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# Aura: Global Voice & Collaboration Solutions for Avaya & Microsoft Teams

Aura simplifies enterprise communications with global support, vendor management, and tailored solutions for Avaya and Microsoft Teams users.

Overview

Aura is a global communications provider specializing in simplifying international voice and collaboration environments. With deep Avaya and Microsoft expertise, Aura offers flexible solutions across on-premise, hosted, or hybrid deployments for organizations moving to Microsoft Teams or enhancing Avaya systems.

Positioning

  • Expertise in Avaya and Microsoft Teams integration.

  • Seamless global communication management across 145 countries.

  • Comprehensive support for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

  • Flexible consumption models tailored to client needs.

  • Recognized for its ability to simplify vendor management and reduce complexity.

Differentiation

  • Support for cloud, hybrid, and on-prem voice deployments
  • Multichannel add-ons like SMS, call recording, DECT
  • Engineers and consultants available for managed or hands-off support

Ideal Customer Profile

Ideal Customer Profile for Aura

Aura's solutions are designed for organizations that recognize the strategic importance of their communication infrastructure and are seeking to optimize, consolidate, or expand their global voice and collaboration capabilities. Our ideal clients typically exhibit the following characteristics:

1. Enterprise-Level Complexity with Global Reach:

  • Employee Count: 500+ employees, often distributed across multiple international locations or time zones.
  • Geographic Footprint: Operations in 5+ countries, requiring consistent, high-quality communication services and simplified vendor management across diverse regulatory and network environments.
  • Communication Volume: High daily call volumes (e.g., 5,000+ calls/day) and significant internal/external collaboration needs.

2. Existing Communication Infrastructure:

  • Avaya Investment: Organizations with a significant existing investment in Avaya communication platforms (e.g., Avaya Aura, IP Office) that are looking to:
    • Modernize their Avaya environment.
    • Integrate Avaya with Microsoft Teams.
    • Transition specific user groups or geographies to a new platform while maintaining Avaya for others.
    • Optimize global Avaya trunking and voice delivery.
  • Microsoft Teams Adoption: Enterprises actively using or migrating to Microsoft Teams for collaboration and seeking to:
    • Enable enterprise-grade voice calling within Teams (Direct Routing).
    • Integrate Teams with legacy PBX systems (especially Avaya).
    • Consolidate voice vendors for Teams telephony globally.
    • Enhance Teams calling with advanced features or contact center integration.

3. Strategic IT & Procurement Objectives:

  • Vendor Consolidation: Desiring to reduce the number of communication vendors, especially for global voice and conferencing services, to streamline procurement, support, and billing.
  • Cost Optimization: Seeking to reduce operational costs associated with maintaining complex, multi-vendor communication environments, particularly international voice circuits and support contracts.
  • Digital Transformation Initiatives: Undergoing a broader digital transformation where unified communications and collaboration are key pillars.
  • Hybrid Environment Strategy: Organizations committed to a hybrid IT strategy (on-premise, cloud, private cloud) and requiring communication solutions that seamlessly support this model.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Prioritizing a consistent and intuitive communication experience for their global workforce, regardless of location or platform.

4. Key Decision-Makers & Influencers:

  • CIOs & CTOs: Focused on strategic technology alignment, cost efficiency, and future-proofing communication infrastructure.
  • VP / Director of IT & Infrastructure: Responsible for the day-to-day operation and optimization of communication systems.
  • Unified Communications & Collaboration Leads: Driving the adoption and integration of communication platforms like Teams and Avaya.
  • Procurement Managers: Seeking to optimize vendor relationships, contract terms, and achieve cost savings in telecommunications.

In essence, Aura serves global enterprises that are navigating the complexities of modernizing or integrating their communication platforms, particularly those with a significant Avaya footprint and/or a strategic move towards Microsoft Teams, and are looking for a single, expert partner to simplify and manage their global voice and collaboration needs.

Best Fit

Best Fit for Aura

Aura is the ideal partner for enterprises that require a robust, globally-scalable, and deeply integrated communication solution, particularly those with complex existing infrastructure or specific compliance needs.

Specifically, Aura is best suited for organizations that:

  • Operate Globally with Distributed Teams: Enterprises with a presence in multiple countries (Aura supports 145 countries) that need to standardize communication infrastructure, simplify international voice routing, and ensure consistent user experience across diverse geographies.
  • Utilize or are Migrating from Avaya Systems: Organizations heavily invested in Avaya communication platforms (e.g., Avaya Aura, CM, IP Office) seeking to modernize, extend capabilities, or integrate seamlessly with new collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams without a rip-and-replace strategy.
  • Are Adopting or Expanding Microsoft Teams for Enterprise Voice: Businesses looking to leverage Microsoft Teams as their primary communication and collaboration platform, requiring expert integration with existing telephony, global PSTN connectivity, and advanced voice features.
  • Need to Consolidate and Simplify Vendor Management: Enterprises burdened by multiple communication vendors, fragmented support contracts, and inconsistent service levels. Aura's comprehensive offering simplifies procurement, support, and management processes, reducing operational overhead.
  • Require Flexible Deployment Models: Organizations that need tailored solutions across on-premises, cloud (hosted), or hybrid environments, based on their specific security, compliance, cost, or operational requirements. This includes businesses with strict data residency mandates or those gradually transitioning to cloud-native solutions.
  • Value a Single Point of Contact for Complex Communication Needs: Large organizations that benefit from a dedicated partner capable of managing end-to-end communication services, from infrastructure design and deployment to ongoing support and optimization, especially across heterogeneous environments (e.g., Avaya + Teams).
  • Prioritize Business Continuity and Resiliency: Companies where communication uptime is critical, requiring a provider with a proven track record in delivering high availability and resilient global voice and collaboration services.

Offerings

Offerings

Aura provides a comprehensive suite of telecommunications and collaboration solutions, specifically designed for enterprises leveraging Avaya and Microsoft Teams environments. Our offerings focus on simplifying complex global communications, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring seamless user experiences.

Core Service Categories

  • Global Voice & Collaboration Solutions:

    • International SIP Trunking: Direct routing and connectivity across 145 countries, ensuring local PSTN breakout and compliance.
    • Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: Seamless integration of PSTN calling into Microsoft Teams, leveraging Aura's global SIP infrastructure.
    • Avaya Session Border Controller (SBC) as a Service: Managed SBC solutions for secure and reliable Avaya connectivity, on-premises or in the cloud.
    • Cloud Voice Platforms: Hosted and managed voice services for Avaya Aura Communication Manager and Microsoft Phone System.
  • Managed Services & Support:

    • 24/7 Global Support: Multilingual support desk with expertise in Avaya and Microsoft Teams environments, ensuring rapid issue resolution.
    • Proactive Monitoring: Real-time performance monitoring of voice infrastructure, identifying potential issues before they impact users.
    • Vendor Management Simplification: Single point of contact for managing complex multi-vendor communication environments, reducing administrative overhead.
    • Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Customizable SLAs guaranteeing uptime, call quality, and response times for critical communication services.
  • Professional Services & Consulting:

    • Migration & Integration Services: Expert-led migrations from legacy systems to Microsoft Teams or Avaya platforms, minimizing disruption.
    • Solution Design & Architecture: Tailored design and implementation of communication architectures to meet specific business requirements and compliance needs.
    • Optimization & Auditing: Performance analysis and recommendations for optimizing existing Avaya and Microsoft Teams deployments.
    • Custom Development & API Integration: Development of bespoke integrations to enhance functionality and automate workflows within communication platforms.

Key Solution Highlights

  • Avaya Enhancement & Migration:

    • Avaya Aura Platform Management: Expertise in managing and optimizing Avaya Aura Communication Manager, Session Manager, and Contact Center deployments.
    • Avaya to Teams Coexistence: Solutions enabling seamless interoperability and phased migration paths between Avaya and Microsoft Teams.
    • Avaya Cloud Integration: Connecting existing Avaya on-premises systems to cloud services, extending functionality and reducing infrastructure burden.
  • Microsoft Teams Integration & Expansion:

    • Direct Routing as a Service: Fully managed Direct Routing solution eliminating the need for in-house SBCs and complex carrier management.
    • Operator Connect Readiness: Support for future Operator Connect integration, providing flexible PSTN connectivity options.
    • Teams Calling Feature Enablement: Comprehensive services to activate and optimize calling features within Microsoft Teams.

Deployment Models

Aura offers flexible deployment options to align with diverse enterprise strategies:

  • On-Premise: Support and management for existing on-premises Avaya infrastructure.
  • Hosted/Cloud: Fully managed cloud-based voice and collaboration platforms.
  • Hybrid: Seamless integration and management of on-premises and cloud components, offering flexibility and control.

Consumption Models

Tailored consumption models ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability:

  • Per-User Licensing: Scalable pricing based on the number of active users.
  • Usage-Based Billing: Flexible billing for call minutes and data consumption.
  • Fixed-Term Contracts: Predictable pricing for long-term engagements.
  • Subscription Services: Monthly or annual subscriptions for managed services and platform access.

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Buying Guide: Aura

Everything you need to evaluate Aura— from features and pricing to implementation and security.

Introduction

For businesses seeking to simplify complex international communication environments, Aura provides a comprehensive solution with a single contract and global SLA. CXponent can help your organization streamline operations, optimize costs, and enhance communication across your enterprise by leveraging Aura’s expertise.

Key Features

  • Global communication solutions: Simplifies multi-site and multi-country communication environments with seamless integration.

    • Expertise in Avaya and Microsoft Teams: Delivers specialized support for both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.

    • Centralized platform: Provides a unified approach to managing diverse communication needs.

    • Global presence: Operates in 145 countries with on-site support for local and regional operations.

    • Channel-first approach: Prioritizes partner enablement with tailored solutions.

    • Flexible solutions: Supports cloud migration while maintaining legacy system functionality.

Use Cases

  • Integrating Microsoft Teams or Zoom with Avaya: Bridge communication platforms for cohesive collaboration.

    • Adding multichannel capabilities: Enhance customer service by expanding communication channels in existing contact centers.

    • Phased migration to Teams: Transition gradually to Microsoft Teams while preserving current infrastructure.

    • Enabling PSTN outside the US: Secure international phone numbers and expand global connectivity.

    • Supporting mobile users: Empower employees to stay connected through mobile-friendly solutions.

Pricing Models

Aura offers flexible pricing models to align with budgetary and usage needs. Options include pay-as-you-go or upfront payments, enabling cost optimization and reduced total ownership costs per user.

Technical Requirements

  • An existing Avaya estate or a comparable communication system is required.

    • Multi-site and multi-country operations must be part of the business model.

    • Infrastructure must accommodate integration with cloud and on-premises solutions.

    • Reliable and robust communication capabilities are essential.

Business Requirements

  • Cost savings: Reduce communication expenses through optimized solutions and usage-based pricing.

    • Improved customer engagement: Enhance service delivery with integrated multichannel capabilities.

    • Simplified management: Streamline communication oversight and reduce administrative burdens.

    • Multichannel integration: Expand existing Avaya contact centers with multichannel support.

    • Microsoft Teams/Zoom integration: Enable seamless collaboration between Avaya and these platforms.

    • Support for diverse user needs: Accommodate users who require hybrid or alternative communication tools.

Implementation Timeline

  • Implementation timelines vary based on project complexity, user count, and infrastructure requirements.

    • Specific considerations include the number of sites, regional operations, and desired platform integrations.

    • Aura provides professional services to assist with planning, design, deployment, and ongoing support.

Support Options

Comprehensive Support Designed for Enterprise Communications

Aura offers a multi-tiered support structure and extensive resources to ensure the continuous operation and optimal performance of your enterprise communication systems. Our support is tailored to meet the diverse needs of organizations leveraging Avaya and Microsoft Teams environments, whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid.

Support Tiers & Response Times:

  • Standard Support: Included with all Aura services, providing access to our technical support team during business hours (9 AM - 5 PM local time, Monday-Friday). Guaranteed response within 4 business hours for critical issues.
  • Premium Support: Available as an upgrade, offering 24/7/365 access to dedicated support engineers. Includes proactive monitoring and a 1-hour guaranteed response time for critical incidents (e.g., system outages, major service degradation).
  • Elite Support: Our highest tier, designed for mission-critical deployments. Provides a dedicated Technical Account Manager (TAM), quarterly performance reviews, and a 30-minute guaranteed response time for critical issues, alongside proactive incident prevention and optimization strategies.

Training & Resources:

  • Knowledge Base: A comprehensive online repository of articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides for Avaya and Microsoft Teams integrations.
  • Training Webinars: Regular live and on-demand webinars covering new features, best practices, and advanced configuration topics.
  • User Guides & Documentation: Detailed documentation for all Aura solutions and supported platforms, accessible via our customer portal.

Professional Services: Beyond standard support, Aura offers a full suite of professional services including:

  • Implementation & Migration: Expert assistance for seamless deployment and migration to new or upgraded communication platforms.
  • Custom Integration: Development of bespoke integrations with existing business applications.
  • Optimization & Consulting: Performance tuning, security audits, and strategic consulting to maximize ROI from your communication infrastructure.

Aura's commitment is to ensure your communication infrastructure remains robust, efficient, and aligned with your business objectives.

Integration Requirements

Integration Requirements & Capabilities

Aura provides robust integration capabilities designed to seamlessly connect with your existing communication infrastructure, primarily focusing on Avaya and Microsoft Teams ecosystems. Our approach ensures minimal disruption and maximum interoperability, whether you're operating on-premises, in the cloud, or with a hybrid model.

Supported Platforms:

  • Avaya: Deep, native integration with Avaya Aura Communication Manager, Avaya IP Office, and associated Avaya applications. This includes support for various Avaya endpoints and features, ensuring full functionality preservation during migration or enhancement.
  • Microsoft Teams: Comprehensive integration with Microsoft Teams for voice routing, direct routing, and advanced calling features. Aura acts as a certified Direct Routing provider, enabling PSTN connectivity and enhanced call control directly within the Teams client.
  • SIP-based Systems: General SIP trunking and interop capabilities for integration with other SIP-compliant PBXs, contact centers, and communication platforms.

Integration Methods & Tools:

  • Pre-built Connectors: We offer established connectors for Avaya and Microsoft Teams environments, streamlining deployment and reducing integration complexity. These connectors are continuously updated to maintain compatibility with the latest platform versions.
  • API Access & Documentation: For advanced customization and integration with third-party applications, Aura provides access to well-documented APIs. These APIs enable:
    • Programmatic control over call routing and management.
    • Integration with CRM, ERP, and other business applications for screen pops, click-to-dial, and data synchronization.
    • Custom reporting and analytics extraction.
    • Detailed API documentation, including use cases and code examples, is available upon request and during the solution design phase.
  • Custom Integration Services: Our expert professional services team can develop bespoke integrations to meet unique business requirements. This includes:
    • Developing custom middleware for niche applications.
    • Integrating with proprietary systems not covered by standard connectors.
    • Tailoring call flows and IVR systems to specific operational needs.

Aura's integration strategy prioritizes flexibility and scalability, ensuring your communication infrastructure evolves with your business needs.

Security & Compliance

Security & Compliance at Aura

Aura is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance to protect your enterprise communications and data. Our robust framework is designed to meet stringent global regulations and provide peace of mind for organizations leveraging our solutions for Avaya and Microsoft Teams environments.

Key Security & Compliance Features:

  • Certifications & Frameworks: Aura actively pursues and maintains relevant industry certifications to validate our security posture. While specific certifications vary by service offering, our operations generally align with ISO 27001 principles for information security management and we are prepared to support clients in their pursuit of compliance with frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA where applicable to their specific use cases. We regularly undergo independent audits to ensure adherence to these standards.
  • Data Protection & Privacy: We implement comprehensive data protection measures, including end-to-end encryption for sensitive voice and collaboration data in transit and at rest. Our data handling policies are designed to comply with global privacy regulations, ensuring data minimization, purpose limitation, and transparent processing.
  • Access Controls: Aura employs a least-privilege access model for all internal systems and client environments. This includes role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative access, and regular access reviews to prevent unauthorized data access or system manipulation.
  • Audit Capabilities: Our platforms are engineered with robust logging and monitoring capabilities. This enables detailed audit trails of system activities, user actions, and security events, which are crucial for forensic analysis, compliance reporting, and proactive threat detection. Clients can access relevant audit logs for their specific services to support their internal compliance requirements.
  • Vendor Security Management: For services involving third-party integrations, Aura conducts thorough vendor security assessments to ensure that our partners adhere to comparable security and compliance standards, maintaining the integrity of the end-to-end communication solution.

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