As technology evolves, so have new communications methods with in vogue acronyms like Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), CPaaS, PBX, UCaaS. Just in case (JIC) you thought there were enough four-letter combinations, here’s one that is becoming more popular – BYOC. No, it’s not Bring Your Own Computer or Bring Your Own Cloud or Even Bring Your Own Container. Read on and I’ll explain it to you.

What is BYOC and does it mean for Microsoft Teams?

Many organizations use Microsoft Calling Plans with the Microsoft Phone System in Teams, to enable phone calls. However, as public telephony traffic from Teams grows, those businesses see certain downsides that include variable call quality across countries, less calling plan flexibility, and enterprise telephony feature gaps.

That is where BYOC or Bring Your Own Carrier comes in. Microsoft calls it Direct Routing, essentially allowing you to add third-party phone services into the Microsoft Cloud for Microsoft Phone System, in Teams, while retaining all the Teams collaboration capabilities.

Using a third-party service provider means you have a far more choice of telephony access with local numbers, particularly in countries where Microsoft Calling Plans are non-existent. You also get the best calling rates from a single cloud provider, with a single contract, single bill experience, as they will have relationships with dozens of global voice carriers.

Finding the Right BYOC Provider for Microsoft Teams

The raison d'être of a BYOC strategy is to have the choice to add your own service provider to Microsoft Phone System for Teams. So, it makes good sense to pick one that meets your immediate and long term PSTN telephony needs.

Look for a BYOC provider that offers:

  • A single cloud-based console for all communications modalities without any onsite equipment. That simplifies IT admin tasks, making it easy to manage Teams telephony users.
  • Global telephony reach through global carrier partners, so you get full PSTN replacement worldwide, supporting local and toll-free numbers with affordable calling plans.
  • A BOYC solution that retains the Teams user experience when making and receiving calls from the Teams app. A seamless Teams experience ensures continued usage of Teams as the default enterprise collaboration app without any additional training.
  • Native integration with other communications systems such as contact center and business apps that use Teams for voice calls, to reduce costs and complexity associated with multi-vendor environments.

BYOC with 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams

8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams is a Direct Routing solution that brings BOYC capabilities to Microsoft Teams. It is a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans which enables your users to make and receive calls to mobiles and landlines worldwide, directly from Microsoft Teams.

Added advantages of 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams include worldwide telephony coverage across 120 countries, an unprecedented range of PSTN connectivity options, including PSTN replacement, national, local, non-geographic numbers, and access to emergency services.

Organizations with dispersed office locations also benefit from guaranteed service level agreements and the highest quality audio quality for Teams, delivered at no added cost.

A broad choice of 8x8 calling plans includes unlimited calls to 47 destinations, so organizations get the best value and pricing for their Microsoft Teams telephony needs.

A seamless customer experience, with a single bill and contract, aligned to your overall Microsoft 365 investment.

8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams is a low touch BYOC/Direct Routing solution that equips your organizations with all the capabilities to enable global PSTN calling from Teams, quickly and with no risk. It also helps drive more usage of Teams in all areas of your organization.

Explore the benefits of 8x8 Voice for Teams in this webinar, or speak with our team of experts at 1 800 854 171 (ANZ), 0333 043 8888 (UK), 1-877-514-1811 (US), or online.