Microsoft Teams and Audio Conferencing: A Perfect Match

In today's working environment, there have been many requests made in regard to Microsoft Teams conference bridges. When you hold a license to Microsoft Teams, you will have the ability to host a meeting. However, anyone who participates in the meeting will need to use their computer speakers or their cell phone data to be a part of the audio conference. 

Audio conferencing is simply a meeting between two or more people in various locations using technology. Audio conferencing is different from the phone calls in a traditional setting because all the participants who are a part of the audio conference will have to dial into a central system. An audio conference does not involve direct dialing to the other participants. 

Why is Audio Conferencing Useful?

Today, more employees are still working from home or on the road, and this limits their ability to take part in Skype meetings and it can prevent them from being active in the Microsoft Teams app. Using a phone or other mobile device to attend a meeting is often the better option for many. Here are some reasons why audio conferencing will be the preferred option:

• Limited internet connectivity
• The participant was unsuccessful at joining the Skype meeting
• Audio conferencing is more convenient
• The meeting does not require video

Audio Conferencing vs. Video Conferencing

While video has certainly proven to be a great way to communicate, there are some people who are not quite comfortable using a video conference. Many participants may not feel prepared to use video or they may feel uneasy about showcasing their space.

Video conferencing generally requires one to be more prepared than audio conferencing does. An audio conference can be called at the last minute and the majority of the participants will be ready to dial in, unlike a video conference that will require more preparation.

Audio conferencing does not require you to have the best internet connection. An audio call can be made over lower quality connections without anything noticing a big difference. A video conference can be very difficult to manage if there is a poor connection. An audio conference call can be completed on multiple technological platforms without technical difficulties.

Microsoft Teams and Audio Conferencing

Before hosting an audio conference call through Microsoft Teams, it is important to make sure every participant will be using phones that are compatible with Microsoft Teams. Thankfully, Microsoft Teams is compatible with nearly every phone. Setting up a conference call through Microsoft Teams will require the following:

• Acquiring the appropriate licenses
• Acquiring service numbers, such as tolled numbers or toll-free numbers that all participants will use to sign in
• Configuring bridge settings and conference settings
• Assigning the dial-in numbers
• Sending invitations to participate in the audio conference call

Anyone who has been given the dial-in number and the conference ID will be able to join the meeting through Microsoft Teams. It will not matter if a participant is using the Microsoft Teams app or a phone, everyone will be able to hear the call. The maximum length of time for the meeting will largely depend on who is participating in the meeting and the type of authentication that was used.

A Microsoft Teams audio conference call has proven to be a workable communication option because it allows participants to be an active part of the meeting regardless of where they are. Video conferencing is not always an attainable solution. Through Microsoft Teams, businesses and organizations can still hold meetings that are feasible and effective. 

Is your business or organization prepared to make the transition to using Microsoft Teams? Do you need advice on how to make the transition to Microsoft Teams? For more information on Microsoft Teams and its features including audio conferencing, reach out to CallTower at the link below: