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Experience Direct Routing with Teams and PBX

In Digital Communications
August 16, 2021
3 Min Read
E

Microsoft Teams allow smart communication, modern chat facilities, state of the art meetings and easy files storage capabilities.

With Teams gaining popularity more than ever after Skype for Business retirement, cloud communication solutions providers and cloud business officials are looking for ways to get value from their existing systems with Teams as much as possible.

Initially called “bring your own trunk”, Direct Routing was introduced with Teams to provide a PSTN connection with Teams to facilitate Teams users.

Can I integrate Teams with existing systems?

Microsoft enables organizations to place external or internal calls within the organizations. However, telephony features within Teams are limited. To overcome this MachCloud developed a unique connector integrating Microsoft Teams with existing PBX systems via Direct Routing. It enables personalized levels of communication, using the Teams app on any device: Teams Phone, Smartphone or PC.

Chose the right solution

MachCloud allows you to set up telephony services in Microsoft Teams in three different ways:

  1. Replace existing Phone systems with Microsoft Teams. You can save PBX related costs and benefit from attractive calling plans;
  2. Connect Teams users to an existing Cloud PBX, based on MachCloud’s unique Teams connector. Full features PBX functions, combined with the power of the Teams app.
  3. Use the Teams app on PC or smartphone to set up your calls via MachCloud’s Hosted PBX. You do need a Business voice subscription or Phone addon. 

MachCloud assists in choosing the right solution and offers a smooth migration path allowing a ‘small step’ changeover. In case user requirements cannot be met with a single solution, a mix of traditional business telephony and modern calling in Teams can be introduced.

Things to consider before making your choice

  • Migration

To set up Teams or PBX Teams, you need to check telephone numbers, licenses, hardware and call routing. MachCloud offers advice and migration support.

  • Consider Remote working option

Since remote working has become a norm and virtual workplaces will be deployed to increase security, a long-term plan is essential to ensure good quality voice connections. Deploying a Cloud telephony system for remote workers, a PBX with Teams Connection needs to be managed and set up remotely. A backup routing is needed in case of connection failure.

ALSO READ:

HAVE YOU DONE YOUR SKYPE FOR BUSINESS MIGRATION TO TEAMS?

  • Frequency of conference calls

Depending upon the type of business, it is important to forecast the frequency of calls and meetings. Bandwidth and connection requirements must be clear before integrating PBX with Teams. Avoid bottlenecks during an important meeting while working from home.

  • Choose the Right Phone

Simply put, you can use a Smartphone, PC, or existing phone connected to the hosted PBX. However, if phones are used with Teams, you need Teams-certified hardware or migrate existing hardware.

MachCloud is your solution to a successful Teams Migration

MachCloud makes your tasks easier by offering smooth migration options with Microsoft Teams. The all-in-one unified communication provider also provides services like PBX Cloud, Cloud Voice, SIP Trunking, and much more.

Get started with MachCloud for a smooth transition to Teams.

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4 exciting Unified Communications benefits to workplaces

In Business Communication, UC
March 4, 2021
3 Min Read
4

Ever since Unified communication solutions have entered the business pace, it has taken enterprises by a storm. Not lonely enterprises but fast progressing startups and SMEs also opt for Unified communications and digital communication solutions for better business collaboration.

Unified communication fosters better collaboration

Business collaboration has been one of the main factors that drive a company towards success. It instills scalability of the business, better company culture, and even caters to remote working employees. Thus collaboration is the defining factor for every business’s success in today’s changing times. Unified communication solutions have paved ways forward for companies to be able to foster collaboration amongst employees either working in a traditional workplace or working remotely.

What are a few UC options for businesses?

There are many unified communication tools in the market. Depending upon your company size and business requirements, you can choose from Cloud PBX or Hosted PBX, SIP Trunking, Microsoft Teams Calling Solutions or Direct Routing Solutions, IP Telephony, VoIP, and many others.

How Unified Communications can change the way you work?

  • Device independence

Unified communication is a system of business communication hosted in the cloud. Naturally, it brings device independence and employees do not have to be tied to their office desks to be reachable. In this way, the company business Phone can be accessed from anywhere.

  • Integration

Unified communication brings many channels and streams of communication across one integrated solution. It means email handling, document sharing, file storage, and video conferencing are performed under one umbrella tool. This fast-tracks employee interactions and increases productivity.

ALSO READ: REASONS TO ADOPT UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS IN THE CLOUD BUSINESS

  • Flexibility

UC tools can be used by remote clients or remote employees. This provides a comprehensive Voice service over the Internet. The IP telephony systems and Cloud PBX or Hosted PBX Solutions provide the flexibility needed for efficient work experiences.

  • Improved company culture

Company culture is what makes one company different from its competition. The better collaboration created improved employee culture which in turn makes happy employees. The rigidity of communication channels is now turned into agility in collaboration. With an enhanced corporate culture, employees are more open to asking questions, sharing files, and focusing on better technological changes.

MachCloud – the all-in-one Unified communication provider platform

MachCloud is a robust platform where you find hosted communication in the cloud. Not only that, but MachCloud also facilitates companies with Cloud communication services, VPS Provisioning, M365 Reselling, Remote Working tools, and many more. MachCloud facilitates organizations ranging from SME’s to enterprises and governments in bringing together their employees and clients at one platform with better communication between them.

Get onboard and never miss another potential customer with MachCloud.

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Microsoft 365 | Rebranding Office 365 business plans

In Microsoft 365
April 17, 2020
3 Min Read
M

The news is huge! Microsoft has decided to rebrand Office 365 business plans and name them on Microsoft 365 context, from April 21st, 2020. A few years ago when Microsoft 365 was introduced, its sole purpose was to provide a subscription bundle of Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security. However, recently, Microsoft made an announcement that the tech giant has decided to rebrand a few subscription plans, and introduced a few new plans.

Which plans are affected by this M365 name change?

The flowing plans are affected by this announcement:

  • Office 365 Business and Office 365 Pro Plus

Both of these will be called Microsoft 365 Apps starting 21st April, 2020. To distinguish between the two, Microsoft will continue using “for business” and “for enterprise” as labels

  • Office 365 Business Premium

This will be rebranded Microsoft 365 Business Standard and all occurrences in documentation must be changed accordingly.

  • Office 365 Business Essentials

This plan will now be called as Microsoft 365 Business Basic from 21st April, 2020.

  • Microsoft 365 Business

Even though it is not a part of Office 365 family, Microsoft has announced this would be rebranded as Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Which plans remain unchanged?

Other than the plans mentioned above, most plans are unaffected by the name change announcement. To give you a clear view you about whether your subscription plan is rebranded or not, take a look at the following list and find it yourself. The following plans have remained unchanged.

Office 365 for Government

  • Office 365 G1
  • Office 365 G3
  • Office 365 G5

Office 365 for Enterprise

  • Office 365 E1
  • Office 365 E3
  • Office 365 E5

Office 365 for Education

  • Office 365 A1
  • Office 365 A3
  • Office 365 A5

Office 365 for First line

  • Office 365 F1

The motivation behind rebranding

The Microsoft officials mentioned in the blogpost, where they announced the rebranding news, that the idea of rebranding is to indicate that Office 365 is not just Word, Excel and PowerPoint that half of the world still believes. Office 365 has grown a lot in the past years with products like Teams, Forms, Stream, and Planner and the name Microsoft 365 is a true depiction of what Office has evolved into, over the years. The officials confirmed that there won’t be any changes for now in price, features or the plans.

MachCloud – the favorite Microsoft 365 Provider for Resellers

If you are in search for a Platform to offer best in line Microsoft 365, look no further. MachCloud offers the best Reselling opportunity for all Office 365 resellers in the market. With better profit margins and a high reliability of services, MachCloud has become the favorite platform for Resellers. It offers basic plans like business plans (which include Business Basic, Business Apps, Business Standard and Business Premium), enterprise plans (which include Enterprise E1, Enterprise ProPlus and Enterprise E3) as well as Add-ons like Business Voice, Phone System and Business Apps. With the addition of delivering telephony services you offer a complete package, all from the MachCloud Portal.

Stay ahead of the curve and get your hands on MachCloud for a smooth and profitable service delivery to your customers.

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Unleash the power of Microsoft Teams with an existing PBX telephone system

In Microsoft Teams
March 9, 2020
4 Min Read
U

Microsoft Teams is the next generation of collaboration tools for the modern workplace. When migrating to Microsoft Teams you do not want to sacrifice important PBX features. Until MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams, integrated support in Microsoft Teams for an existing PBX was not available such as retaining your existing phone number and dial by extension.

Introducing MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams, a fully automated service for calling in Microsoft Teams, while maintaining your existing PBX. MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams works in minutes without PBX migration or phone number porting.

MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams benefits

You should consider all Microsoft Teams limitations before migrating. There is no coexistence between Microsoft Teams and third party PBX. The only option you have is to fully migrate and accepting all limitations, or simply continue to use two separated platforms. The biggest advantage of MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams is that you can maintain your existing PBX and don’t have to compromise on functionality. You can continue to use your existing number plan with dial by extension. MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams also integrated fixed and mobile devices, allowing the caller to dial out using the company main phone number directly from the Microsoft Teams smartphone app. Another great feature is that when a Microsoft Teams user is unavailable the call can be forwarded to any group, extension or to the receptionist.

How does it work?

Microsoft Teams user is linked to an existing PBX extension for example 201. The username, password, and extension (201) of the user is entered in the self-service web portal. MachCloud’s geo-redundant platform ensures that the fixed device at the workplace is replaced by the Microsoft Teams user smartphone.

Teams Voice PBX Integrations - MachCloud

It is not required to migrate all PBX users simultaneously to Microsoft Teams. Users who are not ready simply continue to use the PBX system as before. Important to know is that MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams does not make any changes to the PBX configuration, SIP trunk or external telephone numbers.

Call function comparison of Microsoft Teams and MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams built-in PBX functions are limited and by far the most important reason why companies do not consider migrating. A short comparison:

Features and options

Microsoft Teams

MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams

Advanced PBX functions such as multi-level hunt groups

Not available

Available

Easy sign-in sign-out for hunt groups  

Not available

Available

Use of a single telephone number block

Not available

Available

Back-up routing, in case Microsoft Teams users are unavailable

Not available

Available

Easy migration without number porting or replacing SIP trunks

Not available

Available

Keep existing call routing plan and extensions in place

Not available

Available

Flexible number presentation when making calls

Not available

Available

What licenses are required?

To start using MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams the following Microsoft licenses are required:

Direct Routing connection

 MachCloud Direct Routing Connector, you can choose any Microsoft license:

For instance: Microsoft Office 365 E1, Microsoft Business Basic, etc.

Microsoft Teams User

MachCloud User license for Microsoft Teams. You can choose out of these Microsoft licenses:

  • Office 365 E1  + Phone System
  • Office 365 E3  + Phone System
  • Office 365 E5  (Phone System included)
  • Microsoft 365 Business Basic + Business Voice (without calling plan)
  • Microsoft 365 Business Standard + Business Voice (without calling plan)
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium + Business Voice (without calling plan)
  • Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 + Business Voice (without calling plan)
  • Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5  (Business Voice included)

What does it cost?

  • MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams licensing cost is calculated per user per month. Contact your service provider or MachCloud for more information and pricing.
  • Direct Routing between Microsoft tenant and MachCloud requires one Microsoft user license (take any license you want) and one MachCloud Direct Routing Connector license.
  • The connection between Microsoft Teams User and MachCloud Telephony network requires one MachCloud User license for Microsoft Teams.
  • Microsoft requires each Teams user to have a Phone System addon (Office 365) license or Business Voice addon (Microsoft 365) license.
  • MachCloud partner will be responsible for charging the end-user (customer). A detailed report of existing accounts will be available in the self-service web portal.
  • The existing calling plan and PBX remain unchanged. MachCloud calling plan or cloud PBX is optional and not included.
  • Prices do not include sales tax (vat) where applicable.

What are the prerequisites?

  • Extension numbers can be 2, 3, 4 or 5 digits long, with the exception of 100-199.
  • The Microsoft Teams user can only make and receive calls. All other functions are provided by the existing PBX system.
  • After successfully registering and purchasing MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams licenses you will have access to the self-service web portal for configuring Microsoft Teams call settings.
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