NTT strengthens strategic alliance with Microsoft

NTT, a global technology and business solutions' provider, has announced the next phase of its strategic alliance with Microsoft.

NTT has been selected as one of the launch partners for Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, bringing PSTN (public switched telephone network) calling to the Teams platform, providing integrated calling functionality to simplify business communications.

Now available, Operator Connect is a service that provides carrier-grade telephony and support services in 39 countries, with added extras such as compliance recording, dynamic E911, call queue and video interoperability.

NTT's Support and Managed Services capabilities also provides full lifecycle support to help clients activate holistic solutions across all workloads, including calling, collaboration, integrated customer experience, and productivity.

Being a launch partner for Operator Connect represents another key milestone in the strategic alliance between NTT and Microsoft. In 2019, the two companies committed to building a new generation of managed service offerings to enhance the employee and customer experience based on Microsoft 365, Microsoft Viva, and Azure Communications Services.

NTT's network fabric underpin these offerings, including its recently launched Private 5G solution, the first commercially available private LTE/5G "Network-as-a-Service" full-stack solution. The company says the alliance will provide clients with advanced agility, transformation, and automation for their business, helping them navigate the shift to a hybrid working model.

NTT says the development is the beginning of a co-lead investment of collaborative services, extending to Azure Communications Services, Mobility, and Microsoft Viva.

"We're proud to be strengthening our alliance with Microsoft and to be named as one of the first development partners to offer Operator Connect to Microsoft Teams customers," says NTT chief executive officer, Abhijit Dubey.

"We also guarantee full lifecycle support services, so clients can enjoy a consistent and seamless experience. The pandemic has completely changed the way we work, but has highlighted the importance of connectivity and communication. Operator Connect provided through NTT will allow businesses to connect and engage with their employees and clients no matter where they're working from."

Microsoft corporate VP of Modern Work, Jared Spataro, says that as a key strategic global partner, NTT has been an innovative and forward-thinking collaborator for Operator Connect.

"As we launch globally, NTT is already running the platform for several key clients and is providing high levels of advice, service, and support across 39 countries," he says.

"We continue to strengthen our alliance to make real advances in how we take Teams Phone to market and enable the hybrid workforce."