This month Pure IP, where I work as a Solutions Director, launched a new United States eVoc2 partner program.
eVoc2 is a program designed to support Microsoft drive to light up more Team Calling seats in the US using Operator Connect. It allows both existing telcos and non-telco Microsoft partners to sell Microsoft Teams Operator Connect to their customers, making ongoing margin on the sale, without having to run their own telco service or get approved for Operator Connect.
Microsoft Teams is growing rapidly with 275M active users, but right now, only 12M are active for Teams phone telephony; there is a large opportunity to enable many customers for Teams Phone.
Christopher Martini, Global Partner Solutions US for Modern Work at Microsoft, added, “Working with partners like Pure IP and their eVoc2 program will help them unlock the Teams voice potential and satisfy the customer demand. Pure IP has been a part of the Operator Connect program from the start, and we are excited to have them on board with this new initiative.”
There are two eVoc2 partner models:
- Telco Enable – For telco’s who have their own billing and delivery systems
- Partner Enabled – For Microsoft Partners/Managed Service Providers with no telephony service or infrastructure.
In both models, eVoc2 partners have access to a management portal, can generate quotes online, and access automated ordering and provisioning.
In the telco model, partners can bill the customers directly for their service and add their margin to the customer bill. There will be options for API integration and white labelling. The Telco will handle 1st line support, and Pure IP provide second line support.
In the Microsoft partner model, eVoc2/Pure IP can handle all billing to the customer and provide a margin for the eVoc2 partner. In this model, Pure IP will provide 1st line support for the service.
End Customers get Pure IP’s trusted and resilient cloud-based global voice network with cloud telephony for over 46 countries. Partners also have the option of reselling Pure IP’s wider voice services, including cloud enablement professional service, legacy integration, Direct Routing, Customer dedicated SBC as a Service, Microsoft Teams Survivable Branch Appliance Analog support and more. eVoc2 has access to all the services they need to provide a complete Microsoft Teams solution for their customers.
Do eVoc2 partners need to onboard to Operator Connect with Microsoft?
No, this is the main benefit of eVoc2. eVoc2 partners can provide Microsoft-certified and approved Operator Connect services to their customers but do not need to directly onboard to Operator Connect, which can be complex and expensive or take on any legal or technical responsibility for the telephony service.
You can be up and running as an eVoc2 partner in a matter of days.
Do eVoc2 partners need voice experience?
No, Operator Connect is a cloud service, so the eVoc2 partner does not need a deep understanding of Telephony. In the Microsoft Partner model, you will need a basic understanding of Teams Phone and Operator Connect from a sales point of view, but all technical aspects of the service can be handled by Pure IP. If your team need support and training with the sales side of Teams Phone, we have options to support you.
How does the customer’s tenant sign up for Operator Connect?
The customer will be enabled for the Pure IP Operator Connect service, but the customer relationship remains with the eVoc2 partner.
Can Telcos route their existing services into eVoc2?
No, this service is providing customers with Pure IP’s Operator Connect, though partners could mix and match it with their own telco services or direct routing directly to customers as appropriate for that customer.
Is eVoc2 available outside the USA?
eVoc2 is for US-based telcos and partners. Telephony services can be provided to end customers globally, but the partner’s primary location should be the US.
Who is technically and legally responsible for the service?
Pure IP remains the service provider and is responsible for the service both technically and legally. This is an important benefit to partners as global telecoms regulations, such as e911, can be very complex
How does customer support work?
eVoc2 telco partners will provide initial support first-line support to their customers, with Pure IP providing the second line. In the Microsoft partner model, Pure IP provide first and second line support.
What does eVoc2 stand for?
Enabling Voice with Operator Connect and the power of 2, i.e., the power of Pure IP and you, the partner.
Can eVoc2 partners resell other Pure IP telephony services?
In addition, Operator Connect, partners to the eVoc2 program can also benefit from access to Pure IP’s portfolio of other services, including cloud enablement professional service, legacy integration, Direct Routing, Customer dedicated SBC as a Service, Microsoft Teams Survivable Branch Appliance Analog support and more. eVoc2 has access to all the services they need to provide a complete Microsoft Teams solution for their customers.
To find out more, head over to Evoc2 (pure-ip.com) or feel free to contact me for a conversation.
