Operator Connect and Direct Routing both put a service provider's calling into Microsoft Teams. Operator Connect is Microsoft's program for certified operators; Direct Routing is core Teams functionality that runs through Microsoft-certified SBCs. TeamMate's Operator Connect Express gives providers a quicker entry to Operator Connect: their numbers go into Teams just like a certified operator's, without the certification.
For every integration path side by side, see UCaaS Microsoft Teams integration: every path compared. For the basics, see What is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?.
What is Operator Connect?
Operator Connect is Microsoft's program for operators. Certified operators connect through Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS) for Voice, customers assign their numbers in the Teams Admin Center, and certified operators get a card on the Teams Admin Center Providers page. Becoming one means onboarding with Microsoft, including readiness evaluations and an agreement.
What is Direct Routing?
Direct Routing isn't a program. It's core Teams functionality: you connect SIP trunks or a PBX to Teams through a Microsoft-certified SBC, and numbers and policies are assigned per tenant. Source: Microsoft's Operator Connect vs Direct Routing comparison.
Operator Connect vs Direct Routing vs Operator Connect Express
| Operator Connect (certified) | DIY Direct Routing | TeamMate Operator Connect Express | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft certification | Required: onboarding, readiness evaluations, agreement | Not a program | Not required; you're not a certified operator |
| Infrastructure | MAPS for Voice interconnect | Your Microsoft-certified SBCs | Provided by TeamMate |
| Your numbers | Yes | Yes | Yes, your DIDs and carriers |
| Numbers in Teams | Assigned in the Teams Admin Center | PowerShell or your own tooling | Added to Teams just like a certified operator's |
| Card on the Teams Admin Center Providers page | Yes | No | No (only certified operators are shown) |
| Time to launch | Microsoft's onboarding process | Your build | Days |
| Teams Phone license per user | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When to choose each
- Operator Connect (certified) if you want a card on the Providers page and have the resources for Microsoft's onboarding, MAPS peering and the service levels it requires.
- DIY Direct Routing if you have in-house SBC and Teams expertise and want to build and run it yourself.
- Operator Connect Express if you want a quick entry to Operator Connect, with your numbers in Teams like a certified operator's, live in days.
- Direct Routing as a Service if you'd rather manage routing in your own portal: SIP Trunk Connector automates Direct Routing with SBCs included. See Direct Routing as a Service for service providers.
Operator Connect Express: a quicker entry to Operator Connect
Operator Connect Express lets you bring your own DIDs and carrier relationships and get your numbers into Teams just like certified Operator Connect providers, without going through Microsoft's certification. You set up your environment with basic SIP trunk interop and can deploy in days. Numbers can be bulk uploaded or provisioned by API, and your staff assign them to customer organizations on the fly. You won't be a certified operator, and you won't get a card on the Teams Admin Center Providers page, which shows only certified providers.
Mix it with SIP Trunk Connector and PBX Connector in the same Teams tenant, and add Call Manager to turn number delivery into a managed Teams Phone service. TeamMate offers 9 products on one white-label platform.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Operator Connect and Direct Routing for a service provider?
Operator Connect is Microsoft's program for certified operators: you onboard with Microsoft, connect over MAPS for Voice, and customers assign your numbers in the Teams Admin Center. Direct Routing is core Teams functionality: you connect SIP trunks through a Microsoft-certified SBC and configure each tenant.
Do I need Microsoft certification to sell Teams calling?
Not for Direct Routing, and not for TeamMate Operator Connect Express. Becoming a certified Operator Connect operator requires onboarding with Microsoft.
What is Operator Connect Express?
A TeamMate product that gives service providers a quicker entry to Operator Connect. Providers use their own DIDs and carriers, and their numbers go into Teams just like a certified operator's. It deploys in days.
Is an Operator Connect Express provider a certified Operator Connect provider?
Operator Connect Express providers get their numbers into Teams the same way certified providers do, but they aren't certified Operator Connect providers and don't get a card on the Teams Admin Center Providers page, which shows only certified providers.
Do users need a Teams Phone license?
Yes. Users need a Teams Phone license with Operator Connect, Direct Routing, Operator Connect Express and SIP Trunk Connector.
Can I offer more than one option?
Yes. Operator Connect Express, SIP Trunk Connector and PBX Connector users can sit in the same Teams tenant.
