What You Should Know About the Cloud Communications Partnership Between Microsoft and Avaya
Last month, Microsoft and Avaya announced that they have formed a strategic partnership with the goal of creating cloud communication solutions that enhance both customer and employee experiences. If you already utilize Microsoft and/or Avaya solutions or are considering doing so, here’s what you should know about this development.
1. What does the partnership between Microsoft and Avaya involve so far?
Avaya OneCloud Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) now integrates with Microsoft Azure Communication Services (including video, voice, chat and SMS features), according to a press release from Avaya.
Additionally, the two providers have enhanced the integration between Azure and Avaya OneCloud Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) in the following ways:
- Integration between Microsoft Dynamics and OneCloud CCaaS
- Global expansion of the availability of Azure-hosted OneCloud CCaaS
- Certification of Avaya SBCs for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Media Bypass
- OneCloud CCaaS native integration with Microsoft Teams
2. Why have Microsoft and Avaya joined forces to develop cloud communication solutions?
In the release, Anthony Bartolo – executive vice president and chief product officer for Avaya – stated that the suppliers have formed this cloud communications partnership because clients running Avaya OneCloud Contact Center in Microsoft 365 and Azure have requested a more unified experience.
“Together we are providing true integration, spanning not just the contact center application itself but also the underlying communication platforms,” Bartolo said in the release. “Additionally we will be implementing Microsoft’s powerful AI capabilities via Azure Cognitive Services. Avaya’s market-leading solutions in Cloud Contact Center combined with Microsoft’s presence in cloud collaboration is compelling for existing and new customers alike.”
3. What are their plans for the future?
Avaya and Microsoft have crafted and intend to carry out a unified global go-to-market and co-selling plan, according to the release from Avaya.
Paul Lang, the head of contact center solution marketing for Avaya, has indicated that there are more integrations to come, according to the Channel Futures article “Avaya, Microsoft Enter Strategic Relationship for Cloud Communications Integration.”
If you have any other questions, our team is available to assist you. As both an Avaya partner and Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, we can offer guidance on solutions from both suppliers and help you determine which products are the best fit for your business.
For details, give us a call at 877-598-3999 or email sales@convergedsystems.com.
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