Microsoft's calling plans are expensive and limited
You invested in Microsoft 365 and Teams. To turn Teams into a phone, Microsoft's calling plans are a per-user add-on on top — and they don't include call recording (that needs an E5 license), have no native CRM integration, and can't send SMS. The things most businesses actually need cost more, or simply aren't available.
Recording needs an E5 license
Recording calls on Microsoft's calling plans means a pricier license tier.
No native CRM integration
Microsoft calling plans don't log calls to your CRM.
No SMS or MMS
Texting from your Teams number isn't available.
Ticket-queue support only
No dedicated account manager, no priority response.
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: same Teams, more features, lower all-in cost
Direct Routing connects your Teams environment to RingOffice's carrier network. Your team still uses Teams for everything — calls just route through RingOffice instead of Microsoft's calling plans, with recording, CRM and SMS built in. Tell us your team size and we'll show you exactly what it costs.
Users see zero change
Same Teams app, same phone numbers, same interface.
Call recording included
No E5 required — every call recorded, stored and searchable.
CRM integration out of the box
Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics and Zoho — all included.
SMS/MMS from your Teams numbers
Text from your business number inside Teams.
Everything Microsoft charges extra for — included
| Feature | Microsoft Calling Plans | RingOffice Direct Routing |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Per-user add-on on top of M365 | Lower all-in — get a quote |
| Call recording | Requires E5 license | ✓ Included |
| CRM integration | ✗ Not native | ✓ Included |
| SMS capability | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Advanced auto attendant | Basic only | ✓ Included |
| International numbers | Limited countries | ✓ 50+ countries |
| Number porting | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Implementation | DIY documentation | ✓ Managed (3–5 days) |
| Support | Ticket queue | ✓ Priority, dedicated |
| Contract | 12-month minimum | ✓ Month-to-month |
One business number, anywhere your team works
Remote staff, office staff and travelling executives all get the same calling experience. Teams desktop, Teams mobile or a desk phone — calls route to wherever they are.
Same number works at home, office or mobile
Transfer calls between devices without dropping
Presence synced across all devices
Business caller ID on personal mobile
One admin to manage everything
Your IT team already manages Teams. Direct Routing adds calling to the same Teams Admin Center — no new systems to learn and no separate vendor portals. RingOffice manages the SBC so it's not your problem.
Manage calling from the Teams Admin Center
Add/remove users through your existing M365 workflow
A single provider for Teams voice issues
RingOffice handles SBC management
How Teams Direct Routing actually works
Microsoft-certified infrastructure, professionally configured by RingOffice.
Teams phone system features Microsoft's calling plans don't include
All part of your managed RingOffice plan — no add-ons, no surprises.
Fully operational in 3–5 days
RingOffice handles the whole implementation — your team just uses Teams as normal on day one.
Discovery & planning
Review your Teams environment, document routing requirements, plan number migration and configure the Teams Phone System licensing.
Configuration & testing
Provision and configure the SBC, set up auto attendants and call queues, configure CRM integration, and test with pilot users.
Go-live & training
Cut over live calling, complete number porting in parallel, run a short training session, and hand over with documentation.
Which situation fits your organisation?
Growing teams already on Microsoft 365
You're already paying for Microsoft 365. Microsoft's calling plans would cost extra per user on top — and recording needs E5. With Direct Routing, RingOffice activates calling inside Teams with recording included, CRM integration ready and no E5 required.
- ✓No new apps — same Teams interface
- ✓CRM integration from day one
- ✓Call recording without E5
- ✓Managed setup in 3–5 days
RingOffice Direct Routing vs the alternatives
What you need before starting
Usually everything you already have.
What our customers say
“Can't say enough positive things about RingOffice. Our office switched from big blue to RingOffice's cloud service about a year ago and while there were issues during setup (we were setting up remotely), the helpful and friendly staff quickly diagnosed and fixed our issues. Plus, we're saving money and getting more service than with a traditional phone service.”
Ron Robichaud
Verified Google review
“I had a great experience with the RingOffice team. They helped us switch to a 3CX system smoothly. They were quick to respond, tailored the system to our needs, and were professional and friendly throughout. Highly recommended!”
Younan Younan
Verified Google review
“RingOffice has been great to work with! Their SIP trunks and 3CX hosting are rock solid, and their service people are helpful and responsive.”
Jake Cormier
Verified Google review
“Our small business has been with RingOffice for over 2 years. Their phone system has made our lives so much easier! We have a brick and mortar business and with the RingOffice set up we are able to use our phone systems without being tied to the office. Their support team is super helpful as well.”
Rhonda VanKleef
Verified Google review
“We have been with RingOffice for 2 years now. Since our change we have had exceptional service. They spend the required time with us to explain the VoIP service and answer our technical and non-technical questions. The service tracking system keeps us updated and they always follow up to ensure our issues are resolved.”
Brad McConnell
Verified Google review
“Switched from an on-site server and regular landline to VoIP phones on a cloud server and OneDrive for file share. They made the transition easy and stress free. Great company, highly recommend them.”
Bob Henley
Verified Google review
Questions buyers ask about Teams Direct Routing
What teams ask when turning Microsoft Teams into their business phone.
Turn Teams into your business phone — the right way
Tell us your team size and your Microsoft 365 setup — RingOffice will configure Teams Direct Routing with recording, CRM and SMS included and show you exactly what it costs.
GET A QUOTE NOW