Managing Microsoft Teams in an organization entails navigating through a wide range of policies and settings, one of which is calling policies. In this article, we will discuss how to create, implement, and manage calling policies in Microsoft Teams with exam MS-700 in mind.
Outlined below are four key steps:
Step 1: Understand Calling Policies in Microsoft Teams
Calling policies in Microsoft Teams determine the calling features available to Teams users. These might include call forwarding, simultaneous ringing, voicemail, PSTN calling, and even call delegation. There are three default calling policies in Teams – Global (Org-wide default), Allow Calling, and Disallow Calling.
Here is a simple table explaining the three default policies:
| Policy Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Global (Org-wide default) | This is the built-in default policy and applies to all users. |
| Allow Calling | This policy allows all calling features. |
| Disallow Calling | This policy disallows all calling features. |
Step 2: Creating a Custom Calling Policy
Creating a custom calling policy in MS Teams is straightforward, and it can be done through the Teams admin center or using PowerShell.
A. Using Teams Admin Center
- Navigate to Teams admin center and sign in with an admin account.
- In the left navigation, go to Voice > Calling policies. Click Add.
- Enter a name and description for the policy. Adjust the settings to fit your organizational needs.
- Click Save.
B. Using PowerShell
First, establish a session with Teams using the following PowerShell cmdlet:
Connect-MicrosoftTeams
Then, create a new calling policy using the following PowerShell cmdlet:
New-CsTeamsCallingPolicy -Identity "Custom Policy" -AllowCallForwarding $true -AllowCallGroups $true
Replace “Custom Policy” with your preferred policy name. This example enables call forwarding and calling in groups.
Step 3: Applying Calling Policies to Users
Once the policy is created, you can assign it to users directly through Teams admin center or using PowerShell.
A. Using Teams Admin Center
- Navigate to Users, then select the user you want to manage.
- Go to Policies > Calling policy.
- Select the custom policy you have created then hit save.
B. Using PowerShell
Assign a custom policy using the following PowerShell command:
Grant-CsTeamsCallingPolicy -Identity
Replace “<UserID>” with the ID of the user and “Custom Policy” with the name of your custom policy.
Step 4: Managing and Modifying Calling Policies
As an admin, you can edit or remove any calling policies as needed.
To edit a policy, you can follow similar steps like when creating a new policy. In Teams admin center, instead of adding a policy, select the policy and edit the settings. In PowerShell, use the Set-CsTeamsCallingPolicy cmdlet.
For removing a policy, either choose the policy in Teams admin center and click Remove, or in PowerShell, use the following cmdlet:
Remove-CsTeamsCallingPolicy -Identity "Custom Policy"
Remember, creating and managing calling policies goes beyond just altering settings; it involves understanding your organization’s needs, compliances, and the experience you want to give your team members. Always approach changes with a full understanding of their implications. By effectively managing calling policies, you can enhance your Teams experience and customize it to your organization’s needs.
Practice Test
True or False: You can manage calling policies in Microsoft Teams from both the Microsoft Teams admin center, and the PowerShell.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Calling policies in Microsoft Teams can be managed through both interfaces – the Teams admin center, and PowerShell.
Multiple Select: Which of the following can be controlled by managing calling policies in Microsoft Teams?
- A) Call forwarding
- B) Call transfer
- C) Simultaneous ring
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Managing calling policies in Microsoft Teams allows you to control all listed settings including call forwarding, call transfer, and simultaneous ring.
True or False: You cannot assign calling policies to individual users in Microsoft Teams.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You in fact can assign calling policies to individual users in Microsoft Teams through user settings by navigating to the user’s account page.
Single Select: Which PowerShell cmdlet is used to apply a calling policy to a specific user in Microsoft Teams?
- A) Grant-CsTeamsCallingPolicy
- B) Apply-CsTeamsCallingPolicy
- C) Set-CsTeamsCallingPolicy
- D) All of the above
Answer: A) Grant-CsTeamsCallingPolicy
Explanation: The Grant-CsTeamsCallingPolicy cmdlet is used to apply a calling policy to a specific user in Microsoft Teams.
True or False: Custom calling policies can only be created via PowerShell.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Custom calling policies can be created both via PowerShell and from the Teams admin center.
Multiple Select: What factors can be determined through Teams calling policies?
- A) Who can make PSTN calls
- B) Who can receive calls
- C) Who can place a call on hold
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These factors can be controlled through the use of calling policies in Microsoft Teams.
True or False: It’s possible to set global (Org-wide default) calling policies in Microsoft Teams.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Teams allows administrators to set global (Org-wide default) calling policies.
Single Select: What is the default setting for Busy on Busy in Microsoft Teams?
- A) Disabled
- B) Enabled
- C) Depends on organizational settings
- D) No default
Answer: A) Disabled
Explanation: The default setting for Busy on Busy in Microsoft Teams is disabled.
True or False: You need to manually toggle on ‘allow calling’ for a Teams user before assigning a calling policy.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Teams does not require a user to toggle ‘allow calling’ manually before assigning a calling policy.
Multiple Select: Which of the following options are available for ‘Caller ID presentation’ in Microsoft Teams calling policies?
- A) Service Number
- B) Direct Routing Number
- C) Default caller ID
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Microsoft Teams supports Service Number, Direct Routing Number, and Default caller ID as possible options for ‘Caller ID presentation’ in its calling policies.
Interview Questions
What is a calling policy in Microsoft Teams?
A calling policy in Microsoft Teams is a set of call controls that dictate what a user is and isn’t allowed to do when making or receiving calls.
How do you create a calling policy in Microsoft Teams?
You create a calling policy by going to the Microsoft Teams admin center, selecting Voice, and then Call policies. You then click on Add, provide a name and description for the new policy, and set the policy settings as required.
Is it possible to assign a calling policy to a specific user in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, it is. You assign a calling policy to a user in the Teams admin center by going to Users, selecting the user, and then going to Policies where you can assign a policy.
How can I prevent a user in Microsoft Teams from making calls?
You can prevent a user from making calls by assigning them a calling policy where the “Make private calls” setting is set to Off.
What does the “Allow call forwarding” setting in a calling policy do?
The “Allow call forwarding” setting dictates whether a user is allowed to forward incoming calls to another number or contact.
What does the setting “Allow delegated calling” mean in calling policies?
The “Allow delegated calling” setting allows a user to delegate call handling, such as making and receiving calls, to another user.
Can one calling policy be assigned to multiple users in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, a single calling policy can be assigned to multiple users.
How do you delete a calling policy in Microsoft Teams?
You delete a calling policy in the Teams admin center by going to Voice, then Call policies, selecting the policy, and then clicking Delete.
Can I change the default calling policy in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, you can change the default calling policy by going to the Teams admin center, going to Voice, then Call policies, and editing the settings of the Global (Org-wide default) policy.
What happens if a custom calling policy conflicts with the global calling policy in Microsoft Teams?
If a custom policy conflicts with the global policy, the settings of the custom policy will override the global policy for any user to whom the custom policy is assigned.
Is it possible to enable Voicemail for specific users in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, by creating a custom calling policy and setting the “Allow voicemail” policy to On, you can enable Voicemail for specific users.
Can you control call transfer capabilities with calling policies in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, the ability to transfer calls to a number or contact can be controlled with the “Allow call transfer” setting in calling policies.
What is the function of Teams PSTN usage records when managing calling policies?
Teams PSTN usage records let administrators track the usage and cost of public switched telephone network (PSTN) calls made with Microsoft Teams.
What is the impact of setting “Allow call groups” to Off in a calling policy?
If “Allow call groups” is set to Off, users assigned to that policy will not be able to call multiple people at once in a group call.
Can an administrator set up simultaneous ringing for multiple endpoints in Microsoft Teams using calling policies?
Yes, by setting the “Allow simultaneous ringing” policy to On, an administrator can set up simultaneous ringing for multiple endpoints for specific users.
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