The cloud-based Operator Connect is part of Microsoft Teams and will allow enterprise users to make global phone calls via the popular service. Operator Connect promises improved voice call quality for business users through the use of private network infrastructure.
Ribbon says that combining its direct routing capabilities with Operator Connect Session Border Controllers (SBCs) will dramatically reduce the time and resources required to bring Operator Connect to market.
The company adds that it will be adding professional services capabilities including Operator Connect API integration, configuration, provisioning, and automation support to compliment its direct routing certified SBC.
Tony Scarfo, EVP & general manager of Ribbon’s Cloud & Edge business unit says: “Combining Ribbon's SBC portfolio with our extensive global Professional Services capabilities, gives service providers the tools they need to get their new Operator Connect-based services to market sooner and reduces the risk of losing customers to more agile competitors.”
Ribbon already supports enterprise Teams deployments with its SBC Software Edition Lite (SWE) and Ribbon Connect – a service that its partners can use to migrate enterprises to a Teams Phone System within hours.
Microsoft says aims to continue recruiting more service providers to the new programme. Telstra was the most recent company added to Microsoft’s Operator Connect programme and the offering is currently available to customers in Asia with plans for it to be expanded to Europe and the US in 2022.
Europe’s Colt and Africa’s Liquid Intelligent Technologies have also recently joined Operator Connect but there are plans to expand its services to more service providers in the near future according to Taimoor Husain, modern workplace strategy and GTM Lead for Telcos at Microsoft said.
He says: "Operator Connect offers an innovative way for service providers to immediately meet the strong demand from Teams users around the world to have the ability to seamlessly connect to the PSTN."
"The support of ecosystem partners like Ribbon is key to the Operator Connect service and will support us in increasing the adoption rates as we continue to onboard more service providers.”
