If you’ve thought of upgrading your phone system and using Microsoft apps almost exclusively, there’s something you need to know. Microsoft offers a compelling option for cloud-based phone systems—the Office 365 phone system, which transforms Teams into a powerhouse of communication.
Now, you might be skeptical. Can this really replace your current phone system? Let’s explore.
What is an Office 365 Phone System?
An Office 365 phone system uses Microsoft Teams to give businesses a complete communication solution. It lets you make calls, manage voicemails, and use other “typical” phone features directly from your Office 365 account, specifically Teams, via a specific integration. It’s also sometimes called a Microsoft Teams phone.
Here are a few standout features of an Office 365 phone system:
- Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: Because it’s part of Office 365, this phone system is entirely compatible with Microsoft’s other apps like Outlook and SharePoint. So, if you’re a Microsoft-based company, your team can use one platform for basically everything from emails and file sharing to communication and collaboration. No complicated integrations or extra plugins are required.
- Cost Savings: This is especially helpful for small and medium-sized businesses with tighter budgets. The Office 365 phone system offers clear pricing and eliminates the need for extra phone hardware, which saves you from spending a lot of money upfront.
- Better Flexibility: Whether your company is scaling up or down, this system can adapt to your changing communication needs without drastically changing your entire setup.
- Accessible from Anywhere: Because all your typical phone system features are now available on Teams, your team can download the app to their phones to stay connected from anywhere.
- Reduces Hardware Costs: Other phone systems often require expensive hardware like SBCs, handsets, headsets, etc. With Teams, most of that infrastructure is cloud-based, reducing the need for and cost of physical equipment.
- Provides More Than Just Calling: An Office 365 phone system integrates instant messaging, virtual meetings, file sharing, real-time collaboration, and calling into one platform. So, instead of jumping between multiple platforms to communicate, you can use one platform for everything.
Essentially, you can enjoy the benefits of a cloud-based phone system and the familiarity of Teams with an Office 365 phone system. All at a lower cost.
3 Things to Keep in Mind Before You Choose an Office 365 Phone System
While having a Microsoft Teams phone is incredibly beneficial in all kinds of ways, it’s important to remember a few things before making the switch:
- It relies on the internet to function. If you’re in a low-coverage area or are currently struggling with internet connectivity issues, your Office 365 phone system will be negatively affected. Before making the investment or the switch, be sure that you have a reliable and stable ISP that can support this system.
- It has some feature limitations. If your company needs more advanced features – like detailed routing or in-depth analytics – you’ll probably need to consult a Microsoft-certified consultant or MSP like Centra IP before jumping to Microsoft Teams Phone. They could help you customize the system effectively.
- It can require specialized expertise. This is because configuring the system, ensuring smooth integration with existing IT setups, optimizing call quality, and maintaining security all demand technical know-how. Thankfully, Microsoft-certified consultants like Centra IP have that know-how and are more than willing to provide troubleshooting and training to help you out!
So, Can an Office 365 Phone System Replace Your Current One?
The answer is “potentially yes.” However, it depends on your specific needs and priorities and how well you implement and customize the solution.
If you’re a small business wanting to simplify communication and use cloud technology’s benefits, a basic Office 365 phone system with Microsoft Teams could be a great fit. It’s a modern, affordable option that integrates well with your existing investment. With the proper setup and support, it could revolutionize your business. Plus, it doesn’t have a steep learning curve for new or experienced users.
For larger companies with more complicated needs, a Microsoft Teams phone won’t be a good fit right out of the box. But it might still be a viable option if you have a knowledgeable, supportive partner to help you configure the system well.
And that Partner is Centra IP
As a Microsoft-certified consultant, the Centra IP team can help businesses of all sizes leverage the power of the Office 365 phone system. From initial setup to ongoing support, we ensure you enjoy all the benefits with none of the setbacks. Want to explore this possibility further? Reach out today, and we’d be happy to show you the ropes!
