March 20, 2023

Collaboration and Productivity in Teams Phone

So, you have decided to make the switch to Microsoft Teams Phone. However, before your business can reap the benefits, you must consider various factors, from licensing and connectivity to user adoption and device standardisation.In this blog post, I’ll cover the key considerations you need to remember when switching to Microsoft Teams Phone and provide practical advice and guidance on successfully adopting this powerful platform. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, this blog will help you make the most of Microsoft Teams Phone and drive growth, innovation, collaboration and productivity in your organisation.

Consider Your Connectivity Needs

Choosing the right connectivity plan is essential for businesses that want to get the most out of their Microsoft Teams Phone experience. There are three primary connectivity options for Microsoft Teams Phone:Calling Plans are the most straightforward option. With a Calling Plan, you purchase phone numbers directly from Microsoft, and all calls go through Microsoft's network. This option is ideal for small businesses and limited IT resources.Direct Routing is a more flexible option for businesses that want to use their existing telecommunications infrastructure. With Direct Routing, your company connects its on-premises or cloud-based Session Border Controller (SBC) to Microsoft Teams Phone.Operator Connect is an option that connects directly to a Microsoft-approved telecommunications provider. The telecommunications provider handles all the technical details, including managing phone numbers and call routing. This option is ideal for businesses that want a fully managed solution without the complexity of managing their own SBC.

Pick the Right License for Your Business

Microsoft Teams Phone offers a range of licenses that you can choose from to best suit your business’ needs.Selecting the right license for Microsoft Teams Phone is essential for cost optimisation. Choosing the wrong license can result in unnecessary spending on features your business does not need. With the correct license, you can ensure that you're only paying for the features that you need and use.Another factor to consider when selecting a license for Microsoft Teams Phone is the size and scope of your business. Larger businesses may require more advanced features, such as call recording or call analytics, which are only available with specific licenses. On the other hand, smaller companies can get by with a more basic license that includes standard calling features.It's also important to consider your current and future communication needs when selecting a license. As your business grows, your communication needs may evolve, requiring more advanced features to meet these needs. By choosing a license that can accommodate your future needs, you can avoid switching licenses or platforms down the road, which can be costly and disruptive.

Supply Your Team With Standardised Devices

Standardising devices ensures all employees have access to the same tools and features, regardless of location or department. Doing so ensures consistency in collaboration and productivity and minimises the risk of compatibility issues or technical difficulties. With a standardised device, everyone in the organisation can communicate and collaborate effectively.Standardised devices simplify device management, as IT teams only need to support a limited number of devices and configurations. This can reduce the workload on IT staff and make it easier to troubleshoot issues and provide support when needed.Moreover, standardising devices can help your business save money by reducing the total cost of ownership. Organisations can take advantage of volume discounts by purchasing devices in bulk and negotiating better deals with vendors. Additionally, having a limited number of device models can make it easier to manage device inventory, reduce the cost of maintenance, and streamline the procurement process.

Create a User Adoption Platform

Training programs help employees to understand how to use the new technology and its various features. A robust user adoption program can reduce the learning curve and enable your team to get started with Microsoft Teams Phone’s collaboration and productivity features.You should focus on training your team for several reasons:Maximising productivity: Proper training can help users take full advantage of the features and capabilities of Microsoft Teams Phone. When users understand how to use the platform, they can work more effectively with their colleagues and partners.Reducing errors: Training can help reduce the risk of errors, such as merging the wrong calls or accidentally putting a call on hold. Training improves the quality of communication and reduces the time spent learning the platform on the job.Enhancing security: Proper training can help users understand the security protocols and best practices for using Microsoft Teams Phone, reducing the risk of data breaches or other security incidents.Boosting user satisfaction: By providing proper training, you can ensure your users are comfortable and confident using Microsoft Teams Phone, increasing user satisfaction and driving adoption.

Conclusion

Switching to Microsoft Teams Phone can benefit your business significantly, including improved collaboration, increased productivity, enhanced security, and cost savings. However, successfully adopting the platform requires careful planning and consideration of several key factors. You must consider your connectivity requirements, pick the right licence for your business, supply your team with standardised devices, and create a user adoption plan to ensure long-term success. By planning and preparing properly, your business can maximise the benefits of Microsoft Teams Phone and achieve a more streamlined, efficient, and effective communication and collaboration environment.

Soma Can Deploy Microsoft Teams Phone in Your Business

Our experts do more than deploy Microsoft Teams Phone. We analyse your communication needs and design a platform that aligns with your business requirements. We align expectations by discussing preferences, going through call flows and designing the solution. Our team maintains collaboration and productivity after the project’s completion to ensure the solutions continue serving your business. Please visit our Microsoft Teams Calling page for more.