BT, Microsoft partner to enhance voice calling

London-based telecom provider BT partnered on Thursday with Microsoft to enhance enterprise voice calling, security, and industry-focused services in various sectors. 

The new agreement will allow BT to switch its global managed voice services to the cloud and deliver them directly through Microsoft Teams. 

Microsoft’s Operator Connect plan, that supports telecom operators adding their calling plans to Microsoft Teams, will help the British partner to create new business models and revenue streams. 

According to Microsoft’s blog post this deal “paves the way for the development of revolutionary new cloud-based products and services for BT’s voice customers and the wider telecoms sector.” 

As for cybersecurity part of the deal, the pair will work together to build and launch a new generation of managed security services that will enable and secure the modern collaborative workplace. 

The British provider will team up with the U.S. tech giant to create unique security propositions to protect clients’ operations in the cloud as well as its own IT infrastructure. 

“BT and Microsoft are at the forefront of innovation in global digital platforms and connectivity that will take technology and communication beyond limits,” Bas Burger, CEO of Global at BT, and executive sponsor of BT’s partnership with Microsoft said in a joint statement.  

“This partnership will ensure all of Microsoft’s solutions work ‘Best on BT’ and support both companies’ commitments to improving digital skills in the community,” Burger added. 

In parallel, Omar Abbosh, corporate vice president of industry solutions at Microsoft, considered the partnership as the “start of an exciting, shared journey of innovation and collaboration that will shape the future of telecoms.” 

Abbosh further explained that BT can use Microsoft’s cutting-edge tools to develop new communications services that meet the needs and demands of today’s customers. 

It is worth mentioning that the number of users of BT’s managed Microsoft Teams collaboration service has almost doubled during the past 12 months, according to the pair.