What calling features are available on Operator Connect?


How to / Guide

August 13, 2021

Operator Connect is currently in public preview. The features discussed in this article were correct at the time of publication, but are subject to change.

When Operator Connect was first launched, there was a feeling that it was geared towards basic voice requirements, but that is not really the case. The more it has been tested out, the clearer it has become that, in terms of core voice features, it has just about everything you might need, and it is very close to matching Direct Routing.

There were initially a few gaps, notably Auto Attendant and Call Queues, but Microsoft have been plugging these gaps over the last few months, and have already rolled out Auto Attendant and Call Queues in Europe, the US and Asia.

 

A closer look at the calling features currently available on Operator Connect

Feature category

Operator Connect detail

Auto attendant/ Call Queues

In roll-out (currently available in Europe, the US, Asia)

Voice policies (Dial Plan, Calling Policy, etc.)

Defaults to predefined Operator Connect carrier profiles

Connectivity Using trusted cross connect between Microsoft and carrier
Third Party Integrations Only supports apps that have been designed specifically for Teams using 365 API Integration.
Global coverage Limited to PSTN countries offered by carriers
Number provisioning Included – no extra cost. New numbers and porting available
Service Management Combination of 365 Admin Center and carrier’s management portal/system
Support Joint Microsoft and carrier
Pricing flexibility Dependent on carrier. Monthly rentals, plus ‘pay for what you use’ calls
Hardware requirement None
Support for hybrid environment Not supported
Number management Numbers procured via Operator Connect service can be managed in 365 Admin Center. Alternatively, all numbers whether part of Operator Connect or not, can be managed in Pure IP’s Number Connect

 

Let’s look at the voice policies, which will be your dial plans, calling policies, etc. While these default to predefined Operator Connect profiles, that will cover most standard scenarios. Similarly with voice routing, each carrier has provided Microsoft with a predefined set of policies. In practice, these default settings will be more than adequate for the majority of users and organizations, but for those that need the flexibility to apply customized dial plans, for example, Direct Routing can be used in conjunction with Operator Connect.

Find out more about when you might use both Operator Connect and Direct Routing >

The features related to user settings, voicemail, hold music, calling, queuing, dial plans, voice routing, dynamic emergency calling, caller ID and reporting provide a good level of feature parity between Operator Connect and Direct Routing.

Request Operator Connect Calling Features Guide Button

Integrations, customization, and migration

The main area where that isn’t the case is in integrations, and customizations such as when integrating third party applications like Contact Centers, connecting legacy infrastructures and devices, or using complex routing set-ups, as previously mentioned. Strictly speaking, Operator Connect only supports apps that have been designed specifically for Teams using 365 API Integrations, and the interface hasn’t been designed to assign users and policies to numbers at scale (though you can still use PowerShell to accomplish bulk migrations/changes in the same way as you can with Direct Routing).

That means that Direct Routing may still have the edge if your priorities are around connecting non-native Teams applications or other legacy items from the existing communications estate, such as fax machines, tannoy’s, intercom, and DECT systems.

Download your free guide to find more about how Operator Connect compares to Direct Routing >

 

The best is yet to come!

The two things you have to remember however, is the gap Operator Connect was intended to fill, and that it is constantly evolving and there is a lot more to come. While more functionality is sure to continue being rolled out, it is already a very real option that organizations should be considering today.

 

New call-to-action

Alessandra Skarlatos

Alessandra joined Pure IP as the Content and Communications Manager in early 2020, after 5 years within the cinema technology sector.

Subscribe Here!

Articles you might enjoy

View All

Does Operator Connect spell the end for Direct Routing?

Pure IP awarded new Microsoft Competencies