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It’s time to embrace Remote working for good

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The year 2021 has been the year of remote working. As the amount of remote workers is expected to increase (double, in fact), companies are looking for ways to make the remote working experience favorable and cost effective.

Remote working becomes permanent

With the historic shift in the 2020 job market due to the pandemic, many organizations adopted the work from home policy temporarily but now have accepted it as a norm. The trend seems to continue and will prevail in the years to come. According to statistics, the productivity metrics show that remote working is [indeed] working. Many Tech companies are letting their employees work remotely for an indefinite period of time even after the offices are open.

Remote Working requires more engagement

While an office environment has its own pros and cons, one major benefit is the positive attitude that people get or motivation to keep going while discussions during meetings. This is still a major challenge. Employees seldom lose motivation. To stand out as leaders, employees have to participate in virtual events, be active in online meetings and keep communications intact.

Remote work makes cybersecurity a key component

With the rise in remote working, the world has seen another rise in cyberspace: Cyberattacks. Cybersecurity has become a great concern as more workforce is shifted to work remotely. Now, companies have to make investments to beef up their online security and improve their overall security posture. Best inline Security methods have to be put in place to address modern cybersecurity challenges.

ALSO READ: ELEVATE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS CALLING

The Future of remote working is here

The future of the hybrid working model is still unclear. However, the major shift has become towards “what” is being done and not “when” and “where” it is being done. After all, when the employees are given the flexibility to work at their own time and pace, they succeed and so do their employers. By investing in the right communication tools, employers can shape up the hybrid work model to a whole new level for maximum productivity.

MachCloud offers all in one solution for unified communications

MachCloud is one window for all your organization’s communication needs. It offers solutions like Cloud Voice, Cloud PBX, Direct Routing, and Microsoft Teams for business. MachCloud makes your tasks easier by offering smooth migration options with Teams. So whether you are planning to deploy Voice for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex or any other cloud telephony service, MachCloud has got you covered.

Check out MachCloud products and make it easier to make the shift to a remote working model with digital communications platforms like MachCloud.

Do on-premises Skype for Business Server customers need to upgrade to Microsoft Teams?

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Now that Microsoft Skype for Business server has retired, many organizations undergoing on-premises setup are looking for ways of alternate cloud telephony services. The simple answer to the above question is Yes. On-premises Skype for Business Server customers must upgrade to Teams in 3 steps. The first step is to configure hybrid connectivity. Next, you need to set up the transitional coexisting mode. This is an optional step. However, depending upon your company requirements, you can make this step in phases. The next step is to shift users from Skype for Business on-premises setup to the Teams Only mode. This has now become a single step. The last step is to complete migration by disabling hybrid environments and perform the migration to the cloud. Migrating users of Skype for Business on-premises with Enterprise Voice To Teams Calling plans requires moving users’ calling accounts to the cloud as well. For users with PSTN connectivity, the migration will involve Direct routing deployment.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR EFFECTIVE MICROSOFT TEAMS MIGRATION“? 

4 Compelling reasons to adopt unified communications in the cloud business

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Modern Unified communications is a way to streamline core business operations and increase productivity. With a state-of-the-art business phone in place, your employees can collaborate better and manage project communication much more eloquently via email, chat, phone, text, voicemail, audio conferencing and video conferencing. Having the right Unified communication setup lets you have an improved relationship with your customers too.

What are the few UC Solution options?

Modern born-in-the cloud PBXs are best to opt-in to a business. There are options to go for a SIP Trunking solution or a Hosted PBX system. In addition to this, Microsoft Teams is also a lucrative and emerging unified communication trend that satisfies most businesses’ communication needs. It offers Direct routing capabilities in which you can experience Teams Calls via your existing PBX.

What are the Major benefits of unified communications?

Apart from better collaboration, Unified communications provide many other benefits. Let’s have a look:

  • Top-notch infrastructure

With cloud communications, you get top-notch infrastructure at your hands to carry out inbound and outbound calls within your office. Cloud communications also provide geo-redundancy which inherently provides your business communication structure, resiliency against any disaster, or more specifically against a pandemic.

  • Improved business flows

Well-crafted unified communication solutions of today are designed to keep People’s communication in mind. Either they are your customers or employees; you’ll have to deal with people at the end of the day. With improved people communication your business processes eventually improve that gives you all the productivity needed for a growing business.

  • Reduced Shadow IT effects

In modern workspaces, it is getting difficult to combat the effects of Shadow IT. With a centralized cloud communication solution, you can stop shadow IT in its tracks. This keeps cyber criminals at a bay.

  • Better customer experience

Once you’re internal and external comm channels are better connected, you get faster response time. This makes things easier for the sales team or the customer support people to tackle customer things. 

Also read: A GUIDE TO DEPLOY MICROSOFT TEAMS DIRECT ROUTING

MachCloud takes your business to the next level

With MachCloud, your organization can get a modern communication system within no time. MachCloud provides best-in-line solutions for business communication. With services like Cloud PBX, SIP Trunking, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, and Calling in Teams, MachCloud stands out from others. The Calling in Teams Solution can be obtained via MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams Solutions. In addition to this, there is a MachCloud Voice solution for better Calling options.

Keep your business communication updated with the latest MachCloud offerings and take your business phone to the next level.

Get ready for Microsoft Teams certified desk phones

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After amazing Telephony Services, Microsoft has introduced new Teams certified desk phones.

Recently Microsoft explained in a blogpost how Teams capabilities can be enhanced using modern Phones. Formally a part of Microsoft Teams Displays, the desk phones provide a modern experience of communication and collaboration. The devices are enriched with features like high-quality call and video capabilities, buttons, and a hands-free experience. The devices are powered by Cortana, AudioCodes, Poly, and Yealink.

What are the new Microsoft Teams certified desk phones and devices?

Since Microsoft is already eager in making Teams the most secure platform for communication, the introduction of a new certified desk phone will add to the already tight security of Teams. Here are the desk phones that Microsoft has announced to offer by the first half of 2021:

  • Basic Microsoft Teams IP Phones

These phones promise the functionality of a full-fledged office Business Phone and telephony services. It is expected that Microsoft is planning for a normal phone interface with Buttons. This means the desk phone can be used like typical office phones with or without a touch interface. The hardware interface is kept for an overall cost-effective device affordable for businesses and easily replaceable for existing out-dated telephony services.

  • Microsoft Teams USB Phones

Many users are still used to heavy calling and would need out of the box features in addition to Microsoft Teams calling experience. To cater to that, Microsoft offers USB peripherals that can be attached to USB phones. They are easily connected to PCs or MACs for a rich Teams Calling experience. The basic Yealink USB phones are expected to land in the market by late 2021.

Related: MICROSOFT TEAMS INTEGRATION WITH BUSINESS PHONE: WHAT TO EXPECT?

Microsoft is committed to providing a next Level communication with Teams

With new phones in the market, the concept of remote working can be eased for work from home employees. Since after the COVID-19 work from the home shift, many organizations are moving towards a more hybrid workplace environment. The announcements on the introduction of Teams Display devices are the next step to foster a hybrid workspace for companies.

MachCloud- the all-in-one Microsoft Teams service provider

MachCloud is committed to foster communication and enhance business communication for modern organizations. With a broad range of telephony services to choose from, MachCloud lets you stay on top of the curve with prompt communication. The platform provides Microsoft Teams Calling solutions in addition to Teams Direct Routing. The MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams service is committed to providing Teams related solutions to originations that are willing to make the shift to Teams. The experts at MachCloud are always ready to assist organizations with expert advice and assistance.

Get started with MachCloud for a rich next level business communication experience.

Microsoft Teams integration with Business Phone: What to expect?

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A business Phone system is essential to every business these days. Microsoft Teams is a unified and full-fledged communication system that helps organizations to collaborate within the business environment. Latest business communication methods like chat, audio conferencing, and video meetings, file sharing is provided to users to stay in the know with the latest updates within a company project. 

Every Business still needs a business phone

Even though business communication has evolved from the traditional phone, a phone remains as the most common form of communication in offices today. There are scenarios where you have to communicate one-to-one with a customer or supplier outside your company. These scenarios are catered for in the Teams app as integration with VoIP systems is supported. Doesn’t it make business communication a whole lot simpler and smoother?

Setting up calling services in Teams

Setting up calling services in the Microsoft phone system is no rocket science. All you need to know is that you have the right licensing. Teams VoIP services can be obtained with an additional Microsoft 365 license. To use a phone system you have two options: 

  • Calling Plans: Get to know if Microsoft Calling plans are supported in your area. 
  • Direct Routing: Go for Direct Routing in Teams with your trusted local Telephony partner and select whether you want to keep using your existing comprehensive PBX or not.

What Should I know to set up a phone system with Microsoft Teams?

There are a few technical aspects of Teams that every business must be informed with. Let’s traverse through the important considerations of setting up your organizational phone system with Teams:

Use the existing PBX

That is the beauty of Microsoft Teams phone system. It doesn’t require you to start from scratch; rather, you can continue using your existing PBX. This way, your PBX can continue to stay, but you can still leverage the benefits of Teams Calling plans and chat-related features. Teams, thus, acts as your soft client for PBX.

Get the Right Phones

The existing business phone devices deployed at your end are in no way a hurdle between setting up Teams and be able to make calls via Teams, however, it is essential to know a few devices that would be replaced at your end (with no additional cost). Teams certified hardware includes very comprehensive Yealink phones: 

  • Yealink SIP-T40P
  • Yealink SIP-T41S
  • Yealink SIP-T42G
  • Yealink SIP-T42S
  • Yealink SIP-T46G
  • Yealink SIP-T46S

Related: WHAT PHONES WORK WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS?

Know your requirements

It might sound a bit challenging, but it is always good to have a vision for the communication as to how would you want it a few years from now. In other words: Know your requirements. The abrupt pandemic in 2020 has introduced a new requirement: Remote working.

Having remote working employees requires a high-speed connection, low latency, and frequent connections to the phone system, while limited internal communication requires an average internet connection and fewer connections to the phone system.

If remote working is one requirement, specify it in advance.

Related: MUST HAVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR ‘WORK FROM HOME’ SCENARIO

MachCloud is the Right Provider to get your PBX running with Teams

MachCloud offers seamless ways to integrate Teams Calling options with your existing phone system at reasonable rates. The Teams of experts are proficient to tackle all internal and external Teams related connection glitches that need addressing. The all-in-one communication platform also offers Teams Direct Routing, Calling in Teams, and purchasing Microsoft 365 licensing options.

Stay connected and get started with MachCloud to keep your business stay ahead of the curve in digital business communication systems.

A guide to Deploy Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

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Microsoft Teams Direct Routing has gained immense popularity ever since the concept of modern business telephony is introduced. An on-premises telephony system infrastructure being directly linked to Microsoft Teams gives an edge to your business phone system. Microsoft has provided a full-fledge documentation on the step by step guide for Deploying Direct Routing for latest cloud business communication. However, it is very complicated to implement involving PowerShell scripts and connectivity protocol including security implementation. There are providers who easily can set up your business telephony with Microsoft Teams, without any hassle for you.

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing makes you do more with less

The Direct Routing feature expands the capabilities of Teams. There are two major phases to deploy Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams. These are: 

  • Planning & Prerequisites

  • Deploying Direct Routing

Planning the Business Telephony System

It is important to know the details of Teams Direct Routing before Deployment. Direct Routing allows the customers to interoperate with third party systems like on-premises PBX, Microsoft Phone system and Analogue devices. It further lets you leverage the existing infrastructure which you are using with other service providers. It facilitates users who do not have calling plans in their area. It is important to know the licensing requirements before you get started with direct routing.

RELATED: HOW Machcloud Teams FACILITATES BUSINESSES WITH TEAMS DIRECT ROUTING

Deploying Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with your local provider

The following steps are performed under this phase:

Step 1: Enable Direct Routing

In this step, the connection between Teams admin center and your local provider is created. No configuration at your side, all is fully automated provisioned by your local provider.

Step 2: Enable users for Direct Routing

For this step, you need to first create a user in Microsoft 365 and assign a license. You can create users via admin center. You can then assign the right Microsoft licenses to this user.

  • Configure Voice Routing Options

You can either configure Teams to route through a voice channel directly to the phone network or configure Teams to connect to existing PBX.

  • Phone number

A new or existing phone number can be assigned to a Teams user or an existing PBX extension number can be assigned to a Teams user. This process is automated by your telephony provider.

MachCloud helps companies in setting up their business telephony like no other

MachCloud is an all-in-one business telephony system provider that assists companies and organizations ranging from SMEs to enterprise level, in providing business phone systems. The services include Cloud PBX (Hosted PBX), SIP Trunking and Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. With its Teams-oriented unique solutions like Teams Calling Plans and Teams Extension, MachCloud stands out from other providers in the market. 

Get started with MachCloud to get details on Teams Direct Routing setup and enjoy state of the art business telephony service and cloud business communication.

How to set up a Microsoft Phone System?

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The first thing you need to figure out is that the Microsoft Phone system is available in your country. This phone system requires you to have a Microsoft 365 license. The steps to get a Phone system are the same as acquiring a license for Microsoft 365. By using Direct Routing from your local Telecom Provider, you can have any available national or international Calling plan from them. The next step is to get Phone numbers for your users. Your existing phone numbers can also be ported while you choose the Microsoft Phone system.

Microsoft provides full-fledged documentation for setting up Microsoft Phone systems. You might want to get in touch with an expert.

Get in contact with a MachCloud expert to deal with setting up a Microsoft Phone system at your end.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “HOW MACHCLOUD FACILITATES BUSINESSES WITH TEAMS DIRECT ROUTING“? 

5 Technology Must Haves for ‘work from home’ scenario

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Work from home has become a norm in companies ever since the COVID-19 had been declared as a pandemic. However, in the IT sector, the term “work from home” has been circulating for more than a decade now. People who telecommute often know what gadgets to have their hands on, for a smooth work from home experience. However, this pandemic has forced most of the organizations to implement telecommuting and get their hands on the latest technology to facilitate home working.

What are the major Home Working Technology Must-Haves?

Cloud communication tools have emerged as major essentials to keep teams connected while staying geographically apart. If you think you can manage with a normal chat-based tool or simple email communication, you might be surprised that it isn’t enough to cater for today’s collaboration needs.

  • Video Conferencing Tools

Either it is your regular Agile meeting or a comprehensive Project feasibility report meeting, a video conference is essential for one on one communication with your boss or employees for better Team collaboration. There are many freely available Video conferencing tools, but they are vulnerable to threats. However, Microsoft Teams is a full-fledged solution that provides secured Video conferencing experience.

  • Project Management Tools

While staying at home it requires more effort to notify Teammates of the project progress. Investing in a better project management tool is always a good idea since it reduces the time you need to notify every member of the team on the work progress. Cloud-based Project management or business productivity tool would be an excellent choice to foster the team’s collaborations being geographically apart.

  • Microsoft Teams Collaboration Solution

This is by far the most effective and efficient productivity solution to cater for modern-day project sharing needs amongst project teams. Since its native to Office 365, you get to share any SharePoint content, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel work files for better understanding and collaboration. In addition to this, Teams offers Calling in Teams Solutions for easy calling right from your Office 365.

  • Cloud PBX for Staying Connected

Even if you are not working from home, this tool comes in handy for normal office communications. A cloud PBX lets you stay connected with other Teams members via cloud communication technology. It is also cost-effective for the organization and lets you stay in control of your cloud-based calls and offers all the features of a Cloud Phone system. So, whether you are working from home or office, a Cloud PBX is a must-have technology!

  • Digital Assistants

Digital assistants have emerged as an important tool to cater for fast-paced communication. Most workers are mostly familiar with digital assistants. These tools can carry out calls for you, take notes, and send emails at the scheduled time and much more. Modern telecommuting requires a digital assistant that can adapt to the working schedule and learn about next Gen communication requirements.

Related: WORK FROM HOME SIMPLIFIED WITH UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

MachCloud – The cloud communication platform for modern-day business communication

MachCloud provides a digital communication solution that derives collaborations and makes it effective amongst remote working teams. MachCloud has assisted various teams in connecting them for productive working amidst the employees to work from home scenarios. It offers services Like Microsoft Teams solutions including Calling in Teams, Direct Routing for Teams, Office 365 reselling, SIP trunking, and Cloud PBX. No matter what size your organization, there is something for every type of business.

Get started with MachCloud’s services for a smooth work from home experience.

Business Phone: Current and Future Trends

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Mobile Business phones have become more powerful than supercomputers in 1969. In today’s time, like other daily life operations like bill payment, bank transactions, and managing office work is also going to be eventually managed from the cell phone. In fact, in many companies, ever since the work-from-home policy was adopted during COVID-19, most of the digital communications Cloud collaboration work is done right from employees cell phone and it is used more of a business phone during work timings than a personal device.

It’s still good to talk

As of today, Mobile Phones are the prime medium to text and talk while being geographically apart. This prime purpose will be the same in all eras to come; however, it can be extended with the modern needs of business communication. Features like toll-free numbers, virtual assistants, and bots directing the customers at customer support. With the advent of 5G, business phones and cloud collaboration will be further refined.

What is the business phone evolving into?

The future of AI-based UC solutions may make the use of business phones for include improved online meetings with automatic transcription, based on features like intelligent speaker tracking in a meeting, facial recognition, automated identification and authorization of meeting members when they request to join, generating meeting minutes, finding useful content related to meeting agenda, user recommendation on which employees should join a meeting. All this is basic “Talking over a phone” just taken to a Next Level.

The cornerstone of the business: The Right Business Phone Services

No matter how much you invest in the infrastructure or the cloud, a business phone is only going to be lucrative if you invest in the Right Plan. Many providers include services of installation and planning of the new phone system that is feasible for the organization. Similarly, providers provide an easy transition into the new phone system from the existing system along with expert advice and support on expanding the new system as per business growth.

MachCloud – The Platform providing the latest business collaboration tools

MachCloud is a one-window for all your business’s collaboration and digital business communication needs. Equipped with top-notch infrastructure, MachCloud has got solutions for businesses like Calling in Teams, CloudPBX, SIP Trunks and Integrated Direct Routing. The Microsoft Teams Smartphone app becomes the central platform for collaboration and business communication, as MachCloud connects the Office PBX to Microsoft Teams. The Teams app has high tech Codecs, efficient battery management and effectively replaces traditional SIM based Fixed/Mobile services. Getting started with MachCloud will let you experience the next level Microsoft 365 experience.

Get on board with a state-of-the-art business communication platform and Equip your business with MachCloud today for effective business communication.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “HOW MACHCLOUD SOLUTION FOR MICROSOFT TEAMS FACILITATES BUSINESSES WITH TEAMS DIRECT ROUTING“? 

What are the benefits of opting for Teams Direct Routing?

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Teams Direct Routing is very beneficial for business in the whole world, especially in Europe as this is the only way to enable a dial pad in Teams on that continent. With Direct Routing you either retain your existing PSTN lines or connect your Existing PBX to Teams. Direct Routing deployment doesn’t get affected by the size of the organization. In this way, no additional setup is needed for the Microsoft Phone system to function effectively with your Teams plan. It reduces overall call costs and enterprise-wide communication costs. Teams Direct Routing in combination with Calling Plan offerings from your local Telephony Provider is a complete communication solution and prides you full control over the solution.

Get in touch with a MachCloud expert for Teams Direct Routing.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “The killer feature of Microsoft Teams for Business“? 

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