | Lower, with flexible pricing |
| Advanced Features | Limited | Full enterprise-grade features |
| Call Analytics | Basic | Advanced real-time analytics |
| CRM Integration | No | Yes, with Salesforce, HubSpot, etc. |
| Call Center Capabilities | No | Yes via Accent’s Cloud Contact Center |
| Support | Microsoft | Dedicated Accent support team |
This comparison highlights why Direct Routing with Accent is the superior choice for businesses. While Microsoft Calling Plans provide a basic telephony option, they lack the flexibility, cost efficiency, and advanced features required for businesses to truly enhance their communications.
With Accent, businesses gain access to a dedicated support team and business cloud calling features at a lower cost than Microsoft’s built-in calling plans. Plus, the ability to integrate SMS messaging within Teams gives businesses another powerful way to engage customers and improve operational efficiency.
How to Set Up Microsoft Teams Voice Calling with Accent
- Assess Your Business Needs – Determine the number of users, locations, and features required.
- Choose Direct Routing – Select Accent’s Cloud Phone System for better call quality and advanced features.
- Integrate Teams with Accent – Accent handles the setup, ensuring a smooth transition with no downtime.
- Train Employees & Optimize Usage – Accent provides onboarding and support to maximize efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Is Microsoft Teams Voice Calling Right for Your Business?
If your business relies on Microsoft Teams for collaboration, integrating Voice Calling with Accent’s Direct Routing is a smart investment. You get the best of both worlds—a powerful VoIP solution within Teams and full support from Accent’s expert team that’s committed to your success.
Get Started with Teams Voice Calling Today!
Ready to upgrade your business phone system? Accent can help you integrate Microsoft Teams Voice Calling effortlessly. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can enhance your business communications!
📞 Call us at 800-589-7379 or click here to get started with a quote from our sales team.