Cloud SBC – Microsoft Teams

A Cloud SBC or Session Border Controller is often described as a “firewall for VoIP”. These are used at the “borders” between different networks to make sure data is transferred correctly between them, as well as providing a layer of security and protection from attacks and breaches. SBCs were traditionally located on-premise, but increasingly are cloud-hosted, allowing a much higher level of flexibility and reliability together with lower up-front costs.

Switch Telecom Cloud SBC

If your business is using Microsoft Teams as an internal communication tool and you already have Microsoft 365 E5 enterprise licenses you can connect to the Switch Telecom network with the Switch Cloud SBC.

Direct routing on the Teams platform will allow you to connect to a Switch Telecom VoIP SIP Trunk. This means being able to take advantage of lower call rates, more flexibility, and better support.

Direct Routing is seen as extremely attractive by a variety of businesses as it gives them the true flexibility of choosing their own telephony provider, all the while retaining a verified integration with the Teams platform.

Direct Routing works by combining the Teams system to the Switch Telecom network using two key elements: a Switch Telecom Cloud SBC or Session Border Controller and a Switch Telecom SIP Trunk.

Please note that Microsoft treats the “Teams Phone System” functionality as an optional extra to Teams. Even if your license includes Teams, you will not be able to use the “Teams Phone System” unless you have contracted for either (a) E5 enterprise licenses; or (b) a license that includes Teams functionality as well as the additional-cost “Microsoft Teams Phone Standard” upgrade license. These licenses are required for every user that will use the functionality.