With the advent of the internet, the last three decades have allowed constant exploration and discovery in terms of the ways that people can use the internet to communicate. Each year more companies are exploring new software solutions that bring teams together, optimizing communication in the workplace to create a more efficient workflow for companies around the world.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) began development in the 70s, but rose to fame in the 1990s when VocalTec, the first Internet Phone Software, was released. Ultimately, this service established VOIP has we know it today – allowing users to record, compress, and translate digital voice packets over the internet.
Development continued into the early 2000s, increasing call quality and usability, allowing the service to become a more realistic alternative to the traditional telephone system. This new technology also allowed users to make long-distance calls while also avoiding the additional charges that accompany them. VoIP companies Skype and Vonage emerged as early competitors, but new technology would once again shift the course of digital communication.
The mobile smart phone revolution placed incredibly powerful internet-connected mobile devices in the hands of millions around the world seemingly overnight. As businesses adopted the new mobile-focused approach, the superiority of mobile and the defeat of traditional phone systems became clear. In this mobile-centric environment, VoIP was – and is – primed to thrive. One of the “new kids on the block”, Microsoft Teams, stands out from the competition.
Legacy mobile VoIP apps were developed in reaction to shifts in the industry. These development teams saw an opportunity to develop new technology, but their focus remained on the technology. Microsoft, on the other hand, saw a need for a suite of powerful collaboration tools. When integrated with other apps offered in the Office 365 suite, Microsoft Teams emerges as the ultimate space for digital team collaboration. Once these tools had been created, user-to-user voice calls were integrated followed by the addition of Phone System – a full integration of Microsoft Teams as the company’s phone line (all powered by groundbreaking VoIP technology).
By creating a digital workspace that allows for real-time communication and collaboration between teammates, Microsoft has established Teams as the ultimate way for businesses to work both internally and externally, optimizing their time investments and creating a more streamlined form of communication for companies embracing the digital transformation.
