How does Operator Connect affect an existing analog device or legacy PBX?

Operator Connect is a fully cloud-managed PSTN connectivity method that does not natively integrate with analog devices (fax machines, elevator phones, alarm panels) or legacy PBX hardware. Organizations with analog devices that must remain in service need a separate solution such as an analog telephone adapter (ATA) or a maintained SIP trunk for those specific devices.

Operator Connect replaces the PSTN connectivity that a legacy PBX previously provided, but it does not replicate PBX-specific features like analog line cards, T1/PRI interfaces, or proprietary intercom systems. Organizations migrating from a legacy PBX to Teams with Operator Connect typically follow one of two paths: full cutover (decommissioning the PBX entirely and moving all users and lines to Teams) or hybrid (keeping the PBX active for analog devices and specialized lines while moving the majority of users to Operator Connect). Direct Routing is sometimes a better fit for hybrid scenarios because it allows SBC-level control that can bridge between Teams and legacy equipment. The decision depends on how many analog devices exist, what they connect to, and whether the cost of maintaining legacy hardware justifies the complexity of a hybrid deployment.