Choosing the right solution for Microsoft Teams telephony can be difficult for organizations.Â
AudioCodes is a popular choice, but it has its limitations. This ZIRO guide reviews top alternatives to AudioCodes that offer easier management, better device compatibility, and smoother integration for your Teams telephony needs.
But first, the basics.
AudioCodes for Microsoft Teams: An Overview
AudioCodes provides unified communications solutions that connect Microsoft Teams to enterprise voice and contact center systems. It enables Teams to integrate with existing phone systems, supporting PSTN calling and advanced voice features.
Key features of AudioCodes for Teams integration include:
- Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for secure PSTN connectivity
- VoIP Gateways to link legacy PBX systems with Teams
- Teams-Certified IP Phones for enhanced performance
- Management tools like OVOC for centralized monitoring
- Flexible deployment options for on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments
While AudioCodes offers powerful Teams integration, some alternatives provide simpler, more streamlined options.
Why Consider AudioCodes Alternatives?
- Setup & Maintenance Challenges: AudioCodes requires skilled IT staff for SBC setup and ongoing maintenance. This poses difficulties for companies without a dedicated IT team trained on AudioCodes products and services.Â
- Scaling Limitations: While AudioCodes offers robust solutions, scaling infrastructure can be slow and complex. This is due to the need for additional hardware installations and configurations, especially in on-premises systems.
- Device Compatibility Issues: AudioCodes can be less flexible with device compatibility. Organizations with older or non-AudioCodes hardware may find integration more challenging compared to alternatives that support a wider range of devices.
Best AudioCodes Alternatives for Microsoft Teams Integration
1. ZIRO
ZIRO leads our list of AudioCodes alternatives for Microsoft Teams integration—not just because it’s our product but because it offers a seamless, fully integrated solution for businesses of all sizes.
ZIRO provides a fully managed experience for Teams telephony, unlike infrastructure-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services designed to ensure a seamless transition from legacy systems to Teams Voice, reducing complexity, time, and risk.
Our cloud-first, managed approach suits businesses without specialized IT teams focused on AudioCodes, enabling them to scale voice services and maintain high-quality communications. ZIRO provides smooth, hands-off integration by managing everything from Direct Routing deployment to ongoing support.
Key Features
- ZIRO Platform for Microsoft (ZPM): Efficiently plans and executes Teams migrations, cutting errors by up to 90%.
- ZIRO Direct Routing as a Service (DRaaS): Enables seamless integration with existing telephony infrastructures, connecting Microsoft Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
- Automated Provisioning: Simplifies user management with tools for moves, adds, changes, and deletions (MACDs).
- Legacy Systems Support: Integrates with existing communication tools for a smooth transition without abandoning current investments.
- Scalability: Our cloud-based model scales effortlessly, eliminating bulky on-premises equipment and enabling quick expansion.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous management, compliance recording, and helpdesk support for optimal performance.
Pricing
We offer flexible, tailored solutions. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific needs.
Pros
- Hands-off, fully managed service
- Seamless PSTN integration
- Automation-powered migration and management
- Easy-to-use platform for managing Teams integration
- Exceptional ongoing customer support
- Integrates with existing CRMs and other business tools
Cons
- No free trial
2. Ribbon Communications
Ribbon Communications specializes in secure cloud communications, providing a comprehensive solution for Microsoft Teams integration.Â
The Ribbon Connect service enables seamless Direct Routing, allowing organizations to connect Teams with telecom providers for voice services. With core and edge Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Ribbon ensures scalable and secure SIP trunking for Teams.
Key Features
- Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams: Integrates existing PSTN systems with Teams for external calling.
- Scalable SBCs: Offers a range of SBCs, from software solutions to hardware appliances.
- Cloud-Native and Hybrid Deployment: Solutions can be deployed in cloud-native or hybrid environments.
- Operator Connect: Simplifies PSTN connectivity by allowing businesses to choose their telecom provider directly through Teams.
- Multi-Tenant and Carrier-Grade: Carrier-grade SBCs provide multi-tenancy support, managing multiple clients or business units within a single infrastructure.
Pricing
Ribbon Communications offers various pricing plans based on the size and needs of the organization. Detailed pricing information is available upon request.
Pros
- Scalable and secure solutions trusted by large enterprises
- Comprehensive options for deployment models
- Proven interoperability with Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Complex setup for non-technical teams
- Limited on-premises supportÂ
3. Evolve IP
Evolve IP is an excellent alternative to AudioCodes for Microsoft Teams integration. The platform focuses on direct routing, which connects teams with telecom providers for voice services.Â
It turns Microsoft Teams into the central hub for both internal and external communications, enhancing collaboration across the organization. Its cloud-based approach offers strong security, high-quality voice services, and simplified management, making it a solid choice for enterprises of all sizes.
Key Features
- Direct Routing: Seamlessly integrates existing PSTN systems with Microsoft Teams for external calling.
- Global Voice Services: Provides advanced voice features and support on a global scale.
- Hybrid Workforce Support: Tailored for hybrid and remote work environments.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Maintains high voice quality and reliability.
- Integrated Contact Center: Offers market-leading contact center capabilities with AI speech processing.
- Enterprise-Grade Solutions: Delivers robust solutions suitable for large-scale implementations.
Pricing
Evolve IP offers seamless Microsoft Teams integration with Direct Routing, advanced global voice services, and support for hybrid work environments. Pricing starts at $5.57 per month per user with scalable options.
Pros
- Flexible and scalable Teams integration
- Suitable for hybrid and remote work
- Efficient cloud-based approachÂ
- Integrates with existing business tools
Cons
- Initial setup may require technical expertise
- Overly dependence on managed service
- Limited customization options
4. Fusion Connect
Fusion Connect is a managed service provider that focuses on connectivity and unified communications. Its Microsoft Teams integration approach focuses on delivering fully managed voice services through Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, enabling businesses to replace their traditional phone systems.
By integrating Teams with existing telephony infrastructure, Fusion Connect allows businesses to make external calls using their Teams interface while leveraging their current PSTN or SIP trunking services.
Key Features
- Microsoft Teams Calling: Offers full voice services integrated with Microsoft Teams.
- Direct Routing: Enables companies to use their existing phone numbers and telephony systems within Teams.
- Unified Communications (UCaaS): Combines voice, video, and collaboration tools.
- SIP Trunking: Reliable SIP services for seamless integration with Teams.
Pricing
Fusion Connect offers various pricing plans based on the size and needs of your organization. You can get a price quote from the sales team.Â
Pros
- Excellent Microsoft Teams calling solution
- Offers contact center integrations
- Supports quick deployment with Operator Connect
Cons
- Might not suit organizations needing on-premises infrastructureÂ
- Limited service integration options
- First-time setup can be overly technical
Make ZIRO Your Microsoft Teams Integration CompanionÂ
Despite its strengths, AudioCodes can be complex to set up and manage. Its limited device compatibility may also pose challenges. That’s why we’ve discussed top AudioCodes alternatives in this guide.
For organizations needing seamless, efficient, and cost-effective Teams integration, ZIRO stands out. Our fully managed services and hands-off approach are perfect for teams seeking easy deployment and full management with minimal IT involvement. Ready to simplify your Microsoft Teams transition? Get in touch today.
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