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TagMicrosoft Teams direct routing

SECURING YOUR SBC WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS DIRECT ROUTING EFFECTIVELY

In Microsoft Teams
6 months ago
2 Min Read
S

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is being adopted as the most popular method to activate business telephony via Microsoft Teams. The majority of Direct Routing connections are based on Session Border Controllers (SBCs). Recent reports on SBC vulnerabilities show that SBCs are the weak link in the chain and continuous expert effort is needed to ensure risks are being handled. A secure VoIP solution is the ultimate necessity of a company to thwart the increasing VoIP attacks emerging each day. Let’s have a look at how Microsoft deals with SBC security in its Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Solution.

THE “FRIENDLY” ATTACKS DURING CONFIGURATION

An IT communications expert who was hired to deploy Microsoft Teams Direct routing , narrates his experience:

“While I was deploying Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with SIP trunks and a Session Border Controller (SBC), I happened to sense various SBC security vulnerabilities soon after I turned up the public interface. Long before the Teams configuration was complete there appeared a number of OPTIONS requests and huge SIP traffic from unknown sources. This traffic was supported by IP addresses trying to connect to my systems from around the world via malicious SIP scripting and scanning utilities. It was an alarming situation for me. Headers like “SIP Vicious”, “friendly-scanner”, and “PPLSIP”.

This scenario is not a unique one. All over the internet, attackers are in search of vulnerabilities. While SBCs are scanned in order to attempt hijack calling capabilities, admins can take this opportunity while deploying Microsoft Teams Direct Routing to configure and test the security rules provided by Direct Routing.

The best way to use Direct Routing is not using an SBC at all. By eliminating the man-in-the-middle, you automatically eliminate the man-in-the-middle threats.

MachCloud eliminates the SBC and public cloud in the Direct Routing set-up and is the only technology with a direct connection to Microsoft Team’s end-to-end encryption. Moreover, the platform provides multi-factor authentication to Microsoft’s domain, avoiding third-party access to Admin credentials. Thus any security risk related to  SBC usage is eliminated.

 

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4 Compelling reasons to adopt unified communications in the cloud business

In Unified Communications
August 13, 2020
3 Min Read
4

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.

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A guide to Deploy Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

In Microsoft Teams
July 23, 2020
3 Min Read
A

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.

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What phones work with Microsoft Teams?

In FAQ, Microsoft Teams
July 17, 2020
1 Min Read
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Many partners are working closely with Microsoft to provide Phones for Microsoft Teams. Currently, there are many Teams supported Desk Phones like Lenovo Think Smart View business communication device, Poly CCX 600 Business Media Phone, Teams Edition with No Handset, Poly CCX 400, Poly CCX 600 Business Media Phone, Teams Edition, Poly CCX 500 Business Media Phone, Teams Edition, Poly CCX 500 Business Media Phone, Teams Edition with Headset, Poly Elara 60 WS for Voyager 5200 headset included, Yealink T55A for Microsoft Teams, Yealink T58A for Microsoft Teams, Audiocodes C450HD for Microsoft Teams and many others. In addition to this, Teams supports Speakerphones like Yealink CP700, Poly Calisto 3200-M USB-A (this personal and portable USB Speakerphone is coming soon), EPOS Sennheiser EXPAND SP 30, Yealink CP900, Poly Calisto 3200 USB A and EPOS Sennheiser SP 220 MS.

Apart from this, Microsoft Teams is also supported by Conference Room systems devices like Trio C60 Poly. For more information on the type of Teams supported Phones, Get in touch with a MachCloud Expert.

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How MSP cloud services can accelerate business with Hosted PBX

In PBX
June 12, 2020
3 Min Read
H

MSP cloud services are in the norm for quite a while. However, many of the MSPs are now finding ways to expand the business to their customers. The subscription model favors the MSP cloud services providers thus making it a reliable method of doing business with a set number of customers. However, adding one element to an existing MSP cloud service can make the business flourish better: The Hosted PBX.

Why consider Hosted PBX?

Hosted PBX providers are always in search of opportunities to maximize their services and thus increase the revenue streams for their cloud communication business. There are many benefits of Hosted PBX for businesses like easy scalability, outsourced maintenance Reliability, and Disaster recovery solutions. In addition to these, cost efficiency is a big reason why companies opt for a hosted PBX solution from a reputable Hosted PBX Provider.

How MSPs Miss the Hosted PBX Opportunity?

Mainly because Managed Service Providers do not wish to put in efforts into something, they don’t know would be fruitful or not, MSPs do not wish to leave their comfort zone. It takes a lot to build partnerships with vendors who offer on-premises PBX offers. While the telephone system is good and the services are up and running, taking up the opportunity may not seem promising. But, if you give it a go, Hosted PBX has got a huge potential and that takes your business to the next level.

RELATED: Top 7 Cloud PBX benefits for Business Communications

Wonder if you’ll make more money with the cloud or not? You will

Many MSPs wonder if moving to the cloud for a Hosted PBX will do them more harm than good. In reality, there will be days when you’ll make more money because of the fact that you’ll get more contracts, but in other months, you might not make it that much. If you plan and invest for a good 3 years or so, you’re sure to make more bucks.

MachCloud – The All-in-one collaboration systems platform

MachCloud is a full-fledge cloud communication platform where services like Cloud PBX, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, Hosted Voice, and Calling in Teams are provided with top-notch infrastructure at the backend. The robust digital communication platform provides all you need for an integrated digital communication platform to carry out your day to day business communication both within the enterprise and with your clients. MachCloud Enables a full turnkey, Microsoft Teams Voice practice that automates the way call handling and management are performed, enterprise-wide.

Explore the power of Cloud Communication and Get onboard MachCloud for an effective business communication experience.

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How to link telephony to Microsoft Teams?

In FAQ
June 8, 2020
1 Min Read
H

The procedure to link your telephony system with Microsoft Teams is fairly simple. First, you must figure out if the Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is available in your country. You can check out from the list of countries on Microsoft Teams details from Microsoft. Once your country is there, you must get the necessary licenses from Microsoft. For PSTN calling, the users need to have Microsoft 365 licenses like Business Basic, Standard, and Premium or Enterprise licenses like E1, E3, and E5 including Business Voice or Phone System add-on. After that, you are all set to port existing numbers or purchase new numbers from your current PSTN Network provider and hook these up directly to Teams users together with a calling plan. Alternatively, you can connect Teams to your existing cloud PBX, leaving all your current telephony infrastructure, numbers, and PSTN Network provider as it is.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “How MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams facilitates businesses with Teams Direct Routing“? 

Have more questions? Speak to one of our Teams Direct Routing experts today to learn more about Linking Telephony in Microsoft Teams.

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Microsoft Teams Calling Plans: Which one is for you?

In Microsoft Teams
June 5, 2020
3 Min Read
M

Microsoft Teams calling plans come in a wide variety and businesses are opting for a Microsoft Teams phone system because there is something for everyone. The calling feature within Teams has gained popularity with Microsoft users pretty quickly. Companies can unlock more potential out of their digital communications investments via Calling in Teams feature powered by Microsoft Teams phone system.

The benefits of Microsoft Teams Phone System

Following are a few more benefits of using a Microsoft Teams Phone System:

  • Get an upgraded digital communication system

Microsoft Teams phone system is updated according to the latest trends in modern digital business communication. With this, you can get rid of the old and complicated setup equipment which is also expensive to maintain.

  • Scalability with new users

Teams make it easy to onboard new users with minimum efforts. It doesn’t require any additional hardware additions to add new users. The new users can directly start using the Microsoft Teams phone system.

  • Stay in Control of calling policies

Teams phone system provides administrators control over users’ ability to use calling in Teams for private calls. Other features include set up call forwarding and creating and implementing calling policies. Most of the features are adjustable with options like “Always Enabled” or “User Controlled”.

Choose the Right plan amidst all Microsoft Teams Calling Plans

Following are Microsoft Teams Calling Plans for business

Direct Routing: with Direct Routing you have the choice whether or not to continue to use your existing (cloud) PBX.

  1. Using your existing (cloud) PBX, you will continue to use your current infrastructure. No calling plan is needed for calling in Microsoft Teams. Telephony lines remain with your current Provider.
  2. Without using a (cloud) PBX, you have complete freedom to choose voice lines from local PSTN Service and Network Providers. Including all associated calling plan options of these Providers in your area.

Microsoft Calling Plan: This makes Microsoft your PSTN Service Provider with a limited range of PSTN Calling Plans.

Related: How MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams Facilitates Businesses with Teams Direct Routing

MachCloud offers MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams® as an effective Teams in Calling solution

MachCloud is an all-in-one modern cloud communications network provider that offers Digital Business Communication Solutions to organizations. MachCloud Solution for Microsoft Teams® is one such solution that provides features like Direct Routing in Teams and Calling Plans for Teams. With MachCloud, you get pocket-friendly pricing and plans that are always cost-effective for the company.

MachCloud offers several features such as conference calls in Microsoft Teams, video conferencing, chat, messages and much more. With the MachCloud self-service portal you can manage your communication systems seamlessly.

Get on board with MachCloud and discover how you can use the full potential of your digital communication solution in your business.

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How to set up Telephony in Microsoft Teams?

In FAQ
June 5, 2020
2 Min Read
H

To set up business telephony in Microsoft Teams, the first thing you need to determine is whether the Microsoft service is available in your country. Select your country from Country and Region availability for Audio Conferencing and Calling Plans and find out if your country is on the list.

Microsoft 365 license agreement is needed in setting up Telephony in Microsoft Teams

 You need to get hold of the correct agreements and licenses. A Microsoft 365 license agreement is needed which is up-to-date and compatible with telephony and cloud PBX (E1, E3, or E5). After that, you need to assign a phone system and Calling Plans licenses to users in the organization. Get new numbers or port existing numbers from current service providers to Office 365. Then you need to Setup the calling plan, Audio conferencing, Cloud call queue, and Call auto-attendant based on your organizational needs.

A lot of manual work, which can be automated and supported by a Teams specialized Providers like MachCloud with its self-service portal.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “Planning for Skype to Teams Migration? Here’s the guide“? 

Have more questions? Speak to one of our Teams Direct Routing experts today to learn more about setting up Telephony in Microsoft Teams.

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How to configure Teams Direct Routing?

In FAQ
June 5, 2020
1 Min Read
H

The configuration process for Direct Routing is pretty tedious. Your PSTN Service – or Network Provider needs to connect with the Phone System within your Microsoft Tenant. You then enable users with the option of Calling in Teams. This requires assigning users with a phone system license. Configure their phone number and enable voicemail and voice. After that Voice routing must be configured which includes a Voice routing policy, Voice routes number patterns, and an online PSTN gateway and Voice routing with one PSTN usage. Lastly, you have to Apply the Number Translation Rules Policy to translate inbound and outbound numbers. A lot of manual work, which can be fully automated by a Teams specialized PSTN Network Provider like MachCloud.

DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? WHY NOT READ: “Securing your SBC Microsoft Teams Direct Routing effectively“? 

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

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What is Teams Direct Routing?

In FAQ
June 5, 2020
1 Min Read
W

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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