IP telephony

Since the invention by Bell in 1876, to our smart phones, passing through the dial and then keypad telephone, not forgetting telephone switchboards, telephony has evolved.  It has transformed from analog to digital, bringing both cost savings and greater ease of use.

Cost reduction

With the advent of the internet and growing bandwidth, the opportunity has emerged to pass calls through low-cost IP networks. The call distance suddenly does not have the same importance.

Functionality

IP telephony has brought new features, including the ability to be reached more easily, without being tied to a physical phone.  It's as if telephony has become software-defined-telephony.

Microsoft Office 365 IP telephony 

Despite its many advantages, IP telephony alone does not meet the collaborative needs of today's businesses. This is precisely one of the points on which Microsoft stands out.

• With the acquisition of Skype in 2011, Microsoft integrated telephony into its Office 365 suite, such that it is no longer necessary, for example, to remember or search for a phone number or extension. Instead of joining extension 101, Marc is contacted directly, using the computer. It is of course still possible to use a phone if necessary, whether it is an IP phone, or a regular phone.
• Office 365 thus makes it possible to integrate telephony, videoconferencing and many other features that promote team productivity.  
• Microsoft telephony is available as part of the Office 365 Enterprise E5 and Enterprise E3 subscription with the addition of the PBX and PSTN Calling option.

An enriched user experience  

• Because IP telephony is integrated with Office 365, you can answer, transfer, and put calls on hold with one click.
• You can easily turn your regular calls into collaborative work sessions with instant messaging, HD video, and desktop sharing.

Billing based on the sharing of usage minutes  

• With this new system, billing is no longer based on the number of incoming or outgoing calls. It now derives from the total number of minutes used by a team.
• These minutes are grouped together to favor businesses. For example, if 100 users in different locations across Canada each have 3,000 minutes of transfers per month, the company has a total bank of 300,000 minutes to share. Some employees will use less than 3,000 minutes, others more. Always aware of the total number used, the company can better control its costs.

Undeniable advantages 

•  The Office 365 telephony service delivers outstanding audio quality. Obviously, calls can be transferred to a mobile phone or desktop, but also be made from the Teams app itself.
• The software integrates all the contents and tools necessary for the mobilization and the efficiency of work teams. For example, registering members' weekly performance in Excel is child's play, knowing that it is possible for everyone to enter data from their mobile, their desk phone or directly through the application. All changes are synchronized and saved.
• In addition, desktop phones can simply be replaced by headsets, which saves money compared to buying phones.

Why change to Microsoft telephony now?

Currently, the majority of companies rely primarily on IP technology.

Being one step ahead, Office 365 IP telephony offers significant benefits:

• Potential cost savings
• Integration with Microsoft services already in use
• Improved collaboration and efficiency
• Increased security when transferring data
• Full cloud hosting or partially on-site, as needed;

Conclusion 

You have a real alternative to your traditional telephone operator.

Present can help you assess the benefits of migrating to Office 365 IP telephony, which is fully integrated with Office 365, for increased productivity for your teams and employees.