What You Need to Do After Deploying an SBC for Microsoft Teams

When you're knee-deep in Microsoft 365 and set to roll out a Session Border Controller (SBC) for Teams, there’s one crucial step that can't slip off your radar: purchasing a Calling Plan for users. You might wonder, "But isn’t that just another thing on the to-do list?" Well, yes... but hear me out!

Imagine you've got this fancy SBC acting as the superhighway connecting your Teams environment with the big, wide world of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). After deploying it, without a Calling Plan, it’s like having the coolest car in the world but no fuel to drive it! So, what’s a Calling Plan? It's essentially a service that allows your users to make and receive calls beyond the Teams app, giving them the full phone experience.

Now, while you’re peering at the myriad tasks at hand—like assigning licenses, configuring VoIP settings, or crafting dial plans—those are important, sure. But let’s clarify, they can actually take a backseat, as they don’t follow the SBC deployment directly. Licensing is often something you’ll tackle first before you get into the nitty-gritty of telephony. VoIP settings? They often mesh with the SBC configuration right from the get-go, and dial plans? Well, they’re more about maneuvering call routes and user availability than that golden connection to the PSTN.

So here’s the thing: the action you need after SBC deployment is straightforward—purchase a Calling Plan. Why? Because it integrates seamlessly with Teams, letting you reap the full rewards of your SBC set up. By enabling users to dial out and take calls as if they were on a regular phone, you're turning your Teams installation into a full-fledged communication powerhouse.

Let’s not forget that having a well-rounded approach to your Teams telephony setup means you’re setting your organization up for success—users stay connected, calls go through, and everyone is happier! And honestly, in the realm of remote work and digital collaboration, it’s more important than ever to ensure your communication lines are as clear as your intention to foster connectivity.

In the end, it boils down to a blend of technical decision-making and strategic foresight. You wouldn’t build a house and forget to install the plumbing, right? Think of the Calling Plan as that plumbing—invisible but oh-so-essential! So, take that step, get the plans in place, and watch as your organization thrives in its communication efforts.