Teams telephony vs. conventional VoIP telephony

Microsoft Teams Phone compared to VoIP

Why companies should switch to Teams

The world of work has changed and Microsoft Teams is at the center of this development. With Teams Phone, Microsoft offers a cloud-based telephone system that surpasses traditional VoIP solutions. It combines calls, meetings and collaboration in one platform – without hardware, servers or boundaries.

In a nutshell:

SAVECALL supports companies in selecting and rolling out Microsoft Teams Phone, from needs analysis to integration into the existing IT landscape. Teams Phone offers companies a fully integrated solution that combines communication, efficiency and security – ideal for modern hybrid working models.

The question: Is your telephony already as flexible and integrated as your daily collaboration in teams?

The way employees communicate has changed dramatically. Microsoft Teams has played an important role in keeping everyone connected and working together. Many companies have realized that they can integrate many of their daily activities into this one convenient central hub. One of these many features is Teams Phone, Microsoft’s own cloud-based VoIP system that replaces the need for on-premise or traditional VoIP phone systems. But what are the benefits in detail? What is the difference between Teams and traditional VoIP? Which system is best for your business? Why should you consider switching?

Traditional VoIP telephony

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol describes the method by which calls are made and received over the Internet. It is used to replace the traditional telephone system in companies.

VoIP combines traditional and modern telephone systems by converting analog signals into digital signals and transmitting them via the Internet. This requires a stable high-speed Internet connection. VoIP calls are not only cheaper than landline calls, but can also be integrated into your telephone service wherever you work. The traditional VoIP phone system has many advantages, including the fact that it is fully scalable.

Teams telephony

Microsoft has further developed the traditional VoIP telephone system and created Teams Phone. Unlike other VoIP systems, Teams Phone is a true digital and cloud-based system, meaning no analog signals are needed, no servers are required and it can also be reconnected to the traditional telephone network.

In addition, Teams Phone does not require a physical handset. With Microsoft Teams, you can make calls from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet. If you need a desk phone, you can connect it via a Microsoft-certified device. Teams Phone offers a wide range of calling features, such as auto attendant, cloud voicemail, call queuing, direct forwarding and automatic conferencing, available to you at any time. All designed to provide your business with a professional phone system.

Advantages of Microsoft Teams Phone

Low cost – As with traditional VoIP systems, the cost of Teams is lower, making it a very cost-effective option for your business. What’s more, Teams is scalable and flexible, meaning it can be tailored to your specific business needs, so you only pay for what you need. And with the ability to port your existing phone numbers or apply for new ones, Teams is a great cost-saving tool.

Seamless integration – A central, integrated hub for all your corporate communications: With Teams and 365, you can access and use all your communication, coordination and collaboration channels in one place. Without having to use different software, you can increase your productivity. The seamless integration with the other functions creates a consistent and efficient experience for your company.

High security – Unlike traditional VoIP, a Microsoft-managed phone system offers a high level of security as users are protected by the Microsoft Cloud.

Summary
Traditional VoIP can be a viable solution for organizations without Office 365 or Teams, but Teams Phone offers a more sophisticated solution that integrates seamlessly with all other Teams and 365 features. This allows you to create a truly collaborative and optimized Teams hub that reduces costs and increases productivity. With many organizations relying on Teams for all other business needs, switching your VoIP solution to Teams Phone is a must for businesses.

How SAVECALL supports the switch to Teams Phone

SAVECALL compares Microsoft Calling Plan, Operator Connect and a SIP trunk via Direct Routing for you, vendor-neutral, and determines the most cost-effective and best-fitting solution for your company. From licensing to number porting to connecting your existing phone system, we support the entire switch to Teams Phone.

Conclusion: Teams Phone as the future-proof choice

Microsoft Teams Phone bundles telephony, meetings and collaboration in one platform and replaces classic VoIP systems with a secure, scalable cloud solution. Which connection is most cost-effective in a specific case depends on user numbers, call volume and existing infrastructure. This is exactly where the independent advice from SAVECALL comes in.

Frank Frommknecht, Key Account Consultant at SAVECALL

Written by

Frank Frommknecht

Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL

Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and finding the right solution strategically.

Why

Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Microsoft Teams Phone and classic VoIP?

Classic VoIP converts analog signals into digital data and usually needs its own servers or an on-premise PBX. Teams Phone, on the other hand, is a fully cloud-based system from Microsoft that works without servers or hardware and integrates telephony directly into Microsoft 365. Calls, meetings and collaboration therefore run on a single platform instead of separate systems.

What advantages does Teams Phone offer over conventional VoIP telephony?

Teams Phone scores mainly on cost, integration and security. Flexible scaling and number porting lower telephony costs, while all communication channels are centrally bundled in Teams and Microsoft 365. Companies also benefit from the security standards of the Microsoft Cloud and features such as cloud voicemail, auto attendant and conferencing, which often have to be set up separately with classic VoIP.

Does Teams Phone still require a physical desk phone?

No, a physical handset is no longer required with Teams Phone. Calls can be made from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection, for example via PC, smartphone or the Teams app. Anyone who still wants a classic desk phone can connect a Microsoft-certified device and keep making calls as usual.

How secure is telephony over Microsoft Teams?

Teams Phone benefits from the security mechanisms of the Microsoft Cloud, including central administration, encryption and regular updates from Microsoft itself. Unlike many classic VoIP systems, where maintenance and security often fall to the company itself, Microsoft takes on most of the security responsibility. This allows a high level of protection without additional internal administration effort.

Is switching to Teams Phone worthwhile for smaller companies too?

Yes, precisely because Teams Phone is scalable and flexible, it is also suitable for smaller companies. Since you only pay for the licences you actually need and existing phone numbers can be ported, getting started stays predictable. Companies already working with Microsoft 365 additionally save the effort of a separate phone system, as telephony is integrated directly into the existing work environment.

How does SAVECALL support the switch to Teams Phone?

SAVECALL compares vendor-neutral whether Microsoft Calling Plan, Operator Connect or a SIP trunk via Direct Routing is the right connection for your company. We check licence costs, call volume and existing contracts, take care of number porting and support the connection to your existing infrastructure. This makes the switch to Teams Phone possible without unnecessary costs or wrong decisions.

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