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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.

Why do I need upgrade guidance? Can’t I just delete/decommission Skype for Business?

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Microsoft has now declared Teams as the new norm of telephony. After Skype for Business has retired, organizations are advised to migrate to Teams via a Migration process and plan. A Migration plan lets you organize your contacts and notify them earlier about how they would be migrated to teams. In addition to this, with a proper plan, you can upgrade in batches, and thus, all of the employees aren’t affected all at once. Simply deleting Skype for Business server will only remove all the contacts and meeting data from your skype and you wouldn’t be able to shift all of it in Teams.

MachCloud offers easy Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams migration with its Teams migration options and Direct Routing deployment. It offers Direct Routing, Cloud services, Microsoft 365 help, and services. MachCloud experts can help you get through all the migration loopholes from Skype for Business Server to Teams.

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

Experience Direct Routing with Teams and PBX

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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.

What is the future of Skype for Business Server?

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Microsoft has retired Skype for Business Server and all the Skype for Business server users and customers are in the transition state till the MachCloud Assisted Upgrade program moves the users to Teams. With that said, it is important to note that all the services that were once integrated with Skype for Business Online and the server are now also gone. Services like third-party audio-conferencing providers (ACP), hybrid voice configurations, Skype for Business Online Cloud Connector Edition (CCE), and Skype Meeting Broadcast all are going to end of life. It is also important to note that Microsoft Skype for Business Server can’t run in a hybrid environment with Teams side by side. If the users are homed in Skype for Business Server, they have to be migrated to Teams Only mode.

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

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“? 

Remote Working – The new Norm in the POST COVID era

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Remote working has been around for a while in the IT industry, but no one could have imagined in the year 2019 that the following year will enforce remote working to all types of businesses. Ever since Microsoft Teams surged up in popularity during the pandemic in 2020, businesses are trying to opt for Teams and similar other Cloud telephony systems which can help them function properly since work from home is the new norm. As we move ahead in the Post Covid era, CEOs and managers all over the world are looking for ways to keep the remote working experiences smooth and easy-going.

The Importance of Voice in the Remote Working Era

Many countries in Europe are striving towards normalizing remote working in the legislation. That being said, the effectiveness of the business depends on communication. Meetings, discussions, brainstorming sessions, you name it. Thus, the importance of clear communication is inevitable, and a good Digital Communication platform is all you need for it.

Cloud Voice is the new Norm

Speaking of Cloud, it is the backbone of today’s business much like the Internet was until a few years ago. The internet is the gateway to cloud and digital communications. Modern companies are aware that making the shift to the cloud is the only way for a sustainable future. Thus, the adoption of Digital Communication platforms is widespread.

Say goodbye to Bottle Necks

Gone are the days when digital communication was full of jitters and lags. Thanks to the Cloud, there are no connection bottlenecks. May it be Video meetings or Cloud Calling; the conversation is streamlined effectively. 

ALSO READ: HAVE YOU DONE YOUR SKYPE FOR BUSINESS MIGRATION TO TEAMS?

Microsoft Teams has got you covered

Microsoft Teams has gained popularity over the years. With Skype for Business now dead, Teams is the new mode of digital communication for Microsoft users. Teams is an all-in-one digital communication platform with the best in-line security and privacy regulations in place. Microsoft Teams is best used in academic institutes for remote learning, small businesses for remote working employees and enterprises for telephony and to hold meetings across the continent and even the globe. 

MachCloud is your one window to a Cloud-based Telephony future

MachCloud offers many types of Cloud Voice products including Voice for Microsoft Teams solutions, SIP Trunking, Cloud PBX, and many others. The Digital Communication platform provides Next-Generation Cloud Voice Solutions to enterprises and SMEs alike. So, whether you are planning to deploy Teams, Zoom, or any other cloud telephony service, MachCloud has got you covered.

Check out MachCloud products and make the shift to a Cloud-based digital communication platform like MachCloud.

Cloud Communication & Business Phone | The Base for Modern Workplace

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Cloud communication has improved the way employees and customers communicate with one another. A Cloud communication platform is the key to manage and carry out all business communications. In the post-pandemic era, Cloud phone vendors have realized that these platforms need to be diverse enough to cater the modern business communication needs. In short, companies have now realized that these systems that host voice telephony and video conferencing services can be used as alternatives to traditional business phones.

Cloud-based Communications Systems Offer Office Phone Alternative

Back in 2020 during the outburst of the pandemic, there had been a sudden rise in work from home practice. In Europe, according to Eurostat, the highest rate was reported to be 25% in Finland followed by Luxembourg and Ireland (23% and 21.5% respectively). With this, employees had to keep the communication intact in order to keep the flow of work going. In this challenging situation, Cloud communications, with their offerings like video conferencing and telephony services, became the normal mode of communication and thus gained popularity all over the world. 

ALSO READ: DIGITAL OFFICE: THE FUTURE WORKPLACE IS ALREADY HERE

Say goodbye to traditional business phone

Cloud platforms have the tendency to replicate the existing phone systems. With platforms like Teams, the entire business communication can be managed under one dashboard. These systems have the potential to be available right from employees’ smartphones. So you can access your business phone wherever you are, whenever you want.

Take advantage of Managed services

Cloud-based communication platforms provide an integrated environment. There are a lot of managed services offered from providers’ end to companies migrating to cloud communication systems like dedicated network gateways, advanced encryption, a secure and resilient MPLS connection, end-to-end monitoring of connection quality, and protection of customer user IDs etc.

Easy billing and light on the budget

Unlike traditional phone systems in which you have to pay as a monthly subscriber, these platforms provide easy billing with pocket-friendly plans. The pay-as-you-go model in cloud computing is successful for cloud communications too. 

ALSO READ: EXCITING UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS BENEFITS TO WORKPLACES

Digital communications are the future of business communication

In the post pandemic world, we are witnessing the early stages of a modern and digital workplace. There is a lot more to discover with proper work from home policies where cloud combinations hold prime importance. Solution Providers are more focused on areas like Artificial intelligence and machine learning for better and improved technical features like live translations, automatic call summaries, facial and voice recognition, etc. In the modern workplace, next-level cloud communications play a huge role.

MachCloud Cloud Communication System – The Platform of The Future

MachCloud is a cloud communication platform that offers multiple ways to set up modern Business phone systems for streamlined communication. The platform offers Microsoft Teams, Virtual Private Server, Windows Virtual Desktop, Cloud PBX, SIP Trunk, and much more. 

Stay ahead of the curve and opt for MachCloud services for smooth and hassle-free communication.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Teams?

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Microsoft Teams has provided many business benefits to organizations like IT companies, Educational institutes, Government sectors, Hospitals, and many more. Microsoft Teams provide collaboration to its users that results in the next level of interaction between the users of the same type.

MS Teams let users interact in a variety of ways such as video conferencing, audio conferencing, persistent chat, and many others. Microsoft Teams is native to Microsoft 365, so sharing is a lot easier than via OneDrive. Microsoft Teams are easily set up using an existing Cloud PBX system. Microsoft Teams are easily adoptable due to Teams Calling Plans and Teams Direct Routing options. Microsoft Teams also provide features like Guest login, app management, admin rights, and much more. It is cross-functional in nature.

From a security perspective, MS Teams have various benefits since the chats remain private. Microsoft deploys best security practices in Teams like end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. Microsoft Teams, thus, serves as a secure mode of business communication.

To know more about Microsoft Teams benefits, contact a MachCloud expert today. 

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.

What phones work with Microsoft Teams?

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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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