Showing posts with label Microsoft Teams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Microsoft Teams. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

How Can I Make a Regular Phone Call Using Microsoft Teams?

PSTN is the traditional phone system, often referred to as a landline, that has been around for many years. With rapid innovation in the sector, everything changed, and people became accustomed to internet mobile communications over apps like WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. 


When it is reported that Microsoft is enabling PSTN calling with Teams Phone, it essentially means that the company is allowing users to make and receive traditional phone calls (landline or mobile) directly through the Microsoft Teams platform. By integrating PSTN capabilities into Teams, Microsoft is bridging the gap between the old and modern form of communication.


How to Make a Regular Phone Call on Microsoft Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams: Launch the Teams app on your computer, laptop, or mobile device.
  2. Dial a Number: Look for the dial pad icon/ Calls icon (usually a phone-shaped button). 
  3. Enter the Number: Type in the phone number you want to call, including the area code.
  4. Place the Call: Hit the call button.

It's as simple as that! You'll be connected to a regular phone line, just like making a call from your traditional phone.


Benefits of Using Microsoft Teams for Phone Calls

  • All-in-one Convenience: Combine your chats, video calls, and now, phone calls into one app. No more juggling multiple devices.
  • Save Money: Many people find that using Teams for phone calls can save them money on their phone bills.
  • Improved Productivity: Quickly switch between chat, video calls, and phone calls without leaving Teams.
  • Better Customer Service: Businesses can provide a more consistent customer experience by offering multiple ways to connect.

Microsoft Teams Phone Plans


Feature/PlanMicrosoft Teams Phone StandardTeams Phone with pay-as-you-go calling (country zone 1)Teams Phone with domestic calling (country zone 1 – UK/Canada)Teams Phone with international calling
Price (CAD)$10.90/user/month$13.60/user/month$20.40/user/month$43.40/user/month
Subscription TypeAnnual (auto-renews)Annual (auto-renews)Annual (auto-renews)Annual (auto-renews)
Cloud-based Phone SystemYesYesYesYes
Make/Receive Voice and Video CallsYes (PSTN or internet)YesYesYes
Join/Transfer Calls Between DevicesYesYesYesYes
Add Operator PSTN ServiceYes (Operator Connect/Direct Routing)N/AN/AN/A
Combine with Operator Connect MobileYesN/AN/AN/A
99.999% Uptime SLAYesN/AN/AN/A
Phone Number ProvidedNoYesYesYes
Inbound CallingUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Outbound CallingN/AMeteredDomesticInternational
Call QueueNoYesYesYes
Auto AttendantNoYesYesYes
Call RecordingNoYesYesYes
Call TranscriptionNoYesYesYes
Unlimited MeetingsNoYesYesYes
Unlimited MessagingNoYesYesYes
File SharingNoYesYesYes
Tasks/PollingNoYesYesYes
Cloud StorageNo10 GB/user10 GB/user10 GB/user
Domestic CallingN/AN/AYesYes
International CallingN/AN/ANoYes


Real-Life Examples

  • Family and Friends: Stay in touch with loved ones, even if they don't use Teams, by calling them directly from the app.
  • Small Businesses: Handle customer calls, place orders, and communicate with suppliers efficiently.
  • Remote Workers: Make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, just like being in the office.

Addressing Common Concerns

  • Is it safe? Yes, Microsoft Teams has strong security measures to protect your calls and data.
  • Do I need special equipment? No, all you need is a device with the Teams app and an internet connection.
  • What if my internet is slow? While a good internet connection is ideal, Teams can often adjust to slower speeds. If you experience issues, try using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data.
  • Can I use Teams for emergency calls? Currently, emergency calling is not available in all regions. Check your local regulations for more information.

By combining the convenience of modern communication with the familiarity of traditional phone calls, Microsoft Teams offers a versatile solution for both personal and professional use.


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Google G Suite Hangouts Chat vs Slack

On February 28th, 2018 Google made G Suite Hangouts Chat available to everyone. We've been using it in house for many months as part of the Early Adopters program and found it to be an excellent team collaboration tool. Hangouts Chat is seen as a competitor to Slack which we've implemented for some of our customers. It can also be compared to services like Microsoft Teams, Workplace by Facebook, and HipChat.

Note that Hangouts Chat should not be confused with Google Hangouts which is what most Google Search results will compare Slack to. Google Hangouts has been available for many years and is an instant messaging and video conferencing solution but lacks the chat rooms in the style of Slack.

Hangouts Chat


Some of our favourite cloud applications have released integrations to Hangouts Chat such as Copper CRM and Xero Accounting Software.

Many of our customers are already using Slack which is well integrated to Google Drive, Google Hangouts, and Google Calendar. So a common question is should G Suite customers stick with Slack or switch to Hangouts Chat?

Let's compare:

Hangouts ChatSlack
Price$0 for existing G Suite customers https://gsuite.google.com/pricing.htmlfree or $8 to $15 per month per user with discounts available for annual plans https://slack.com/pricing
Single Sign On (SSO)Yes - nothing to configureYes with $15/month Enterprise plan and some setup
Google Drive IntegrationYesYes - but permissions not integrated so must ensure document is shared with correct people to match channel
Google Calendar IntegrationYes - Including @Meet bot to book meetings with channel members when they're availableYes - but not as feature rich
Google Hangouts IntegrationYes - Direct messages in Hangouts Chat are sent to users on Google HangoutsPartial - only for opening a Hangouts video conference/meeting from within a channel. No direct message integration to Hangouts
Gmail Inbox Integration on web browserYes - New chat message indicator appears top right corner which helps bring users into Hangouts Chat organically from the user interface they use constantlyNo - Users must open Slack to be notified of new messages
Mobile AppsAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOS
eDiscovery /ComplianceYes - fully integrated to Google Vault so admins can set retention policies, search, and retain data for legal matters https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2018/02/google-vault-support-for-hangouts-chat.htmlPartial - On Enterprise plan admins can export all data from a channel. Additional cost add-on tools are available that work with the Discovery API https://get.slack.help/hc/en-us/articles/204897248-Guide-to-Slack-data-exports
Conversation ThreadingYes. Built to always thread conversations keeping messages in contextPartial - Does not thread by default but users can choose to thread messages. https://get.slack.help/hc/en-us/articles/115000769927-Message-threads
SecuritySupports all G Suite security features and admin settings such as two-factor authentication, mobile device management for remote wipe, security keys, etc. No separate user directory to manage.Supports two-factor authentication but must be managed separately unless on Enterprise plan and logins are restricted to G Suite SSO. Users must be added/deleted separately. Remote wipe not available without third party apps
Languages28 supported5 supported
3rd party integrationsYesYes - certainly Slack's popularity and eco-system of add-ons has an advantage
Source: Google Sheet Comparison

At Interlock IT we have experience programming integrations to Slack such as auto creating or updating a Google Sheet from within a Slack channel.

Both products have their advantages and disadvantages. Switching a significant user base over to Hangouts Chat from Slack could be challenging. But if your team hasn't started with Slack, Google is offering an excellent ready to go solution for no additional cost.

Certainly feel free to reach out to us with questions, comments, or custom integration needs at Interlock IT.