🔎At a glance

• Global food manufacturing organisation
• Workforce distributed across multiple continents
• Migration to Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
• Global telephony infrastructure modernisation

🚨The challenge

The organisation required a scalable communications platform capable of supporting employees across multiple regions while ensuring uninterrupted service.

Key challenges included:

• Multi-region telephony requirements
• Need for highly available communications infrastructure
• Ensuring scalability for global expansion
• Reducing operational costs associated with legacy telecom systems

💡The approach

Advania implemented a Direct Routing architecture using its global HALO platform.

The solution included:

• Global telephony infrastructure across multiple data centres
• Highly available Session Border Controller clusters
• Microsoft Teams Direct Routing integration
• Multi-region connectivity for global workforce communications

☑️The outcome

The organisation now operates a resilient, scalable communications platform supporting its global operations.

Key results included:

• Reduced telecom costs and improved efficiency
• Global telephony coverage across multiple regions
• Highly available communications infrastructure
• Flexible platform supporting business growth

⚡️Why this matters

As organisations expand internationally, communications platforms must support global collaboration while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency. Direct Routing provides a scalable approach to modernising enterprise telephony for distributed workforces.

🔎At a glance

• Global manufacturing organisation
• Extensive network of international warehouses
• Legacy MPLS communications infrastructure
• Migration to modern cloud communications platform

🚨The challenge

The organisation operated a complex and fragmented communications infrastructure built around MPLS networks and legacy telephony systems across multiple global sites.

Key challenges included:

• High operational costs associated with MPLS connectivity
• Fragmented communications infrastructure across global locations
• Complex network architecture with multiple SBCs and ISDN circuits
• Limited collaboration capabilities across distributed teams

💡The approach

Advania deployed its HALO platform to centralise and modernise the organisation’s communications infrastructure.

The transformation included:

• Migration from MPLS networks to a modern SD-WAN architecture
• Centralised cloud communications platform
• Integration with existing IP phone infrastructure
• Microsoft Teams integration for collaboration and communicationThe outcome

☑️The outcome

The organisation achieved a significantly simplified and more efficient communications environment.

Key results included:

• Reduced infrastructure and network complexity
• Lower communication and maintenance costs
• Improved collaboration between global teams
• Centralised management of communications infrastructure

⚡️Why this matters

For global organisations, fragmented communications environments can create unnecessary complexity and cost. Centralised cloud communications platforms enable businesses to simplify operations while supporting collaboration across international teams.

🔎At a glance

• Global financial services organisation
• Highly regulated industry environment
• 5,000 users migrated
• Migration from legacy PBX to Microsoft Teams

🚨The challenge

The organisation needed to transition its telephony platform to Microsoft Teams while maintaining compliance with strict regulatory requirements and avoiding costly contract penalties with its existing telecom providers.

Key challenges included:

• Maintaining highly secure communications infrastructure
• Ensuring no downtime during the migration process
• Avoiding early termination penalties from existing carrier contracts
• Supporting large-scale migration across a global workforce

💡The approach

Advania implemented a Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) solution using its HALO cloud platform. This enabled the organisation to integrate Microsoft Teams with its existing telecom carriers while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The deployment included:

• Secure cloud telephony infrastructure
• Integration with existing carrier agreements
• Phased migration of 5,000 users to Microsoft Teams
• Hybrid support for both legacy and modern telephony environments

☑️The outcome

The organisation successfully modernised its communications infrastructure without disrupting business operations.

Key results included:

• Secure cloud telephony architecture aligned to regulatory standards
• Seamless migration of 5,000 users
• Avoidance of costly carrier contract termination penalties
• Improved cost efficiency and operational flexibility

⚡️Why this matters

For highly regulated organisations, communications transformation must balance innovation with compliance. This approach demonstrates how businesses can modernise communications while maintaining security, continuity and cost control.

🔎At a glance

• US-based IT training organisation
• Migration from legacy PBX to Microsoft Teams
• Hybrid telephony environment during transition
• Limited internal IT resources

🚨The challenge

The organisation wanted to modernise its communications platform by moving to Microsoft Teams. However, a full migration could not be completed immediately because some users still required access to the existing PBX environment.

Key challenges included:

• Ensuring zero disruption to business communications
• Running legacy PBX and Microsoft Teams simultaneously during migration
• Maintaining existing desk phone infrastructure
• Providing ongoing operational support with a small internal IT team

💡The approach

Advania implemented a Bring Your Own Trunk (BYOT) architecture using its global HALO platform to integrate the organisation’s existing telephony environment with Microsoft Teams.

This solution enabled:

• Integration between Microsoft Teams and the legacy PBX system
• Continued use of existing desk phones and telephony infrastructure
• A phased migration approach for users moving to Microsoft Teams
• Secure administration through role-based access controls aligned to ISO27001 and GDPRFollowing the migration, Advania also delivered ongoing Teams managed services and tenant support to assist the internal IT team.

☑️The outcome

The organisation successfully modernised its communications platform while maintaining full operational continuity.

Key results included:

• 90 users migrated to Microsoft Teams with no disruption
• Improved operational efficiency and reduced IT overhead
• Retention of existing telephony infrastructure where required
• Ongoing expert support for Microsoft Teams management

⚡️Why this matters

Many organisations cannot replace legacy telephony systems overnight. A hybrid migration approach enables businesses to modernise their communications environment while protecting operational continuity and avoiding unnecessary disruption.

Microsoft is extending the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements to the Teams Phone porting process in all markets. Teams administrators will need to submit general business information and supporting documents via Teams Admin Center before initiating a port-in request. This one-time process allows Microsoft to validate businesses and fulfill regulatory requirements, helping protect their phone services from misuse, such as spam calls and voice phishing (vishing).

If your organization has already completed the KYC onboarding (for example, when acquiring new telephone numbers), no further action is required, and you will not need to complete the process again. If you are unsure of the KYC status of your organization, please visit the Know Your Customer page in the Teams Admin Center to verify it and complete it if necessary.

When this will happen:

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Microsoft will begin rolling out this change early January 2026 and expect to complete by late January 2026.

How this affects yourorganization:

Who is affected: Teams administrators managing port-in requests for Teams Phone in all markets.

What will happen:

• Teams administrators must complete a KYC process in the Teams Admin Center before submitting port-in requests.
• Admins will be required to submit business information and supporting documentation.
• The vetting process typically takes a few hours but may take up to two business days.
• No port-in requests can be processed until the submitted information is validated.
• Existing telephone numbers are not affected.
• These requirements apply globally and are consistent across all Calling Plans markets.

What you can do to prepare:

• Complete the KYC process in advance by visiting the Know Your Customer page in the Teams Admin Center.
• Ensure your Teams administrators are ready to provide the following information:
  • Business email address
  • Company name
  • Tax ID, DUNS number, or Business Registration Number
  • Business address
  • A copy of the Business Registration, Registry Extract, or Articles of Incorporation
  • This process applies to all tenants, including those on free trials. No specific license tier is required to complete the KYC onboarding.

Despite its popularity, many teams are not making the most of Teams’ collaboration features, missing out on opportunities to boost productivity and efficiency. Drawing on our experience supporting organisations of all sizes, here are our top tips and insights for getting the best from Microsoft Teams. 

WHAT MAKES MICROSOFT TEAMS ESSENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION? 

• Reduces email overload: Instant messaging helps teams avoid crowded inboxes and communicate more efficiently. 
• Enables real-time teamwork: Multiple users can work on the same document at once, making collaboration seamless. 
• Supports hybrid working: Teams connects colleagues and clients across locations and devices. 
• Streamlines workflows: Integrations with other apps and tools create smooth, unified processes. 

HOW MICROSOFT TEAMS IMPROVES TEAMWORK 

CHAT AND MESSAGING 

• Persistent conversations keep chat history available, even if team members leave. 
• Rich communication options like emojis, GIFs, and reactions make messages more engaging. 
• Smart mentions allow users to tag colleagues, ensuring important messages are seen. 

FILE SHARING AND COLLABORATION 

• Real-time co-authoring lets teams edit documents together without confusion. 
• Autosave and version control keep everyone on the same page. 
• Integration with SharePoint provides secure, enterprise-level file management. 

CHANNELS AND GROUPS 

• Customisable channels help organise discussions by project, department, or topic. 
• Guest access allows secure collaboration with external partners. 
• Permissions management gives admins control over who can access information. 

COMMUNICATION FEATURES THAT STAND OUT 

• Audio and video calls: High-quality meetings with automatic optimisations. 
• Device continuity: Switch easily between desktop and mobile without losing your place. 
• Advanced call controls: Features like hold, transfer, and conference calling keep conversations organised. 

MICROSOFT ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATION 

• Calendar syncing: Schedule meetings and calls with Outlook integration. 
• In-app collaboration: Work together on projects without leaving Teams. 
• OneNote integration: Keep notes and action items organised and accessible. 

SMART NOTIFICATIONS AND ALERTS 

• Customisable alerts help users stay focused and avoid distractions. 
• Do Not Disturb mode allows for uninterrupted work time. 
• Priority messaging ensures urgent communications get through when needed. 

MAKING ONLINE MEETINGS MORE EFFECTIVE 

• Custom meeting templates help standardise meetings and improve security. 
• Role-based permissions give organisations control over access and participation. 
• Breakout rooms make meetings more interactive and engaging. 

INTELLIGENT TOOLS AND FOLLOW-UP 

• Automatic recording and transcription make it easy to review meetings. 
• AI-powered features, like Copilot, generate summaries and action items. 
• Searchable chats and channels help users find information quickly. 

BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY WITH TASK MANAGEMENT 

• Microsoft Planner integration helps teams track projects and assign tasks. 
• Microsoft To Do keeps personal and shared task lists up to date. 
• Automatic reminders ensure nothing falls through the cracks. 

CONNECTING BUSINESS APPLICATIONS 

• Power BI dashboards provide data insights directly within Teams. 
• Power Automate enables workflow automation, saving time on repetitive tasks. 
• Custom app development allows businesses to tailor Teams to their needs. 

THIRD-PARTY INTEGRATIONS FOR EVERY TEAM 

• Sales teams can connect with Salesforce or HubSpot. 
• Project managers can use Asana, Trello, or Monday.com. 
• Developers can integrate with GitHub, Azure DevOps, or Jira. 
•  

COMPLETING YOUR UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY 

Microsoft Teams Phone brings calling into the same platform, letting users make and receive calls from any device. This replaces traditional phone systems, reduces costs, and prepares businesses for the future. With enterprise-grade security and compliance, Teams Phone ensures your communications are protected. 

BEST PRACTICES FOR SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION 

• Set clear communication protocols and response times. 
• Use consistent channel naming and manage channel lifecycles. 
• Apply strong security policies for guest access and sharing. 
• Provide comprehensive onboarding and regular training. 
• Encourage peer learning with champion programmes. 
• Continuously review usage data and gather feedback to improve engagement. 

📌How is your organisation using Microsoft Teams to boost collaboration? 
Share your tips, ask questions, or tell us about your favourite features below. 

2. Cuts costs 
Using a single solution for all communications means fewer expenses for maintenance, upgrades, and vendors. Travel costs can also drop, as meetings and teamwork happen seamlessly online. 

3. Supports mobility and remote work 
Staff can stay connected whether they’re travelling, working from home, or meeting clients. This flexibility helps organizations hire talent from anywhere and keep everyone in the loop. 

4. Scales with your needs 
UC and UCaaS make it simple to add or remove users as your business changes, without needing specialist IT support. This flexibility suits growing companies, seasonal businesses, and those going through mergers or changes. 

5. Improves customer service 
Teams can access customer histories, hand over queries smoothly between departments, and offer communication channels that suit each customer. Real-time collaboration helps resolve complex issues quickly. 

6. Ensures business continuity 
UCaaS keeps communications running even if the office is closed. Features like automatic failover, distributed data centers, and device-agnostic access mean teams can stay connected whatever happens. 

7. Streamlines telephony 
Bringing telephony into the cloud means less equipment in the office and lower running costs. Staff can contact colleagues and customers easily, with a consistent experience across devices. 

8. Simplifies management 
Managing communications from a single platform makes life easier for IT teams. Centralized administration, automatic updates, and straightforward troubleshooting free up time for other priorities. 

9. Provides valuable insights 
UC platforms offer analytics on call volumes, collaboration, customer interactions, and system performance. These insights help businesses make informed decisions and improve processes. 

10. Prepares you for the future 
Modern UC solutions are ready to work with new technologies like artificial intelligence and automation. This means your communications strategy can evolve as your business grows. 

Unified Communications offer clear benefits: better productivity, lower costs, greater flexibility, and improved customer experiences. But success depends on having the right strategy and support. 

How is your team using Unified Communications to stay connected and work smarter💡 
Share your thoughts, ask questions, or tell us about your current challenges below. 👇 

With our simple self-service portal, you can deploy Microsoft Teams with full PSTN voice capabilities in just one click, no IT team required.

It’s fast, hassle-free, and ready when you are. Say hello to instant productivity and goodbye to setup stress.

Don't believe me, see for yourself…

Speak to one of our sales experts and see how we can help your organization go from purchase to productivity in minutes.

Microsoft Teams requires that Teams users behind applications such as queue applications require a phone system license and the user to be Enterprise Voice Enabled.

What is the change?

Effective September 30, 2025: 

• Teams users will still have the option to transfer calls to other Teams users manually even if they don’t have a PSTN phone system license. 
• Bot-initiated transfers and add participant requests to non-phone system enabled users will be blocked.  

What do you need to do?

• Review and update any applications that use the transfer and add participant APIs to make sure that they account for the new default behavior.  

This change is one that will affect any organization using Auto Attendants, Call Queues, or other automated calling workflows.

Resource accounts will now need a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) licence for outbound PSTN calls (for calling plans)

There are 3 use cases you may come across in your license base:

• I use Operator Connect: All methods of outbound PSTN calling will continue to be supported. All outbound PSTN calling methods are allowed and will continue to be post November the 1st 2025. No action required.
• I use Direct Routing: Microsoft has announced the changes will affect Microsoft Teams Calling Plans and Operator Connect. At the point of writing this communication there are no known changes for Direct Routing customers. We will continue to work closely with Microsoft and communicate if any new information is made available regarding Direct Routing. No action required.
• I use Microsoft Calling Plans: Get in touch with your M365 license provider and Teams tenant administrator to go over the impending changes. As of November 1st, 2025, Microsoft will require all Teams Applications used for outbound PSTN calls to have a Microsoft Calling Plans PAYG license to ensure calls continue to connect. Action required.

For the most up-to-date notification information, please check the Microsoft Message Cetner.

Did you know this change was coming? How are you preparing your organization for this change?

📌 Full list of supported regions:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.

This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting Microsoft's rigorous quality standards and the incredible work of our team.

Whether you're scaling global communications or enabling hybrid workforces, HALO Operator Connect is designed to help you move faster, smarter, and more efficiently: https://lnkd.in/dQiMs6jR

So if you're stuck with SharePoint, we help you make the most of it and our hosts, David Bowman, Fresh Product Director, and Jarbas Horst, Fresh Senior Product Manager, are back for Season 2 . Kicking things off with sharp insights and honest commentary on SharePoint, Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem, and the realities of intranet innovation.

In this season opener, they cover:

🔄 Microsoft’s page template rollback: A redesign buried custom templates and sparked community backlash, highlighting the power of user feedback.

🤖 AI quick actions & integration challenges: A new floating Copilot button offers quick access to AI tools but raises questions about third-party compatibility. David sees potential for Fresh to extend the experience.

🧠 ChatGPT-5 simplifies the AI landscape: Now integrated into both ChatGPT and Copilot, GPT-5 adapts to user prompts automatically, making AI more intuitive than ever.

💼 Advania UK’s recent successful acquisitions: A major milestone, with Fresh playing a key role in the group’s commercial strategy.

📣 SharePoint’s reputation & room for growth: Jarbas shares feedback from a recent conference… SharePoint still frustrates users but there’s growing interest in improving the experience.

🎯 Season 2 focus is balanced, real-world perspectives: David and Jarbas aim to bridge the gap between overly technical content and negative takes, sharing client stories that reflect both challenges and possibilities.

Upcoming episodes feature guests from our clients TD Bank and DLA Piper, exploring people-first intranet strategies and storytelling beyond migration.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 1 now and join the conversation - The reality of SharePoint intranets: Season 1 Wrapped

If you're new to Fresh, it's Advania’s award-winning AI-powered intranet solution, built on SharePoint and designed to work seamlessly within your Microsoft 365 environment to help your people connect, communicate, and find what they need.

Here’s what’s new in the Q3 2025 release:

Newsletter design gets a boost

Crafting standout newsletters is now easier than ever. Fresh introduces:

• Custom image headers and footers
• A new “Letter” layout for longer-form messages
• Grouping and headings for better structure

These updates help teams align content with brand identity and deliver messages with clarity and style.

Analytics that matter

Fresh now offers built-in newsletter analytics, giving you visibility into:

• Open and click rates
• Individual newsletter performance
• Engagement vs. delivery metrics

It’s a simple way to refine your strategy and demonstrate impact.

Intranet access via Microsoft Teams

No Viva Connections? No problem. The new Fresh Teams Intranet App lets users:

• Access intranet content directly in Teams
• Enjoy personalized landing pages
• Navigate multi-intranet setups with ease

It’s a flexible solution for organizations aiming to centralize the employee experience inside Teams.

What’s next?

This release is designed to help you communicate more effectively and bring your digital workplace closer to where work happens. More enhancements are on the horizon, stay tuned!

Existing Fresh customers can expect a deeper dive with their Customer Success Manager soon.

Discover Fresh’s Q3 2025 release

Staying connected across teams, locations and time zones has never been more important. As hybrid and remote work become the norm, businesses are turning to unified communications (UC) to simplify how people collaborate, whether they are in the office or working from home. 

UC brings together voice, video, messaging, email and conferencing into one platform. This makes it easier for teams to stay in sync, reduces the need for multiple tools and helps businesses work more efficiently. 

Let’s explore how UC is evolving in 2025, what’s driving its growth and how it’s helping organisations stay ahead of the curve. 

WHAT'S SHAPING UC IN 2025?

Hybrid work is here to stay 

More people are working remotely or in hybrid roles than ever before. In the UK, over a quarter of working adults now split their time between home and the office. This shift is pushing businesses to adopt cloud-based UC tools that support flexible working and keep teams connected. 

Cloud-first communication is on the rise 

Traditional phone systems like Private Branch Exchange (PBX) are being phased out. With the UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off on the horizon, many organisations are moving to cloud-based UC platforms. UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) offers a modern alternative that is more agile, scalable and cost-effective. 

Integration is key 

Businesses want more than just communication tools. They are looking for platforms that integrate with CRM systems, contact centres and other business apps. This helps streamline workflows and improve customer service. 

Telephony is catching up 

While many companies use UC for messaging and video, not all have connected their phone systems. Without PSTN integration, external calls are not possible. We can help bridge this gap, turning UC platforms into complete business phone systems. 

Smarter features powered by AI 

AI is making UC smarter. From real-time translation and meeting summaries to coaching tools for sales teams, intelligent features are enhancing how we communicate and collaborate. 

Security is non-negotiable 

With cyber threats on the rise, businesses need UC solutions that offer strong security. End-to-end encryption, identity protection and compliance tools are now essential. 

THE GLOBAL UC MARKET: WHERE THINGS STAND 

The UC market is booming. Globally, it was valued at over $136 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach nearly $600 billion by 2032.  In the UK, growth is even faster, with revenue projected to more than double by 2030. 

This growth is driven by the need for better productivity, cost savings and flexible working. Features like AI, analytics and seamless integration are also influencing buying decisions. 

WHO'S LEADING THE WAY?

• Microsoft leads the global market, thanks to the popularity of Teams and its integration with Office 365. 
• Zoom has expanded beyond video to offer full UCaaS capabilities. 
• Cisco continues to serve enterprise customers with tools like Webex and Jabber. 

Other players include Google, Slack, RingCentral and 8x8, each offering their own take on UC. 

Why businesses are embracing UC 

Better collaboration 

• Real-time availability helps teams make faster decisions. 
• Switching between chat, voice and video is seamless. 
• A consistent experience across devices keeps everyone productive. 

Lower costs 

• Say goodbye to expensive on-premises hardware. 
• One provider means simpler billing and fewer admin headaches. 
• Remote work reduces the need for office space and travel. 

Easier to manage 

• Admins can manage users and devices from one dashboard. 
• Cloud providers handle updates and maintenance. 
• UCaaS scales easily with your business without large upfront costs. 

TALKING COMMON CHALLENGES

• Implementation: Start small with pilot programmes and get help from managed service providers. 
• Legacy systems: Use integration tools and plan a phased migration. 
• User adoption: Involve staff early, offer training and celebrate wins.  
• Budget concerns: Focus on long-term savings and flexible pricing. 
• Call quality: Ensure your network is ready and choose vendors with strong SLAs. 
• Security: Check for certifications and align with your compliance team. 
• Vendor lock-in: Look for open platforms with flexible contracts. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

What exactly is unified communications (UC)? 
Unified communications refers to the integration of various communication tools such as voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, email and file sharing into a single, cohesive platform. This allows employees to collaborate more efficiently across different devices and locations. 

How is UCaaS different from traditional UC systems? 
UCaaS, or Unified Communications as a Service, is a cloud-based solution that delivers UC tools over the internet. Unlike traditional on-premises systems, UCaaS offers greater flexibility, lower upfront costs and easier scalability. It also reduces the burden on internal IT teams by shifting maintenance and updates to the service provider. 

What are the main benefits of adopting UC in a business setting? 

UC improves team collaboration, speeds up decision-making and supports hybrid work environments. It also helps reduce costs by consolidating communication tools, lowering infrastructure expenses and simplifying IT management. Additionally, UC platforms offer consistent user experiences across devices, which boosts productivity. 

What challenges might businesses face when implementing UC? 
Common challenges include integrating UC with legacy systems, managing change resistance among employees and ensuring reliable call quality. Budget constraints and concerns about data security or vendor lock-in can also be barriers. However, these can be addressed with proper planning, phased rollouts and choosing the right technology partner. 

How can businesses ensure a smooth transition to UC? 

Start with a clear implementation plan that includes a technology audit and stakeholder engagement. Use pilot programmes to test the system, provide hands-on training for staff and communicate the benefits clearly. It is also important to ensure your network is ready and to work with a provider that offers strong support and service level agreements. 

Join the conversation 

🔍Are you currently exploring unified communications for your team?  

🔝What is a priority for you?  Seamless integration, cost savings or support for hybrid work?  

⚙️ Have you faced any specific challenges during implementation, or found creative solutions that others could learn from? 

With HALO Operator Connect, you can:

• Quickly provision and port numbers
• Streamline Teams voice setup with simplified admin
• Improve voice quality and reliability, no extra equipment needed
• Benefit from resilient infrastructure and global coverage
• Get full support from Advania without needing to be a carrier

Whether you’re scaling fast or looking to optimise existing Teams telephony, HALO Operator Connect gives you the power and flexibility to do more with less.

Download the brochures to explore the full service offering:

Have questions or want to explore how this could work for your organisation? Let us know in the comments!

Advania’s Teams Tenant Management service helps you streamline the administration of your Teams environment covering voice policies, call routing, dial plans, DDI assignments, call queues, auto attendants, and more. We handle it all under a secure, role-based access control framework aligned with ISO27001 standards.

Whether you’re growing fast or just want peace of mind that your Teams setup is in expert hands, this service gives you expert support with zero hassle.

Explore the full technical overview here:

Questions? Drop a comment below or reach out, we’re happy to chat!