What Is Cloud PBX in Office 365?

A cloud Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a business phone system hosted on servers in data centers and accessed using the internet. Cloud PBX solutions provide more features than traditional on-premise PBX systems at a much lower cost as they do require hardware, license fees, and technical specialists for maintenance. While cloud PBX solutions offer call routing and management features that are similar to on-premises PBX solutions, they are available as a service on flexible plans, making it easier for smaller businesses to subscribe to them. In this article, we will focus on Microsoft Phone System, the cloud PBX in Office 365/ Microsoft 365.

What Is the Microsoft Phone System Cloud PBX in Office 365/ Microsoft 365?

The Microsoft Phone System uses Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business Online to enable call control and PBX capabilities in the cloud. Microsoft Phone System users can place and receive calls using their mobile devices, headsets with a laptop or PC, or using a wide range of supported IP phones. While calls between users are handled internally within the Phone System, even if they are in different geographical areas, businesses have multiple options to connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for calls outside the organization. Here are the top features of the Microsoft Phone System.

• Users can stay productive wherever they are, with screen sharing and video conferencing.
• Cloud phone calls can be managed seamlessly with features such as do not disturb, reverse number lookup, voicemail, and delegation.
• Microsoft Teams Phone is backed by Microsoft 365. This ensures that calls are connected faster, more reliable, and are clear.
• Businesses can use the Microsoft 365 admin console to add users, assign numbers, or port existing numbers seamlessly.
• The cloud-based phone system can be configured to route calls to the right queues by time zone, language, or availability.
• Voicemail messages and transcriptions can be received on any internet-enabled device.
• Add-ons, such as contact center software and partner compliance recording solutions can be integrated.
• Businesses can use the services of the existing telecommunications providers by connecting the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunks to Microsoft Teams through direct routing. Alternatively, businesses can purchase Microsoft Calling Plans, and port their existing numbers.

How to Setup Microsoft Phone System Cloud PBX in Office 365?

Follow the steps below to set up the Microsoft Phone System with Microsoft 365 or Office 365.

• Confirm that the Phone System is available in the country or region applicable to the organization.
• Assign Phone System and Calling Plan licenses to each user. If Calling Plan is not available, use the Direct Routing method to connect the on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft Phone System.
• Assign phone numbers to users. Phone numbers for users and services such as audio conferencing, call queues, auto attendants can be added using the Teams admin center.
• Set up audio conferencing, call queue, auto-attendant, and other features, as required, and assign service numbers and assign Communications Credits to use toll-free numbers with Microsoft Teams.

Apps4Rent Can Help with Microsoft Phone System Cloud PBX

Microsoft Phone System cloud PBX in Office 365 and Microsoft 365 plans can simplify operations for businesses operating from different geographies or running business process outsourcing operations. It minimizes both capital and operational expenses while offering better features compared to on-premises solutions. It seamlessly works with applications and services in the Office 365/ Microsoft 365 productivity suite, making it one of the most integrated unified communications as a service (UCaaS) solutions.

As a Microsoft Gold Partner in specializations such as Cloud Platform and Cloud Productivity, Apps4Rent can help businesses and enterprises with the right Microsoft 365/ Office 365 plans and set up the Microsoft Phone System cloud PBX for best results. Contact our cloud PBX specialists, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.