Telstra, Microsoft partner to deliver cloud voice services in Australia

Telstra and Microsoft have partnered to deliver native voice calling services from the Microsoft cloud with the launch of Telstra Calling for Office 365.

Available for Telstra’s Australian business customers from the middle of 2018, Telstra Calling for Office 365 lets customers easily and securely access cloud collaboration combined with voice infrastructure services, as Telstra calling plans are supported directly from Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams.

Interest in the product has been very strong with more than 200 Telstra customers taking part in a preview program over the last six months. In addition, over 30 Telstra customers and partners are currently participating in an Early Adopter Program and realising the benefits of moving their voice services to the cloud, with members of the trial group saying it empowers their employees to adopt a truly modern way of working.

Michelle Bendschneider, Executive Director of Global Products, Telstra, explained that employees want to connect in lots of different ways, but without the hassle of disparate systems.

“We are always looking for ways we can make it easier for our customers to connect. Telstra Calling for Office 365 brings the full scope of Office 365’s cloud productivity and collaboration apps – including video conferencing and meeting broadcast capabilities – alongside Telstra voice calling. By combining what have traditionally been separate collaboration channels, we’re helping to increase productivity while simplifying the experience for employees.

"We’re able to offer this unique solution for our customers thanks to our close partnership with Microsoft and deep mobility and connectivity expertise. It’s a great example of how we’re innovating from our core to deliver brilliant customer experiences – a perfect illustration of what a telco of the future looks like.”

Rachel Bondi, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Australia said, “We’re excited to be partnering with Telstra to bring this pure cloud offering to our customers in Australia and enabling all components of our modern workplace solution with the addition of voice services. Telstra Calling for Office 365 is a unique solution to enable cloud voice within Office 365 and is testament to the strong partnership our two organisations have built over many years.”

Dustin Kehoe, Director of Research for GlobalData Asia Pacific commented on the collaboration benefits of the solution for Enterprise customers.

“Office 365 plus Telstra’s voice network combines a carrier-grade service with Microsoft collaboration platforms. The result is a rich user experience. Business grade voice coupled with collaboration apps, like Office 365, will accelerate the migration from traditional services, such as an IP PBX, to the cloud.”