Zach Bennett and Tom Arbuthnot discuss challenges with Teams Phone deployment, migrating from legacy PBX systems to cloud telephony, integrating analog devices with cloud-based solutions, and selecting the right Operator Connect provider based on specific requirements. It also explores the complexities of telco world, the importance of local billing addresses, and offering services, differentiating providers, and ATAs in Teams. The chapter concludes with a focus on complex voice strategies for global organizations, including licensing implications from Microsoft and the trend of moving to a more cloud-based solution.
16:30
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Quick takeaways
Dealing with complex countries for porting requires deploying local session board controllers and leveraging existing relationships with major providers.
Challenges related to analog devices and legacy PBXs can be addressed by providing Session Border Controllers for direct trunks to analog devices.
Deep dives
Complex countries for porting and PBX Interop
One of the key points discussed in the podcast is the challenge of dealing with complex countries for porting. The conversation focuses on countries like Dubai and China, where regulations and high financial investments make it difficult to become fully regulated cloud carriers. In these cases, deploying local session board controllers and leveraging existing relationships with major providers becomes necessary. The discussion also touches on the complexities of PBX Interop, particularly with analog connectivity. The podcast provides examples of dealing with global organizations that have offices in different countries, requiring comprehensive proposals and organizational rollouts to handle the diverse PBX systems and contracts coming to an end at different times.
Tricky countries like UAE and China
The podcast episode emphasizes the challenges of operating in tricky countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China. In the UAE, a closed market with high financial requirements for regulated cloud carriers, the conversation revolves around the need for a local session board of controller and working with major providers like Etisalat and du. In China, porting is not available, so the discussion focuses on offering new numbers and leveraging forwarding from old numbers to new ones for a smooth transition. The podcast presents these examples to highlight the complexities and unique considerations when operating in these locations.
Analog devices and legacy PBXs
The episode delves into the challenges and solutions related to analog devices and legacy PBXs. The conversation highlights scenarios where customers want to keep their existing Cisco voice gateways or have analog phones in their estates. One approach discussed is providing Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for direct trunks to the analog devices, allowing customers to retain their investments without replacing the gateways. The podcast also mentions the use of Microsoft SIP gateways and Certified ATAs (Analog Telephony Adapters) for scenarios like lift phones. It emphasizes the need to consider total cost of ownership, support, and licensing implications when deciding between on-premises kits and cloud solutions like common area phones.