Should my business choose Zoom Phone or Microsoft Teams Phone?
It usually comes down to where your staff already work. If your team lives in Microsoft 365 and Teams, Teams Phone keeps calling, chat and meetings in one app. If you already rely on Zoom for meetings, Zoom Phone is often the simpler fit. Both support auto attendants, call queues, desk phones and mobile apps, so we compare licensing cost, phone-service options and any special devices before recommending one.
Can we keep our existing business phone numbers?
In most cases, yes. Local and toll-free numbers can generally be ported to Zoom Phone or Teams Phone. We collect a Letter of Authorization and your current carrier account details, check that the numbers are portable, and schedule the cutover date with the carriers. We typically port the main number last so callers are never stranded.
What is the difference between Teams Calling Plans, Operator Connect and Direct Routing?
They are the three ways to connect Teams Phone to the public phone network. With Calling Plans, Microsoft is your carrier. With Operator Connect, a participating carrier provides service directly into Teams with no on-site gateway. With Direct Routing, your own SIP trunks connect through a certified Session Border Controller, which also allows hybrid setups with an existing PBX.
Do we need new desk phones?
Not necessarily. Many users are happy with the desktop and mobile apps and a headset. For people who want a handset, Zoom Phone and Teams Phone each publish a list of certified devices. Some existing SIP phones can be reused, but most legacy PBX handsets, including Avaya digital phones, cannot, so we check each model before you buy anything.
How do Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act apply to a cloud phone system?
Kari's Law requires that anyone can dial 911 directly without a prefix, and that a central point such as a front desk is notified when 911 is called. RAY BAUM'S Act requires a dispatchable location, meaning the street address plus details like floor or suite, to be sent with 911 calls. We configure emergency addresses, notifications and remote-worker locations in Zoom Phone or Teams Phone as part of every rollout.
Can you migrate us off our Avaya IP Office system?
Yes. Neteam has supported Avaya IP Office in New York since 2001, so we can document your existing programming, port your numbers and move users in phases. If you are not ready to move, we continue to support your Avaya system, and a Teams Direct Routing hybrid can keep both running side by side during the transition.
Will our current internet connection handle VoIP calls?
Often it will, but it needs to be checked. We test bandwidth, jitter, latency and packet loss, configure quality-of-service so voice gets priority, and review firewall and Wi-Fi settings. If the cabling or switching is the problem, our own low voltage team can fix it.
