Comparing Dynamics 365 Contact Center to Teams Contact Centers with Chris Goodwill
Sep 18, 2024
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In this discussion, Chris Goodwill, a Strategic Partner Manager and Solutions Specialist at Symity, unpacks the evolution of Microsoft’s Contact Center, focusing on Dynamics 365. He highlights the integration of AI and telephony with platforms like Microsoft Teams. Chris sheds light on the complexities of licensing, helping organizations navigate their options effectively. The conversation also explores the future of chatbots and the significance of community among Dynamics 365 professionals, making a case for modernization in customer service.
Dynamics 365 Contact Center's evolution into a true Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) leverages advanced AI to enhance customer interactions.
The complex licensing and pricing model of Dynamics 365 Contact Center poses challenges for smaller enterprises seeking cost-effective solutions.
Deep dives
Overview of Dynamics 365 Contact Center
Dynamics 365 Contact Center represents a significant shift for Microsoft, evolving from previous frameworks into a true Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solution. This platform integrates various functionalities developed over the years, such as the customer care framework and the unified service desk, while also leveraging advanced AI capabilities from the acquisition of Nuance for intelligent voice response features. With its decoupling from Dynamics 365 CRM, this solution can now cater to diverse clientele, allowing organizations to integrate various CRM systems without requiring Microsoft Dynamics. This flexibility opens up opportunities for Microsoft to target a broader market, extending its contact center services beyond traditional Dynamics customers.
Licensing Structure and Cost Considerations
The licensing model for Dynamics 365 Contact Center includes a comprehensive pricing approach based on the needs and scale of the organization, starting at around $110 for combined voice and digital services. This pricing raises considerations for potential customers, particularly smaller enterprises that might find better value in alternative solutions from ecosystem vendors. The complexity of consumption-based licensing is noteworthy, with specific limits on record routing and AI-driven service minutes, creating potential challenges for partners in estimating total ownership costs. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both partners and clients in making informed decisions regarding their contact center investments.
Benefits of AI Integration in Customer Interactions
The incorporation of AI technologies plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer service interactions through Dynamics 365 Contact Center, focusing on automation and efficiency. By utilizing intelligent voice bots and sentiment analysis, the contact center can provide quicker and more accurate responses to customer inquiries, improving overall satisfaction rates. Successful case studies illustrate the effectiveness of digital solutions in real-world applications, notably in public sectors, where automation has significantly increased service delivery efficiency. This AI-driven approach not only streamlines customer interactions but also supports agents by equipping them with relevant information and insights, addressing customer needs more effectively.
Chris Goodwill, Strategic Partner Manager and Solutions Specialist at Symity discusses the evolution of Microsoft's Contact Center and the new Dynamics 365 Contact Center
Understanding Dynamics 365 Contact Center, Microsoft's Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS)
How Microsoft is driving with AI features
Dynamics 365 Contact Center vs Teams Ecosystem solutions
Licensing and pricing considerations
The future of chatbots and multi-lingual support
Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.
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