8x8 has launched a "next-gen" version of its Phone App for Microsoft Teams, offering native calling experiences and enhanced user performance.
The 8x8 Phone App is built on the vendor's direct routing service, connecting the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) with Teams to grant businesses the most cost-effective method to enable native calling in Teams without ancillary software, desktop plugins, mobile apps, or necessitating per user Teams Phone licenses.
Hunter Middleton, Chief Product Officer at 8x8, commented:
At 8x8, we are constantly looking for ways to innovate and provide our customers with the products and experiences that best fit their business and working needs. With the 8x8 Phone App for Microsoft Teams, we are providing our customers with the familiar Teams user interface coupled with our resilient, secure, compliant, and reliable technology on the backend."
This next-gen version is integral to the 8x8 for Microsoft Teams solution portfolio encompassing Teams 8x8 Contact Centre and the premier direct routing service solution, 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams. With over 350,000 8x8 Voice for Teams licenses sold, 8x8 offers Teams users global telephony capabilities, empowering organizations to optimize costs by assigning licenses based on user roles and business needs.
The Microsoft Teams solution portfolio is built on the 8x8 XCaaS (eXperience Communications as a Service) integrated cloud comms and contact centre platform.
"By providing a truly Teams native calling experience, we are not only offering a cost-effective option that improves productivity and efficiency, but it also enhances the overall user experience," Middleton added.
8x8 Phone App for Teams Feature Set
One of the solution's key features is cost-effective PSTN calling Teams for virtually all 8x8 X Series license holders at a more affordable level than the cost of licensing Teams Phone per user.
The offering includes an intuitive user experience without additional plugins or software installed on the desktop or mobile. All call activities can be managed within Teams, such as answering and conducting PSTN phone calls within the native Teams calling window on desktop, mobile, or the web. There is also complete call history and data across platforms.
