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Ensuring Microsoft Teams Reliability with Towner Solutions

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Ensuring Microsoft Teams Reliability with Towner Solutions

Why Microsoft Teams Reliability Matters

Microsoft Teams has become a lifeline for businesses, enabling collaboration, productivity, and seamless communication across departments, offices, and even global locations. With Teams being a primary channel for video meetings, chat, and file sharing, its reliability is essential. So, what happens when Teams goes down?

In 2024 alone, Microsoft Teams faced multiple high-profile outages that disrupted communication for thousands of businesses. These incidents underline how essential it is to keep Teams reliable and minimize downtime. Let’s dive into how Towner Communications offers proactive solutions to help businesses of all sizes stay connected, prevent disruptions, and get the most from their Microsoft Teams setup.

At Towner, our mission is to ensure your Microsoft Teams environment is robust, stable, and ready for anything. We understand that whether you’re running a manufacturing line, supporting patients in healthcare, or serving clients across financial branches, reliable communication matters. Let’s explore why reliability is crucial and how Towner’s solutions prevent the headaches, productivity losses, and client frustrations that come with unexpected downtime.

The Real Cost of Microsoft Teams Downtime

When Teams or any major communication tool goes down, the impact goes far beyond a minor inconvenience. Consider these statistics:

  • Average Cost of Downtime: According to a 2024 study by Gartner, downtime can cost companies up to $5,600 per minute, depending on the business size and industry.
  • Loss of Productivity: For every hour of downtime, businesses lose thousands of dollars in productivity. Manufacturing companies, for instance, may face production halts that ripple through the entire operation.
  • Impact on Client Trust: In industries like finance and healthcare, communication issues can erode client trust, impact patient care, and potentially harm long-term client relationships.

Each Microsoft Teams outage in 2024 reminded businesses of how vulnerable they can be without a proactive support system. For instance:

  • January 26, 2024: A Teams outage affected thousands of users globally, leading to significant communication delays. Read more on this from CBS News.
  • October 10, 2024: This outage disrupted Outlook, Teams, and the 365 suite, causing widespread issues that rippled across industries. Read more on this from New York Post.

These incidents underscore the importance of a solid support structure—one that can proactively prevent disruptions. That’s where Towner Communications steps in.

Real-time network monitoring to avoid Microsoft Teams downtime

Solution #1: Proactive Microsoft Teams Network Monitoring

What Is Network Monitoring, and Why Is It Crucial?

Towner’s Microsoft Teams Network Monitoring service keeps a 24/7 watch on every network path that connects your business locations to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. This tool continuously monitors for issues like latency, packet loss, and jitter, helping us ensure that your network is at peak performance.

Think of it as having a “health monitor” on your network. This monitoring solution is designed to detect issues before they disrupt your operations, giving your team a reliable communication experience with minimal interruptions. Here’s why proactive network monitoring is essential for every business:

  1. Real-Time Issue Detection
    When a problem arises, Towner’s network monitoring detects it in real-time. This early detection means we can address latency, quality issues, or connectivity problems before they escalate. By catching these issues early, we keep your Teams communication smooth and clear.

  2. Quick Troubleshooting
    Often, it’s unclear whether a network issue originates from internal systems or external providers. Our monitoring identifies where the issue lies, making it easy to resolve without unnecessary delays. This is especially valuable for multi-location businesses where rapid troubleshooting minimizes disruptions across all locations.

  3. Minimized Downtime for Maximized Productivity
    Downtime doesn’t just cost money—it disrupts your team’s productivity and client relationships. Towner’s proactive approach helps avoid downtime, ensuring that your communication systems stay reliable.

Real-time network monitoring to help manage Microsoft Teams downtime

Real-Life Scenario: How Network Monitoring Saves the Day

Imagine a healthcare facility where seamless communication is crucial for patient care. With Towner’s monitoring, we catch minor network issues before they affect communication. By solving the problem early, the healthcare team continues to connect, communicate, and care without missing a beat.

Ready to keep Teams running smoothly? With Towner’s network monitoring, you gain more than just a tool—you gain the peace of mind that your Teams setup will stay reliable when you need it most.

Solution #2: Elevate for Teams Advanced – The Ultimate Microsoft Teams Add-On

What Is Elevate for Teams Advanced?

Our Elevate for Teams Advanced solution integrates advanced calling and SMS capabilities directly into your Microsoft Teams interface. This powerful add-on allows your employees to make high-quality calls, manage call queues, and send SMS messages—all without leaving the Teams environment. By streamlining communication, Elevate for Teams Advanced helps your business reduce costs, increase productivity, and simplify workflows.

For companies with complex communication needs, Elevate for Teams Advanced eliminates the need for separate phone licenses, saving time and money. Here’s how this solution addresses the unique needs of various industries:

  1. Cost-Effective Communication
    Say goodbye to the need for additional phone systems or separate licenses. By integrating voice and SMS directly into Teams, Elevate provides an all-in-one solution that helps reduce costs without sacrificing functionality.

  2. Seamless Scalability for Growing Businesses
    Whether you’re a multi-location financial firm or a manufacturing company, Elevate for Teams Advanced scales with your needs. Adding users is simple, making it ideal for organizations with evolving communication requirements.

  3. Enhanced Productivity and Simplicity
    Keeping everything within the familiar Teams environment streamlines communication across locations, improving collaboration and efficiency. With Elevate, your team can manage calls, texts, and client interactions all in one place, boosting productivity across the board.

Towner Communications 24/7 Support for Teams Reliability with Elevate Teams Advanced

Case Study: How Elevate for Teams Advanced Drives Efficiency

Consider a multi-location financial firm that’s using Elevate for Teams Advanced. Before Elevate, they relied on a separate VoIP system, leading to inefficiencies and delays. With Elevate, the firm manages calls, client interactions, and branch-to-branch communication within Teams, reducing costs and increasing response time to clients.

Discover how Elevate can transform your Teams setup and give your organization a more effective way to communicate and collaborate, no matter where they are.

Why Towner Communications Is Your Go-To for Microsoft Teams Reliability

With 24/7 local support and a team of telecom experts, Towner Communications is your trusted partner for maintaining a reliable, resilient Microsoft Teams environment. We understand that every business is unique, and our solutions are tailored to meet each client’s needs—whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, or beyond.

Benefits of Choosing Towner Communications

  1. 24/7 Local Support
    With Towner, you have around-the-clock access to a dedicated support team that understands your business, systems, and industry-specific challenges. When an issue arises, we’re ready to jump in and resolve it quickly.

  2. Proactive Problem Solving
    We don’t wait for problems to reach a crisis point. Our team actively monitors your Teams environment to identify and address potential issues before they impact your operations.

  3. Custom Solutions for Every Business
    We understand that healthcare facilities have different communication needs than financial firms. Towner’s solutions are flexible and adaptable, ensuring that every business has the tools it needs to stay connected, efficient, and reliable.

Future-Proof Your Microsoft Teams with Towner

Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool, but keeping it reliable requires proactive support. Towner’s Microsoft Teams Network Monitoring and Elevate for Teams Advanced solutions help businesses avoid the productivity losses, client frustrations, and financial impacts of unplanned downtime. With our team at your side, your Microsoft Teams environment will be ready for anything—stable, scalable, and built to support your growth.

FAQs About Microsoft Teams Reliability

FAQs About Towner Communications

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Microsoft Teams Office 365 Connectors End Impact and Your Teams Solution

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Microsoft Teams Office 365 Connectors

On August 15th, 2024, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Office 365 Connectors. If you rely only on Microsoft Teams as your phone solution, this change could throw a wrench in your works. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive into what this means and how you can stay ahead of the game.

Understanding the Impact

Office 365 Connectors have been the glue holding together various third-party services and applications with Microsoft Teams. Their discontinuation could disrupt your seamless workflows and integrations. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Integration Disruptions: Without Office 365 Connectors, integrating third-party services with Teams might become a headache, affecting your workflow and efficiency.

  • Loss of Automated Workflows: Many rely on Connectors for automated workflows like notifications and updates from integrated services within Teams. You’ll need to find alternative ways to manage these workflows.

  • Need for Alternative Solutions: Start exploring new integration methods, such as Power Automate, custom apps, or third-party connectors from the Teams App Store.

  • Potential Increased Costs: Implementing alternative solutions might mean shelling out more for new tools or custom development.

  • Migration Efforts: Transitioning to new platforms or solutions will require time and effort from your IT team.

  • User Training and Adaptation: Your team will need training on new workflows and tools, which might temporarily impact productivity.

Specific Impacts on Teams as a Phone Solution

  • Call Management Integration: Say goodbye to seamless integration with third-party call management tools (like CRM systems) if they relied on Connectors.

  • Notification Systems: Custom notifications and alerts related to call activities might stop working. You’ll need to set up alternative systems.

  • Automated Responses: Workflows for call routing, responses, or follow-ups will need reconfiguration using tools like Microsoft Power Automate.

  • Call Analytics: Integrations with analytics tools tracking call metrics could be disrupted. You’ll need other methods to get insights from your call data.

  • Third-Party Phone Solutions: Users leveraging third-party phone solutions integrated with Teams via Connectors might face interruptions or need reconfiguration.

  • Custom Communication Workflows: Bespoke communication workflows relying on Connectors will need re-engineering, which could be resource-intensive.

How Towner Can Help Mitigate the Impact

At Towner we get it. Changes like this can be a hassle, and if you’re not already on one of Towner’s Microsoft Certified Teams Solutions,  things will get real hairy! But no worries, we’re here to make the transition smooth and painless. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment: We’ll audit your current integrations and dependencies on Office 365 Connectors to spot potential disruption areas.

  2. Customized Integration Solutions: We’ll design and implement alternative integration methods tailored to your needs, using direct API integrations, Microsoft Graph, or third-party connectors.

  3. Workflow Automation: Our team will help recreate essential workflows and automations using tools like Microsoft Power Automate to ensure continuity.

  4. Vendor Collaboration: We’ll work with your third-party vendors to ensure continued integration and support, minimizing potential disruptions.

  5. User Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and support to help your team adapt to new tools and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition.

  6. Ongoing Monitoring and Optimization: Post-migration, we’ll monitor the performance of new integrations and workflows, making necessary adjustments to optimize functionality and efficiency.

By partnering with Towner, you can ensure that your transition away from Office 365 Connectors is seamless and that your Teams phone solution remains robust and effective.

At the End of the Day…

The end of Office 365 Connectors marks a significant shift for Microsoft Teams phone solution users. However, with careful planning, exploring alternative solutions, and thorough user training, organizations can navigate this change effectively. Continue leveraging the robust communication and collaboration capabilities of Microsoft Teams without disruption.

 

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Brace Yourself: The Next Microsoft Teams Outage Is Inevitable – Are You Prepared?

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Brace Yourself: The Next Microsoft Teams Outage Is Inevitable – Are You Prepared?

Microsoft Teams outages happen, and when they strike, they can disrupt entire organizations, especially those that heavily rely on the platform. Recent outages have shown us that being unprepared can spell disaster for businesses. But don’t worry—Towner is here to help you brace for impact. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to expect the unexpected, with insights on early detection, strategic planning, and how our Microsoft Teams Monitoring Solution  can keep you ahead of the game. Ready to safeguard your business? Let’s dive in.

KEY POINTS:

  • Outages Are Inevitable: Microsoft Teams outages will and do happen due to the scale of digital services. Preparation is essential.

  • Importance of Being Prepared: Instead of scrambling during an outage, having a proactive plan in place will help manage the impact effectively.

  • Early Detection is Crucial: Tools like Towner’s Teams Monitoring provide early alerts and detailed insights, enabling organizations to respond quickly to outages.

  • Detailed Monitoring and Alerts: Towner’s monitoring offers precise information on affected services, impacted locations, and specific features, aiding in targeted responses.

  • Proactive Problem Management: Early alerts from Towner allow businesses to execute backup plans immediately, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity.

  • Strategic Planning: Businesses should have contingency plans to maintain operations during outages, ensuring alternative communication lines and processes are ready.

  • Free Readiness Assessment: Towner offers a free 20-minute Microsoft Teams Outage Readiness Assessment to help businesses identify and address potential challenges during downtime.

Microsoft Teams Outage Monitoring and Dictation 

When Teams isn’t working, it’s not always their fault. There are countless reasons. So, how does your company prepare for an inevitable outage that’s beyond your control? Don’t scramble to fix things on the fly—that never ends well. Instead, expect the unexpected. It sounds simple, and with the right approach, it can be. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the next Teams outage:

  • Understand the potential causes of Teams issues.
  • Implement proactive network monitoring to catch problems early.
  • Have a contingency plan in place for unexpected outages.
  • Use detailed performance metrics to quickly identify and address issues.
  • Communicate effectively with your team during downtime to minimize disruption.

Jan 6th Microsoft Outage

Microsoft Isn’t Perfect

Microsoft Teams outages do happen. When they do, it can be a serious challenge for organizations, especially those heavily reliant on the platform. On July 21st, 2022, and again on January 26th, 2024, significant outages impacted Teams and other Microsoft 365 services. For businesses that depend on these tools, being unprepared can spell disaster.

We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Outages are inevitable. It’s not a question of if, but when. With digital services operating at Microsoft’s scale, regular Teams outages are bound to occur over the next few years. Now that you know it’s going to happen again, what are you going to do about it? Don’t wait for an outage to disrupt your entire organization—get ahead of it.

Brace for Impact

Think of it like bracing for impact. You can’t fix Microsoft’s problems, but your team can be ready to manage the fallout. Identify who will be immediately impacted and establish alternative communication lines. Your business systems and processes will dictate how you create cover for Teams.

Having a plan in place is crucial, but early detection is key. That’s where Towner’s Teams Monitoring comes in. It helps organizations not just react to outages but anticipate them. With detailed alerts specifying affected services, impacted locations, and specific features, your IT team can respond quickly and effectively. Towner customers were alerted to the latest outage a full half-hour before Microsoft announced it, allowing them to execute their backup plans without wasting precious time troubleshooting.

Outages might be unexpected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Get the coverage you need to react fast and protect your business. It’s that simple.

Do you have a contingency plan for when Teams goes down? Is your company ready for the next Microsoft Teams outage?

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Get a free 20-minute Microsoft Teams Outage Readiness Assessment to identify your challenges during downtime and address visibility gaps.

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Towner: Your Premier Microsoft Teams Certified Partner for Unmatched Business Solutions

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Microsoft Teams Certified Partner

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve means leveraging the best tools and partners available. We at Towner are thrilled to announce that our partner, Intermedia, has achieved a significant milestone, solidifying their position as a leader in delivering top-notch customer experiences. With their latest Microsoft Certification, Intermedia continues to prove why they are an industry frontrunner, and we, as their premier partner, are excited to bring these unparalleled solutions to you.

What Being A Microsoft Teams Certified Partner Means for Your Business

As Intermedia’s premier partner, Towner now offers you the best-in-class solutions that are Microsoft Teams Certified. This certification is not just a badge; it’s a testament to the rigorous standards and exceptional capabilities that Intermedia brings to the table. Here’s why this matters:

Seamless Integration:

Microsoft Teams Certification ensures that the solutions we provide integrate flawlessly with Microsoft Teams, enhancing your business communication and collaboration.

Reliability:

Certified solutions provide you with robust, reliable, and secure tools, all tested and verified by Microsoft.

Enhanced Customer Experience:

Intermedia’s certified solutions streamline your customer interactions, making them more efficient and ensuring better satisfaction and loyalty.

The Power of Partnership

Partnering with Intermedia allows Towner to offer you a comprehensive suite of solutions that are both innovative and trustworthy. Our collaboration means you benefit from:

 Cutting-edge Technology:

Access to the latest advancements in customer experience management.

Expert Support:

Our teams are trained and equipped to support your business needs, ensuring you get the most out of your technology investments.

Scalability:

As your business grows, our solutions can scale with you, providing the flexibility needed in today’s dynamic market.

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Why Choose Towner?

At Towner, we pride ourselves on being more than just a service provider. We are your partners in success. Here’s what sets us apart:

Industry Expertise:

With years of experience and deep industry knowledge, we understand the unique challenges businesses face today.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Your success is our priority. We work closely with you to tailor solutions that meet your specific needs.

Proven Track Record:

Our partnership with Intermedia and Microsoft Teams Certification speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence.

In a world where customer experience can make or break a business, having the right tools and partners is crucial. With Towner and Intermedia by your side, you’re not just getting certified solutions; you’re getting a team dedicated to your success.

Ready to take your business to the next level with Microsoft Teams Certified solutions? Contact us today and discover how Towner can help you deliver exceptional customer experiences

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Boost the power of Microsoft Teams with the enterprise-grade Cloud PBX of Elevate

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Better Together
Collaborate in Teams. Call from Teams using Elevate

Seamless to End-User
Familiar Teams Interface and minimal user training 

Complete Support
Support from local experts who ready to help seamlessly add the power of Elevate cloud-based, enterprise-grade PBX to Microsoft Teams giving your business the communications features it needs directly within the Teams applications. Get the reliability and features your business deserves from local support experts you can trust. 

MICROSOFT TEAMS AS YOUR COLLABORATION HUB:

Use Microsoft’s collaboration tools to manage chat, file sharing, and video conferencing. 

NATIVE VOICE INTEGRATION WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS:

Seamlessly add Elevate enterprise-PBX features to Microsoft Teams with no additional employee training required. 

ELEVATE ENTERPRISE-GRADE PBX:

Greet and route callers to the right person or department and make external calls directly from the Microsoft Teams dialer through the Elevate cloud PBX.

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