Teams Calling with VoIP: Why Adding VoIP Express Makes All the Difference
If you’ve been paying any attention to how Aussies are communicating on the job lately, no doubt you’ve heard about Teams Calling. Microsoft Teams has really changed the game from just a chat and meeting tool to a full-blown phone system. But – and here’s where it gets interesting, not all Teams Calling setups are made equal. You might have the standard “pure” Teams Calling experience, or you could boost it with a little help from something like VoIP Express, our home-grown Session Border Controller (SBC). Let me walk you through why this matters.
So, What’s Teams Calling Anyway?
Teams Calling is Microsoft’s way of turning their teamwork app into a proper phone system, letting you dial in and out of the traditional phone network right from Teams. It’s a bit like having a mobile office where you can answer calls, check voicemails, and do all the usual office phone business without the clunky desk phone. Think of it as your office phone, but way more flexible-and all wrapped up in one app.
You get call transfers, hold music, voicemail, call queues, and some basic analytics. For plenty of businesses, especially smaller squads, this fits the bill nicely. But-and here’s the kicker-there are some limitations that might get in the way if your team is bigger, busier, or just needs a bit more polish.
The “Pure” Teams Calling Hang-Ups
Now, don’t get me wrong. Pure Teams Calling is pretty sweet if your needs are simple. It’s tightly integrated, easy to set up, and the user experience is smooth as butter. But it’s missing a couple of things that companies running call centres or handling a boatload of calls might find frustrating:
- Limited call routing flexibility: You’re generally stuck with whatever Microsoft’s routing offers. No custom scripts or advanced rules for directing calls where they really need to go.
- Less control over call quality: If your internet connection is spotty, calls can drop or get choppy, and Microsoft’s server placement might not always line up perfectly with your location.
- Compatibility quirks: If you want to integrate with existing PBX systems, traditional phone lines, or specialised telecom gear, pure Teams Calling doesn’t always play nice.
- Not quite call centre ready: Features like advanced call reporting, wallboards, or supervisor control still need third-party add-ons to match traditional call centre platforms.
Enter VoIP Express: Your Team’s New Best
Mate Here’s where VoIP Express steps in, and honestly, it makes all the difference. At its core, a Session Border Controller (SBC) like VoIP Express acts as a middleman that handles calls travelling between your Teams environment and the broader phone network with finesse. But it’s not just any middleman, think of Teams Calling with VoIP as the experienced traffic cop who knows every shortcut and can keep everything flowing nicely during rush hour. When you power Teams Calling with VoIP Express, you’re no longer just relying on Microsoft’s setup. You’re giving your calls that extra bit of polish and flexibility, potentially avoiding those annoying dropouts or limitations we just talked about.
What VoIP Express Brings to the Table
- Advanced call routing: Want to send calls to specific teams or ring a backup line if someone’s busy? No worries. VoIP Express handles these rules seamlessly.
- Better call quality and security: As an Aussie-built SBC, it’s designed to manage your call traffic with robust security and reduce issues like jitter and latency that can wreck call clarity.
- Integration with existing equipment: Have a traditional PBX, fax systems, or specialised telecom gear? VoIP Express makes everything talk to each other smoothly.
- Feature-rich call centre support: From wallboards and real-time reporting to supervisor tools and queue management, VoIP Express provides features that take the call centre experience in Teams to the next level.
- Resilience and control: VoIP Express allows for failover, ensuring your calls keep flowing even when the unexpected happens, because no one wants to miss a call, especially when business is buzzing.
Why Does Teams Calling with VoIP Matter to Your Business?
You know what it’s like juggling calls while trying to keep teams productive and customers happy – one dropped call or voicemail missed could be a missed opportunity. Leveraging VoIP Express alongside Teams Calling means you’re not just getting a basic phone system – you’re powering a communication hub that can handle whatever your team throws at it. Plus, it’s Aussie-built and supported, which means if you need a hand, you’re not stuck dealing with faceless overseas call centres at the end of the line. There’s something comforting about knowing your tech partner shares your time zone and understands the quirks of our market.
Wrapping It Up: The Real Talk on Teams Calling
Sure, pure Teams Calling works fine for some, but when your business starts to grow – or if your call handling needs are more complex – you’ll soon appreciate the difference that a solid SBC like VoIP Express brings. It’s about getting your communication system to not only talk but to sing, keeping your team connected, your customers satisfied, and your calls flowing smooth as a Sunday arvo BBQ. So, if you’re thinking Teams Calling could be right for your business, don’t just stop at the basics. Give it a bit of Aussie muscle with VoIP Express and watch how it changes the way your team calls.
If you want a hand figuring out how VoIP Express can fit into your setup or just want to chat about Teams Calling options, give us a shout. We’re right here, ready to help you make every call count.
