Microsoft Teams has become the go-to application for businesses looking to streamline communication and collaboration – and integrating voice capabilities can take your Teams experience to the next level. However, not all voice solutions for Teams are created equal.
In this blog, we'll break down the differences between native and integrated solutions to help you get the most out of your investment.
What Is a Native Voice Solution?
A native voice solution is designed to work seamlessly within the Microsoft Teams application, eliminating the need to switch between multiple interfaces for communication and collaboration needs. It leverages components built by Microsoft to integrate voice services directly into your Teams platform, providing a cohesive and unified experience for users.
What Are the Limitations of Integrated Solutions?
Integrated voice solutions from third-party service providers run an additional application to handle Teams voice calls. This application is often, but not always, located outside of the Microsoft Teams client itself (note that some integrated solutions are inside the Teams application despite being procured from a third party). While this approach may offer businesses more flexibility, it can also introduce several challenges, including:
Separate Applications To Manage
Since using an integrated solution requires running an additional application that isn’t part of the Microsoft ecosystem, it can lead to a disjointed user experience and potential compatibility issues.
Increased Overhead
Managing multiple applications leads to increased administrative overhead. IT teams must ensure all components are up-to-date, properly configured, and working in harmony, adding to their daily workload.
Security Complexities
Integrating third-party solutions may introduce security complexities beyond what the native Teams environment provides. Organizations must ensure these tools adhere to their security standards and protocols, which adds an extra layer of complexity.
Higher Risk of Failure
The more components involved in a solution, the higher the risk of technical issues or failures. An integrated solution has more moving parts that need to work together, increasing the chances of compatibility issues or breakdowns.
Reduced Productivity
Switching between multiple applications can impact the productivity of your staff. Users may find it cumbersome to navigate between different interfaces, resulting in inefficiencies and frustration.
Top 4 Benefits of Native Voice Integration
By choosing a native voice solution for Microsoft Teams, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy benefits such as:
Seamless User Experience
Native voice integration enables your teams to make and receive calls directly within the familiar Teams interface without any app switching, additional apps to download, or disruptions. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted workflow – no more juggling between multiple apps or windows.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
Native voice solutions leverage Microsoft's built-in security features and protocols to keep your communications protected and compliant. With data security being a top concern for businesses, you can have peace of mind knowing your sensitive information is safeguarded.
Streamlined Management
Managing a native solution enables your IT team to focus their efforts on a single platform, reducing administrative overhead. This simplifies the management process so your team can allocate their time more efficiently.
Improved Productivity
Eliminating the need to juggle multiple applications helps your team stay focused and maximize their productivity. Because native solutions work directly within the Teams app, they reduce context switching and disruptions so that employees are better equipped to deliver their best work.
Unlock the Power of Microsoft Teams With UniVoIP
When it comes to voice-enabling Microsoft Teams, the choice between a native or integrated solution can have a major impact on your organization's productivity, security, and user experience. If you’re not sure which option is best for your business, UniVoIP can help.
Our cloud-native Cloud Voice for Microsoft Teams solution is purpose-built for Microsoft Teams to provide a secure, reliable voice service that eliminates the need for additional apps or hardware. Ready to learn more about how our enterprise-grade voice solution can help you unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams? Start your free 30-day trial today.
