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The killer feature of Microsoft Teams for Business

In Business Communication
June 11, 2020
3 Min Read
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Microsoft Teams Meeting Feature

It’s a whole lot of Microsoft Teams features that have made it popular amongst businesses in the past couple of years. Especially, during the pandemic, there has been a drastic rise in the number of users opting for online collaborative tools to keep the flow of work intact.

Microsoft Teams Meeting Features prove fruitful in the Digital Workspace

If there’s one thing Microsoft has focused on Teams, its collaboration. Microsoft Teams collaboration tools are very effective tools for communication while working remotely. Microsoft Teams Meetings Features also provide a rich experience of holding online meetings. Teams are a hub for teamwork and have been carefully engineered with the needs of project teams in mind.

Related: Digital Office: The future workplace is already here

Teams can serve as a full-fledged business phone system

Teams provide business connectivity with a full-fledge and robust cloud-based PBX system, even with your current system. The setup has been streamlined and Microsoft Teams can be used exactly the way a normal business phone works. It is equipped with features like integrated dial pad, call forwarding and simultaneous ringing, call holding and retrieving, call history, call answering and initiating (by name and number, voicemail, and most importantly emergency calling. All of these Microsoft Teams features can be utilized via any Teams supported device like work laptop or tablet or even your personal smartphone.

How to setup telephony in Teams for your business?

To be able to utilize Microsoft Teams features, you need to have Office 365 up and running at your end. To make, receive and transfer calls, there are two options in Teams:

  • Phone System and Calling Plans:

In this approach, Microsoft provides phone numbers to the company users of Teams along with the PSTN service. This option however is not available in most European countries.

  • Use Direct Routing:

In Direct Routing, companies can use their existing PBX and PSTN connection including Calling Plans for Teams Telephony.

Related: How MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams facilitates businesses with Teams Direct Routing

MachCloud – The all-in-one business telephony provider

MachCloud provides as a Telecom Operator a complete and robust telephony platform for digital business communications. The modern-day communication portal provides businesses with all the modern tools needed for a collaborative environment within the company amongst employees and customers. Equipped with top-notch infrastructure, MachCloud has got solutions for businesses like MachCloud® and others such as MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams® to provide Teams related features including Calling in Teams, Direct Routing, etc.

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

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What is Teams Direct Routing?

In FAQ
June 5, 2020
1 Min Read
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In modern digital communication, Direct Routing is a process that routes Microsoft Teams to a traditional phone network i.e. PSTN. With Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, you get to connect Microsoft Teams with telephony Network Providers of your choice. This results in cheaper call rates for both local and international calls, better support, and more flexibility.

Direct Routing setup

A Direct Routing setup lets you configure your existing PSTN connectivity with Microsoft Teams client. The process requires connectivity to local PSTN Service – or Network Provider, O365 organization and related domains to carry out the desired cloud-based communication, organization-wide and globally.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: Where to start“? 

Have more questions? Speak to one of our Teams Direct Routing experts today to learn more. 

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Tips to keep communication services up during COVID-19

In Business Communication, Microsoft Teams
April 29, 2020
3 Min Read
T

During the COVID-19 pandemic crises these days, the communication services are playing an active role in bringing together employees and continuing the flow of business. Workers have now found creative ways to use Microsoft Teams to keep the employee engagement intact, because after all, working from home isn’t easy for those who aren’t used to it. To keep the work spirit alive, IT pros at MachCloud have shown many lucrative benefits that clears customer concerns on why use Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Team’s commitment to customers

MachCloud is committed to serve its customers with best possible options during the high demand of collaboration amidst work from home requirements this lockdown season. The rich communication platform offers various solutions like Microsoft Teams Direct Routing solution for its customers. Teams is available for Individuals as well as for IT professionals. Individuals are befitting from Teams for e-learning and education based online activities these days. IT pros are dependent on Teams for a secured business communication since Microsoft provides its Direct Routing services in their own systems equipped with best in line security standards. Microsoft has shown commitment to its customers by providing Teams collaboration features for IT business and other business domains.

5 creative ways to use Microsoft Teams

Amidst the pandemic situation, IT pros have found creative ways to use Microsoft Teams. Here is a compilation of 5 best ways how MS Teams can be used as an effective tool for communication services:

  1. Keep communication frequent: For the Team leads, Greet everyone every day. Or at least every other day. It makes the employees stay in the loop.
  2. Share Teams Tips: Provide guidance to employees on daily basis to work on communication tools faster like “Get work done fast with slash commands”
  3. Personalize the tools: Get a personalized view to feel comfortable with the interface.
  4. Title each chat: Since there must be many chats going on simultaneously, it is always a good idea to Title each chat.
  5. Structure to your conversations: plus, bookmark the important bits so you don’t have to follow the entire conversation each time.

MachCloud – One Stop Solution to cater for modern business collaboration needs

MachCloud offers various solutions for collaboration and a variety of communication services all in one place. With pocket-friendly calling plans, MachCloud caters for digital business communication needs with its solutions like MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams® and MachCloud®. With MachCloud, you can stay in control of the communication platform and bring more bangs for your bucks to your business.

Did you find this article interesting? why not read: “Unleash the power of Microsoft Teams with an existing PBX Telephone System“?

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Session Border Controller (SBC) Security Threats for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

In Direct Routing, Microsoft Teams, PSTN
April 20, 2020
2 Min Read
S
Teams Direct Routing

Redundancy

A SBC forms a Single Point of Failure (SPOF). Unless a redundant SBC is deployed it will lead to reduced availability.

Multi-Tenancy

A SBC is designed to provide functions for a single tenant (company). Even if the SBC is virtualized, every SBC instance has its own customer data that needs to be managed with every modification.

Controlled Media Path

The connection via the SBC increases the transmission path and delay. If a SBC is hosted in a public cloud, there is no quality guarantee of media traffic.

Full Control and Management

A SBC is a separate network element that has its own management environment. Automation of real-time orders can therefore be a real challenge.

Security

There are security threats especially when a SBC is managed by a third party.

Delay in Handling Porting Orders

In the Netherlands, number porting is carried out real-time and on-demand within 15 minutes. If a number porting order is implemented for the retention of a telephone number, 3 domains must be managed separately. The number porting will have to be done manually in different domains, such as the SBC. This leads to increased downtime for a customer.

Coherent Telecom Settings

Country specific telecom settings, such as filtering, CLIP / CLIR, number normalization, over-usage management and forwards are influenced by the SBC, which may result in deviations in the telecom functions between Microsoft platform and legacy telecom domains.

Customer Self Service

Migration to Microsoft Teams requires frequent adjustments to settings, numbers and reports. Because the control of the SBC cannot be fully automated, it will be a real challenge to offer customers self-service.

Third Party Equipment

Because the SBC is a third-party network element, additional tests and maintenance will have to be scheduled for adjustments and upgrades.

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Microsoft Teams Security Facilitates Business Domain

In Business Communication
April 20, 2020
3 Min Read
M
Microsoft Teams Security

Microsoft Teams security continues to remain on top of all others during this pandemic crisis. Video conferencing for official purpose is not new in the business domain. However, with the rise of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great increase in remote workers around the world, since businesses have opted for virtual offices to practice social distancing. The modern digital collaboration tools have, thus, become the focus of business and academic industry.

Amidst this pandemic and health crises in the world, there has been seen a record rise in daily traffic. One service reported a 535% increase in online traffic. However, with the irises in digital collaboration, privacy and cyber security remain one of the top issues companies have to face in these pandemic crises. Some services have, unfortunately, fallen prey to the increased intensity of cyber crimes and thus lost many clients’ trust. However, Microsoft Teams Security continues to win Microsoft Teams customers’ hearts.

Microsoft Teams security provides top-notch security features to its customers

In the wake of this pandemic, Microsoft Teams has emerged as popular tools where academic and business industry has greatly benefited from it. It has facilitated companies with top-notch collaboration tools like video conferencing, call conferencing, chats, calls and simple messaging. Microsoft Teams is the state-of-the-art digital communication platform that has satisfied customers with all the privacy and security concerns.

Two-factor authentication – 2FA makes Microsoft Teams security reliable

Microsoft offers end-to-end encryption in their own domain (not in telephony domain outside Direct Routing) as main feature of Microsoft Teams security to all of its video conferences and calls. In this way, the customers can easily communicate without any intrusion or eavesdropping within the call or video conference. Microsoft Teams provides a rich set of privacy rules that the platform adheres to. All the data shared within the conference is protected with latest encryption mechanism.

Microsoft further enhances Teams security by enabling two factor authentications that makes Teams reliable and secure from outside threats. In this way, all the business conversation and information sharing remain private between employees. Privacy and security are the focused factors in Teams.

Data is encrypted while at rest and in transit making data sharing secure and reliable. Teams even makes use of AI via chat boxes during meetings to combat any cyber bullying and other harassment behaviors.

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

MachCloud – The robust platform for Calling in Teams Solutions

MachCloud is an all-in-one digital communication platform that is equipped with all the modern collaboration tools of today. It offers Calling in Teams solution. Its product, MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams®, provides simple and reliable solutions for cloud communication for Microsoft Teams. MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams® is a fully automated service for end-to-end encrypted calling in Microsoft Teams through Direct Routing.

Head to MachCloud to unleash the power of Microsoft Teams with a modern approach.

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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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Seven benefits of integrating fixed and mobile telephony with Microsoft Teams

In Microsoft Teams
February 19, 2020
3 Min Read
S
Mobile telephony with Microsoft Teams Integration

Fixed Mobile Conversion

In order not to be tied to a fixed workplace, companies are increasingly opting for mobile telephony and are therefore replacing fixed telephony. This improves the call pick up rate and employees can work at any location. Business communication is mainly handled via the mobile device of employees, unless a fixed device is needed for the reception or contact center. The technical solution can consist of the use of an app on the mobile device that takes care of the calling-out displaying the company’s fixed-line telephone number. Or a special SIM is used that redirects traffic through the company’s telephone exchange.

Key benefits

For many companies it is important that a fixed business phone number is used for business calls while the private mobile number can continue to be used by employees for private calls and WhatsApp. In addition, it is important to be able to see whether someone is busy on a mobile device and to have all the functionalities of fixed telephony available on the mobile device.

Fixed Mobile conversion with Microsoft Teams

With the introduction of calling in Microsoft Teams, a new and interesting variant for Mobile Conversion develops. Microsoft Teams uses a mobile app where the telephony traffic is transported via WiFi or 4G. Calls to a fixed business number can be picked up directly on the mobile handset and calls can be made with only the fixed business phone number visible to the person being called. Incoming calls are visible on both the mobile phone, the workplace (Teams app or Teams phone).

Why is the Microsoft Teams variant interesting for a Mobile Conversion scenario?

  1. The call pick up rate of employees is improved because people can always be reached by mobile and can be diverted to a central post when not answering;
  2. The Microsoft Teams app needs less battery charge of the mobile device compared to other call apps;
  3. The app functions well both inside with Wi-Fi and outside with 4G;
  4. The app uses both the device’s address book and the address book within Teams;
  5. It is not necessary to replace SIMs or port mobile numbers;
  6. The private mobile number is retained and for business use only a 4G or Wifi connection is required. It is not necessary to have a separate business SIM;
  7. Fixed telephony becomes part of Microsoft Teams so that there is one environment for communication and collaboration.

ALSO READ

An insight to employee experience with Microsoft Teams and MachCloud

How does MachCloud help with this?

Additional functions are required to fully benefit from Digital Communications feature on mobile devices. Microsoft Teams sends the direct personal number for outgoing calls. That is not always required. MachCloud ensures that the number of your choice is sent as CLI on an outgoing call, such as the main number of the company. In addition, MachCloud can ensure integration with the existing telephone exchange functionality to, for example, set call routes within and outside office hours. A single voicemail box is also provided. Microsoft Teams users can become part of a call group, which also includes employees with a contact center workplace, for example. And all this without the need to replace SIMs or change mobile contracts.

MachCloud is the specialist for business corporate communication systems where a (Cloud) PBX is integrated with Microsoft Teams. Do you need advice? Contact us via www.machcloud.com or +31 88 622 4000.

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An insight to employee experience with Microsoft Teams and MachCloud

In Microsoft Teams
February 4, 2020
2 Min Read
A

Teams direct routing

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing has transformed how employees carry out their daily work communicating and has given a new meaning to collaborative workplace. Microsoft Teams is a single app that is a hub for teamwork in the modern business space. Teams have redefined productivity and collaboration.

There is a rule of thumb: The Better communication channels and collaboration opportunities you give to your employees, the better position they will be in to perform and increase their productivity. Employees not only interact with each other, but also interact with apps to measure work progress and get key insights towards their tasks.

Increased collaboration with Teams Direct Routing

Microsoft has provided a great way to seamlessly work between communication solution, like Teams, and productivity software like other Office 365 tools. In this way, the employees can seamlessly switch between apps they are working on and collaboration tools.

With Direct Routing, it is a new ball game. Employees can conduct calls to their colleagues situated at different geographical locations. In this way, they can leverage the benefits of a cloud-based communication platform in a cost-effective manner.

Teams Direct Routing and Teams online provide the employees to work from anywhere. In this way, they get the freedom of being away from office, yet being at work at the same time. Teams Direct Routing Calling Plans are all what you need for a modern-day collaborative workplace implementation. You can add PSTN through Microsoft Teams to your Existing Cloud Voice PBX. This provides interoperability between third-party providers (like your PBX) and Teams.

ALSO READ Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: Where to start?

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with MachCloud

MachCloud Direct Routing for Teams augments Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with added feature set. With MachCloud, you do not need on-premise equipment for the cloud voice operations. This reduces costs and increases speed while you provide support to your customers and partners. Providing a secured environment, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is all what you need to make best use of Teams online solution for business.

Get MachCloud and discover how increases employee collaboration can improve overall business productivity.

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7 thoughts on Microsoft Teams Portal adoption with existing (Cloud) PBX

In Business Communication, Cloud PBX, Digital Communications, Microsoft Teams, PSTN
January 31, 2020
3 Min Read
7

In the coming years, traditional telecommunication solutions will be replaced by digital business communication systems such as the telephone service from Microsoft Teams. Organizations are faced with the choice to replace the entire telecom service or to maintain a Cloud PBX next to Microsoft Teams. Despite the advantages of telephony in Microsoft Teams, organizations will often keep the existing Cloud PBX.

Here are a few things you must be aware of while considering moving to a modern digital business communication platform.

1. Change of work process

When migrating digital business communication systems, it is not the technical challenges that require most attention. In order for the implementation to succeed, attention must be paid to changes in the use of communication systems and the associated work processes. Some people will adopt the new system in a short period, but others require more time. During a certain period, the existing Cloud PBX and Microsoft Teams will have to function side by side.

2. Maintenance of functions through Microsoft Teams Portal

In some organizations, special functions of a Cloud PBX cannot be directly replaced by calling in Microsoft Teams. Examples of this are: Call Center functions, Wall board, special routing, functions for a reception post and connections with CRM packages.

ALSO READ Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: Where to start?

3. Device retention

At present, the purchase price of devices that are suitable for calling with Microsoft Teams is still high. Some functions of existing telephone devices cannot be replaced. It may therefore be necessary to continue to use existing devices in combination with a Cloud PBX.

4. Telephone number management

When migrating to a new digital business communication system, it can be useful to migrate telephone numbers that are in a telephone number block, one by one. MachCloud has a Web portal that allows  telephone number block management in real time and transfer of numbers to Microsoft Teams. For this it is not necessary to port numbers. This has the advantage that if something goes wrong, numbers can immediately be returned to the existing system.

5. Redundancy

If telephony is business critical, it may be necessary to  have redundancy implemented when opting for a digital business communication solution. You can get that implemented through the Microsoft Teams portal. An example of this is the design of a customer contact center cloud solution based on geographically separated data centers.

ALSO READ 5 Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Features to Look Forward

6. Flexibility price plans

The call traffic per user can vary greatly. Some employees need a small bundle of calls, while others, for example, have high call volume to international destinations. Microsoft Teams  portal caters for both. To minimize costs, it may be desirable to allow international frequent callers to use a special price plan based on a charge per call.

7. Support

Telephony is a service that must be accurate on all details. Is it necessary to be able to call anonymously? Is it necessary to filter call traffic or set up protection against over-usage? Perhaps special solutions are needed for a standby duty service or reports? For all these types of questions, the use of a Cloud PBX in addition to Microsoft Teams portal may be the correct answer.

MachCloud is the specialist for business corporate communication systems where a (Cloud) PBX is integrated with Microsoft Teams. Do you need advice? Then contact us via www.machcloud.com.

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Time is Money: Invest in Digital Communications Solutions for your Cloud Business in time

In Business Communication
October 28, 2019
3 Min Read
T

The Cloud has automated process like no technology before. Cloud automation is now a norm. There is a simple rule of thumb: if the business processes are automated, the employees can get more time to focus on higher value areas of the business.

The bottom line is: the more time staff members spend on petty everyday tasks, the less time they are spending over customer care and serving the business vision. Automating critical-but-time consuming business processes not only saves time but also add more value to the business. When planning for longer term benefits, the ROI of automation is promising than manual cost to implement issues.

Streamline your business

In order to streamline business, the processes have to be analyzed carefully to attain maximum perfection once the automated business process is in action. A fully integrated system is needed for a comprehensive insight towards the automation of whole business. This can not only automate business processes but also streamlines them for efficient outcomes.

Ease out the pain points of your employees

With cloud automation and better communication, employees don’t have to do follow routine tasks every day. Many business communication related tasks like reports after a video conference, camera focus on the speaker during a video conference

Modernize your workplace with Digital Communication Solutions

The trend for adopting cloud-based digital communications amongst Cloud businesses is increasing. Since the past 5 years, Gartner reports, the trend for UC communications is increasing and approximately 20% of companies opt for digital communications. Companies now understand the importance of a cloud-first strategy and opt for cloud based communications. Solutions like VoIP, IP telephony, Skype for business Server and Microsoft Teams are widely adopted. This not only opens a gateway to staying globally connected with clients but also makes the company grow steadily. A Modern workplace requires digital communications solutions so that all your employees are always on the go.

ALSO READ Ways Cloud Voice can boost cloud computing for business productivity

MachCloud’s best-in-line Digital Communication Experience

MachCloud is a full-fledge digital business communication platform with a cloud-first approach offering services like MachCloud and Office 365. MachCloud is the Industry-leading digital communications provider where there are pocket-friendly pricing plans that fit every business type. It’s Calling via Teams is a fruitful offer for cloud businesses. With updated infrastructure, MachCloud makes Digital Transformation an easy and promising task.

Get on board with MachCloud and experience digital transformation for better cost savings.

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