Alianza Acquires Metaswitch From Microsoft To Boost Comms Portfolio
Alianza is acquiring Metaswitch from Microsoft.
Leading cloud comms platform Alianza has announced a definitive agreement with Microsoft to acquire Metaswitch, a provider of high-performance comms software.
Alianza outlines that the acquisition will expand its customer base to include over 1,000 communications service providers, including 19 of the top 20 global operators. Additionally, it says the move will bolster Alianza’s service portfolio, paving the way for a future of cloud-orchestrated, AI-powered communications.
Brian Beutler, Founder and CEO of Alianza, commented:
The acquisition of Metaswitch is about resetting the playing field and enabling service providers to reassert their market leadership. The Alianza cloud communications platform empowers operators to monetise network investments through improved customer experiences and the delivery of modern, high-margin communications service offerings.”
Alianza says the acquisition will drive revenue growth by helping service providers close the services revenue gap and better monetise their network investments, enabling them to stay competitive. Deployment flexibility is also noted as a key advantage, as Alianza allows providers to deliver solutions via on-premises, public, private, or hybrid cloud models, tailoring services to customer needs.
Consolidating complex voice operations onto a single platform, simplifying management, and reducing overhead intends to improve operational efficiency. Finally, Alianza emphasises its focus on innovation, including AI-based capabilities, which will help service providers generate new revenue and deliver enhanced automation and insights to elevate the customer experience.
Microsoft To Supercharge Teams Comms With Native SMS Messaging
Native SMS messaging has now arrived on Microsoft Teams.
According to the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the new feature will streamline communications with individuals using alternative UCaaS platforms. Starting in February 2025, Microsoft Teams Calling Plan users in the United States and Canada will be able to access this feature on both desktop and mobile, enhancing cross-platform connectivity and collaboration.
Microsoft also announced that Teams Premium license holders will soon gain access to advanced scheduling features within Microsoft Bookings. These new capabilities aim to simplify appointment management, enhance client communication, and improve overall business efficiency.
