Other Integrations, Operator Connect, DIY Direct Routing and TeamMate each fit different needs. Here's how they compare on connection types, what you can sell, certification, setup and branding.
Free 30-day proof of concept for service providers.
Operator Connect and Direct Routing are Microsoft's ways to bring calling to Teams. TeamMate lets you offer them, and more, from one platform.
| Feature | Other IntegrationsThird-party Teams integrations | Operator ConnectMicrosoft program for certified operators | DIY Direct RoutingBuild and run it yourself | TeamMateEvery connection type on one platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection types | PBX and SIP trunks. No Operator Connect Express option. | The operator's phone numbers and SIP trunks, connected to Teams Phone. | Your SIP trunks, through your own Teams-certified SBC. | Only TeamMate offers voice and messaging on one platform. |
| How PBX users appear in Teams | Varies by solution. | No PBX connection. | No PBX connection. | Each Teams user registers as a real PBX extension. See how it connects → |
| What you can sell | PBX and SIP trunk calling. | PSTN calling for Teams Phone, listed in the Teams Admin Center. | SIP trunking for Teams Phone. | Calling on your PBX, SIP trunking, Operator Connect Express numbers, SMS and MMS, chat federation, Teams Call Recording and AI Voice Agents. Plus the ACS Call App add-on for PBX Connector. |
| Microsoft certification | Required. | Yes. Technical, security, service and compliance reviews, then a partner agreement. | No program to join. The SBC must be certified for Teams. | Not needed. Operator Connect Express works without Microsoft certification. |
| Setup and automation | Automated setup. | Largely automated on the Microsoft side once certified. Point-and-click for customers. | You build and run it: SBC, public IP, DNS, FQDN, SSL certificate and PowerShell. | Automated Direct Routing and user provisioning. SBCs included in 9 Azure regions. Provisioning by API or bulk upload. |
| Branding | No branded voice apps available. | Operator-branded in Teams. | Fully yours. | Fully white-label, with a branded Teams app for PBX Connector, SMS Connector and ACS Call App. |
| Mix connection types in one tenant | Yes. | No. | Yes. | Yes. Combine PBX, SIP trunk and Operator Connect Express users in one Teams tenant. |
Swipe to compare all four →
A great fit for large carriers who want to be listed in Microsoft's Operator Connect directory, and have the resources for certification and its service level agreements.
Total control and total responsibility. Suits teams with in-house SBC and Microsoft Teams expertise.
PBX and SIP trunk calling in Teams, with automated setup and connection types mixed in one tenant. None have an Operator Connect Express option or branded voice app.
Offer every connection type from one white-label platform, including Operator Connect Express, with no Microsoft certification.
Both bring your numbers to Teams. The difference is where you manage them. More on Operator Connect Express →
| Operator Connect Express | SIP Trunk Connector (DRaaS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Bring your own DIDs/DDIs | Yes | Yes |
| User assignment | Teams Admin Center | TeamMate portal |
| DID/DDI routing | Teams Admin Center | TeamMate portal |
| Dial plans and policies | Teams Admin Center | TeamMate portal |
| Global Administrator role | Not required | Permissions required |
Put your PBX on the Teams dial pad.
Learn more →VoiceAutomated Direct Routing for your SIP trunks.
Learn more →VoiceOperator Connect provisioning, no certification.
Learn more →MessagingWhite-label SMS and MMS in Teams.
Learn more →MessagingChat between Teams, Slack and Webex.
Learn more →VoiceCompliance recording for calls and meetings.
Learn more →VoiceAI call answering in Teams.
Learn more →Add-onAdd-on to PBX Connector.
Learn more →Operator Connect is Microsoft's program for certified operators. Operator Connect Express gives you the same streamlined provisioning in Teams, with your own DIDs and carrier relationships, without the certification process.
No. You can offer Operator Connect Express, Direct Routing and PBX calling without Microsoft certification.
Yes. PBX Connector, SIP Trunk Connector and Operator Connect Express users can sit in the same Teams tenant.
No. SBCs are included, running in 9 Microsoft Azure regions.
Yes. TeamMate is white-label, and PBX Connector, SMS Connector and ACS Call App come with a Teams app that carries your brand.
See TeamMate in a live demo, or start a proof of concept with your own PBX, trunks or numbers.
Free 30-day proof of concept for service providers.