About This Guide This is the first article in our Microsoft Teams calling series by Klaas-Hendrik Romkes, Technical Consultant at Purple. This guide is for IT administrators and decision-makers who want to understand how Microsoft Teams calling works and what to consider before rolling it out across an organization. What Is Microsoft Teams Calling? Microsoft Teams calling replaces traditional phone systems (PBX) with cloud-based telephony. Users make and receive phone calls directly within the Teams application using their existing business phone numbers. The system connects to the public telephone network through a Session Border Controller (SBC), Operator Connect, or Microsoft Calling Plans. Understanding Default Settings When Teams calling is first enabled, Microsoft applies a set of default policies. These defaults are designed for general use but rarely match the specific needs of an organization. Understanding these defaults is the first step toward a properly configured environment. Default calling policy allows all users to make private calls Call forwarding and simultaneous ring are enabled by default Voicemail is automatically configured with standard greetings Music on hold uses the default Microsoft audio The 7-Point Configuration Checklist Before rolling out Teams calling to your organization, review these seven configuration points to ensure a smooth deployment: 1. Calling policies: Define which users can make external calls, forward calls, and use simultaneous ring 2. Dial plans: Configure number normalization rules so users can dial local numbers in familiar formats 3. Voice routing: Set up call routing through your SBC or Operator Connect for PSTN connectivity 4. Emergency calling: Configure emergency addresses and dynamic emergency calling for compliance 5. Auto attendants: Set up automated menus that route callers to the correct department or person 6. Call queues: Configure team-based call handling with overflow and timeout rules 7. Voicemail policies: Define transcription settings, greeting rules, and voicemail routing Common Pitfalls When Getting Started The most common mistake is deploying Teams calling with default settings and assuming it will work for everyone. Different departments have different calling needs. Sales teams need different routing rules than support teams. Reception desks need shared line appearances. Taking time to plan the configuration saves significant troubleshooting later. Next Steps In part 2 of this series, we cover personal call settings including simultaneous ring, overflow configuration, and voicemail setup. Purple helps organizations plan, configure, and manage Teams calling at scale. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.