8×8 Unveils Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams

8x8 has unveiled its latest innovation, 8x8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, which seamlessly integrates PSTN calling directly into Microsoft Teams through 8x8's advanced Global ReachTM network. By joining forces with Microsoft through the Operator Connect program, 8x8 is revolutionizing communication by offering reliable calling, hassle-free deployment, and simplified management for Microsoft Teams Phone users.

“As a technology provider, it’s important to know what our customers need from their software solutions, especially as organizations consolidate their tech stack to allow them to fully customize and streamline their workflows for business success. We have introduced 8x8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams to provide customers with 8x8’s reliable network by adding PSTN calling directly in Microsoft Teams, to improve productivity and efficiency for organizations,” said Hunter Middleton, Chief Product Officer at 8x8, Inc.

In August last year, 8x8 revealed the updated version of the 8x8 Phone App for Microsoft Teams, which enables users to receive calls through the Teams calling window, contributing to a more intuitive user experience.

Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams benefits  

Through direct peering via Microsoft Azure, the solution ensures the highest standards of reliability and security, meeting all program requirements. Admins can also benefit from a streamlined support model and shared SLAs with Microsoft, ensuring seamless service delivery.

Whether it's flexible calling plans or a Teams-certified contact center, the offering also caters to diverse telephony and customer engagement needs. Moreover, free online calling allows organizations to communicate freely without worrying about additional costs.

In addition, users can enjoy the familiar Teams interface for all their communication needs, minimizing the learning curve and accelerating adoption across the organization.

With intuitive provisioning and user management tools integrated directly into the Microsoft Teams admin center, admins can streamline deployment processes and manage resources efficiently.

8x8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams offers extensive coverage, supporting local presence in 20 countries, including key markets like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

This cutting-edge solution is now available for an exclusive preview through 8x8's Early Access Program.

“We continue to work with partners to offer Microsoft Teams Phone customers flexibility to enable PSTN services and customer engagement capabilities in Teams. 8x8 is now the first Operator Connect partner to offer a contact center solution certified to integrate with Teams and we are pleased to work with them to offer customers choice in PSTN connectivity options,” said Taimoor Husain, Modern Workplace, GTM Strategy Lead for Operators at Microsoft.

At the beginning of the year, 8x8 introduced AI-powered video meeting capabilities to its XCaaS platform, signaling a key focus on innovation and delivering AI-driven solutions for contact centers and unified communications.