8×8 has launched Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams for reliable and streamlined enterprise telephony.
8×8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams is a dedicated solution integrating native Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) calling directly within Microsoft Teams via the Operator Connect program.
8×8 stresses that this offering introduces an Operator Connect option through leveraging 8×8’s renowned Global ReachTM network. It promises dependable calling services, streamlined deployment processes, and simplified management, all geared towards enhancing admin efficiency for Microsoft Teams Phone users.
Hunter Middleton, Chief Product Officer at 8×8, said:
As a technology provider, it’s important to know what our customers need from their software solutions, especially as organizations consolidate their tech stack to allow them to fully customize and streamline their workflows for business success. We have introduced 8×8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams to provide customers with 8×8’s reliable network by adding PSTN calling directly in Microsoft Teams to improve productivity and efficiency for organizations.”
The exclusive preview of 8×8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams is currently accessible through 8×8’s Early Access Program. This solution is set to debut with versatile calling options and will facilitate local presence in 20 key countries, spanning regions such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
“We continue to work with partners to offer Microsoft Teams Phone customers flexibility to enable PSTN services and customer engagement capabilities in Teams,” added Taimoor Husain, Modern Workplace, GTM Strategy Lead for Operators at Microsoft. “8×8 is now the first Operator Connect partner to offer a contact centre solution certified to integrate with Teams and we are pleased to work with them to offer customers choice in PSTN connectivity options.”
8×8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams
Among the solution’s critical benefits are reliability, security, and support. Direct peering via Microsoft Azure fulfils programme architecture, security, and network prerequisites, ensuring optimal reliability. This approach also incorporates a streamlined support framework and collaborative Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Microsoft, aligning with Operator Connect services to deliver enhanced performance and peace of mind.
Moreover, it provides a comprehensive suite featuring flexible calling plans and a Teams-certified contact centre, catering to every organisation’s unique telephony and customer engagement needs. This portfolio includes complimentary on-net calling, ensuring a tailored solution for diverse requirements.
Additionally, it provides a familiar Teams experience. Enabling calls to be made and received directly within the Teams app minimises the need for extensive training and expedites the onboarding process.
Lastly, it offers improved admin efficiency. Administrators can seamlessly provision numbers and oversee user management tasks directly from the Microsoft Teams admin centre, enhancing deployment efficiency.
8×8’s 2024 So Far
In January, 8×8 added AI-powered video meeting features to its XCaaS communications, collaboration and contact centre platform to enhance productivity and efficiency.
The advancements empower users to harness AI-enhanced real-time transcriptions, intelligent summaries, and actionable insights, fostering enhanced collaboration during and after meetings. These new features highlight 8×8’s steadfast dedication to platform innovation, reinforcing the company’s mission to deliver AI-driven contact centre and unified communications services.
The suite of new capabilities includes smarter meeting summaries, which facilitate asynchronous information exchange and seamless follow-ups by suggesting next steps and actionable items. Additionally, users benefit from meeting highlights and snapshots, further enriching the collaborative experience.
