Knowledge base

December 19, 2024

Teams Phone vs Traditional VoIP: Which do you choose? ☎️💻

Choosing between Microsoft Teams Phone and traditional VoIP Phone is an important decision for modern businesses. Both systems offer digital communications, but they differ significantly in functionality, integration and scalability. In this blog, we will help you make the right choice by exploring the differences and advantages.

What is Microsoft Teams Phone? 📞

Microsoft Teams Phone¹ is a cloud-based phone solution that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 environment. It offers features such as:

  • Integration with Microsoft Teams: Collaborate, chat and call from one platform.
  • Flexibility: Access from any device, anywhere in the world. 🌍
  • Simple management options: Everything is controlled through the Microsoft Admin Center.

 

 

What is Traditional VoIP? 📡

Voice over IP (VoIP)² is a technology that allows you to make calls over the Internet. Traditional VoIP systems often require a physical PBX server or third party to operate. Features include:

  • Cost savings on traditional lines.
  • Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Less sophisticated integrations compared to cloud-based solutions.

 

 

Teams Phone vs Traditional VoIP: The Comparison ⚖️

Here are the main differences: ✅ Integration with other tools:

  • Teams Phone integrates with tools such as Outlook, SharePoint and OneDrive.
  • Traditional VoIP offers limited opportunities for integration.

Scalability:

  • Teams Telephony grows with your organization thanks to the cloud.
  • Traditional VoIP often requires hardware upgrades.

Costs:

  • Teams Telephony has subscription costs, but no hardware investment.
  • Traditional VoIP has lower monthly costs, but installation and maintenance costs.

Flexibility:

  • Teams Phone supports remote work perfectly.
  • VoIP is often dependent on local infrastructure.

 

 

Why choose Teams Phone? 💡

Microsoft Teams Phone is a future-proof solution ideal for businesses that:

  • Want to make the most of their existing Microsoft 365 environment.
  • Seeking a flexible and scalable solution.
  • Want to cut costs on physical infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Microsoft Teams Phone 📚☎️

1. How does Teams Phone work?

Microsoft Teams Phone uses VoIP technology to enable calls over the Internet. Users can make calls, receive calls and manage voicemails through the Teams application.

2. Does Teams have a phone system?

Yes, Microsoft Teams includes a fully integrated phone system, known as Microsoft Teams Phone. This allows you to manage both internal and external calls from a single platform.

3. Can Teams also be used on a phone?

Absolutely! Microsoft Teams is available as an app for both iOS and Android, allowing you to call and collaborate via your smartphone. 📱

4. Can you make external calls with Teams?

Yes, with Teams Phone you can make calls to external phone numbers, provided your organization has a Microsoft Phone System license and has linked a phone number service.

5. What does calling through Teams cost?

The cost depends on your license and chosen calling plan. Microsoft offers flexible calling plans based on the number of users and calling minutes.

6. How do Teams phone numbers work?

Organizations can assign phone numbers to users through the Microsoft Admin Center. Users receive a unique number that allows them to make incoming and outgoing calls.

7. Can I use Microsoft Teams as VoIP?

Yes, Teams Phone uses VoIP technology and offers additional features such as call forwarding, conferencing and integration with other Microsoft tools.

8. How do I invite someone to a Teams meeting?

You can easily invite someone via the Teams app by sharing a meeting link or sending an invitation via Outlook.

9. How do I assign a phone number in Teams?

Phone numbers can be assigned through the Microsoft Teams Admin Center. Here you can create users and assign them a phone number associated with your calling plan.

 

 

Conclusion: Which one fits your organization? 🤔

The choice depends on your business needs. If you are looking for a modern, integrated platform that leverages the power of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Phone is the right choice. For smaller businesses with limited requirements, traditional VoIP can still be a cost-effective solution.

 

 

💬 Need help deciding or implementing Microsoft Teams Phone? Contact us and find out what’s best for your organization! ¹https://www.microsoft.com/nl-nl/microsoft-teams/microsoft-teams-phone ²https://www.microsoft.com/nl-nl/microsoft-teams/voip-voice-over-ip

 

About the author

My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Azure, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace. 🎯 Need help with your Microsoft 365 strategy?
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Vergelijk Teams Telefoon met traditionele VoIP