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You have relied on your current infrastructure for as long as you can remember but feel like you are missing out on currently available technology. Your business uses Microsoft Teams for chat and collaboration, but you are wondering how you can use it more broadly. According to recently released numbers, Teams has surpassed 320 million active monthly users, or about 80 percent of all active Microsoft 365 subscribers.

Don’t be shy; fall in love with the world of direct routing. This is your train ticket to begin your journey into Unified Communications with Microsoft Teams from FirstComm.

Jump on the train and find a seat; the journey is about to begin.

What is Direct Routing? 

Before the train leaves the station, we must clarify any misconceptions about direct routing and direct routing as a service. Direct routing is the ideal companion for organizations that utilize Microsoft’s suite across their workflows and want to add calling into Teams, making it their communications hub.

Now, direct routing as a service is a third-party provider managing the PSTN, public switch telephone network, directly and does much more than just providing the service. They work to support the service and can better control service issues or interruptions. They have deep experience with phone systems and communications and can guide the deployment of direct routing into your calling workflow.

Now that the safety protocols have finished, the train can depart the station to get this journey started. All aboard!

How Does Direct Routing Work? 

Without getting too technical, direct routing works because a protocol was created that allows Teams to connect to PSTN lines through an SBC, session border controller, with the Microsoft Phone System License. Teams can’t natively connect to PSTN lines, so working with an experienced provider, installation, and porting are streamlined with a direct routing provider like FirstComm.

Now that we know how it works, we’re about to arrive at our first junction, which will take us down the track of Cost Benefits. 

What Are the Cost Benefits of Direct Routing? 

Your new flexibility is the show’s real star when incorporating direct routing into your organization. You now have options, and doesn’t that feel good? You are no longer funneled into a direction you don’t want to go and forced to select how you work based on the provider. Do you want to use a headset and softphone when calling? Great! Do you have conference rooms that need the latest and greatest phone to help run your most important meetings? You got it!

So, the Cost Benefits are more than meets the eye. Now, let’s slow this train down a bit so that we don’t miss the main attractions. Keep your eyes peeled; answers are all around, waiting to be found.

Use Current Hardware 

Everyone has different preferences and job requirements, so when using direct routing in Teams, the current headset can be used as you usually use it. Since every person won’t need a desk phone, over time, you can use the money you are saving with direct routing to budget and plan for a long-term scenario for your hardware calling needs.

Who would’ve thought we’d be progressing through the Cost Benefit journey’s first leg so quickly? You’d better take out your camera and snap some pictures to remember this ride.

More Favorable Calling Costs 

Instead of being burdened by fluctuating calling costs, with FirstComm, you get competitive low-cost unlimited domestic calling and only pay for usage when it comes to international calling. Not every business uses international calling regularly, so why do you need to contract and pay for a “what if” scenario?

It’s time to go to the dining car and upgrade your meal with your newfound savings. Let’s finish this train ride off in style.

Boost the Usability of Teams 

The ultimate usefulness of a product comes from how easy it makes a process. The more strategically you engage with Teams, the more integral it becomes to your business. With over 1900 apps connected through Teams, you can create a productivity juggernaut. With direct routing as a service, the management of your calling is brought into the Teams ecosystem, making it easier for you to stay focused on the job at hand and not jump from program to program.

We’re in the home stretch of this journey; venture to the observation car to glimpse where you are and what’s coming over the horizon.

Scaled Migration 

Direct routing as a service is a stepping stone for your business. Truthfully, it’s less of a step and more of a leap, but you get to deeply entrench yourself in a new technology. The additional hardware investment isn’t applicable if you start exclusively using softphones.

You now have time to strategically determine the next right moves for your business, scaling at your pace. Believe us when we say you are in fantastic hands with FirstComm, and our industry experience will set you up for the best possible outcome. 

As the train approaches its final stop at the station in the oasis, Business Success, ponder this: are you ready to jump into direct routing and unlock the possibilities for your business? 

This concludes our journey along the line of Cost Benefits with direct routing as a service. FirstComm is the master conductor who takes you from the direct router, curious, to a believer. 

Direct Routing is The Future Your Business Needs Right Now 

The flexibility afforded in business communication right now is something never seen before. You can choose solutions that fit your needs and your customers. Take advantage of this opportunity and work with a team who wants you to succeed. FirstComm is the partner you’ve been looking for. Contact us today to determine the best option based on your requirements.