Patrick Berg, Head of Cybersecurity at Mixvoip, explains why control, not convenience, should drive your Microsoft Teams telephony strategy – and why Direct Routing remains the smarter bet for businesses in 2026.
Microsoft Teams is now central to most companies’ collaboration strategy. From your perspective, what is the key challenge in 2026?
Patrick: The challenge is no longer collaboration. It is control. Most companies already use Microsoft Teams. The real strategic decision today is how they integrate professional telephony into that environment, and whether they maintain control over their communication architecture. That is where the choice between Operator Connect and Direct Routing becomes critical.
Operator Connect is often presented as the easiest option. Why does Mixvoip strongly recommend Direct Routing?
Patrick: Operator Connect feels like a one-stop shop because it sits inside Microsoft Teams. So people assume: “I buy it from Microsoft and everything is handled.” But that’s not how it works. The billing, pricing, and the contractual/legal responsibilities don’t magically disappear. You still need a local operator or a partner, whether it’s Operator Connect or Direct Routing.
The real difference is control: with Direct Routing, you keep the flexibility and can build the telephony setup around your business, not around a predefined model.
Isn’t Direct Routing more complex to deploy?
Patrick: That is a common misconception. With Mixvoip, Direct Routing can be deployed in under 15 minutes. There is no hassle, no heavy migration, and no operational burden. We handle the integration as a fully managed service. The client benefits from complete control without technical complexity. Direct Routing is only complex when it is poorly implemented. With the right expertise, it is fast and efficient.
You mention expertise. How does Mixvoip position itself as a Microsoft Teams specialist?
Patrick: Our team is certified in Microsoft Teams telephony integration. We continuously invest in additional trainings and certifications because Teams evolves rapidly. Security requirements change and Microsoft updates architecture regularly. Being an expert is not a label, it is an ongoing commitment. We combine telecom engineering, cybersecurity expertise, and deep understanding of Microsoft environments. That combination differentiates us.
From a cybersecurity perspective, why is Direct Routing the stronger option?
Patrick: Security and resilience start with architecture. With Direct Routing, companies maintain control over infrastructure location, routing logic, and redundancy strategies. Our infrastructure is operated in Europe and fully compliant with European regulatory frameworks. In a context of increasing regulatory pressure and geopolitical uncertainty, architectural control is a strategic asset.
How does Mixvoip go beyond basic Teams telephony?
Patrick: We integrate Direct Routing with our Voxbi platform and our Fixed Mobile Convergence model. If Teams encounters disruption, users can operate through alternative Voxbi clients. If Internet connectivity fails, FMC ensures calls continue at SIM level through GSM. There is no application to launch and no dependency on data connection. Communication remains operational. That is what real resilience looks like.
To conclude, what should companies remember if they want Teams telephony done properly in 2026?
Patrick: Companies should choose an architecture that provides control, resilience, and room to grow. Direct Routing delivers that when implemented by a certified team with real operational experience. With Mixvoip, it is deployed in under 15 minutes, managed end-to-end, and designed for real-world requirements. If Teams is mission-critical, the telephony layer must meet the same standard.
More information: here
About Mixvoip :
Mixvoip is a telecommunications and IT provider headquartered in Luxembourg, with operations in Belgium, Germany, and France. Serving more than 5,000 SME customers, Mixvoip has built its reputation on delivering reliable solutions in cloud PBX, internet connectivity, mobile services, and cybersecurity. A significant share of new customers is referred by ICT partners, reflecting the company’s strong reputation among industry experts. Mixvoip supports both private enterprises and public sector organisations with a strong focus on compliance, resilience, and service quality.
