What is Azure Communication Services?
Azure Communication Services is a platform for real-time communication that provides voice calling, video conferencing, chat, and SMS delivery via APIs. Developers can integrate these communication features into their own web, mobile, and desktop applications. The service is built on the same infrastructure as Microsoft Teams and offers enterprise-grade reliability.
Core Features
- Voice and video calling with WebRTC support
- Chat with real-time messaging and typing indicators
- SMS sending and receiving with local phone numbers
- Teams interoperability for meetings with external participants
- SDKs for JavaScript, iOS, Android, and .NET
Typical Use Cases
Healthcare platforms integrate video consultations for telemedicine. Customer service applications offer chat and callback functionality. Financial services enable video consultations directly in banking apps.
Benefits
- Same infrastructure as Microsoft Teams with proven scalability
- Fast integration via SDKs instead of custom infrastructure
- GDPR-compliant operation with EU data residency possible
- Seamless interoperability with Microsoft Teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Communication Services GDPR compliant?
Yes, Azure Communication Services can be operated GDPR-compliant. You can choose EU regions for data residency. Microsoft provides data processing agreements and compliance documentation.
Can I integrate Azure Communication Services with Microsoft Teams?
Yes, Communication Services offers Teams interoperability. External users can join Teams meetings without needing their own Teams licenses. This feature is ideal for customer portals.
Which platforms does Azure Communication Services support?
There are SDKs for JavaScript (web), iOS (Swift), Android (Java/Kotlin), .NET, and other platforms. REST APIs enable integration into any backend system.
How are Azure Communication Services costs calculated?
Billing is usage-based: voice minutes, video minutes, chat messages, and SMS are billed separately. There are no monthly base fees or minimum commitments.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure Communication Services: integration into existing applications, architecture consulting, and custom UI development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Communication Services GDPR compliant?
Yes, Azure Communication Services can be operated GDPR-compliant. You can choose EU regions for data residency. Microsoft provides data processing agreements and compliance documentation.
Can I integrate Azure Communication Services with Microsoft Teams?
Yes, Communication Services offers Teams interoperability. External users can join Teams meetings without needing their own Teams licenses. This feature is ideal for customer portals.
Which platforms does Azure Communication Services support?
There are SDKs for JavaScript (web), iOS (Swift), Android (Java/Kotlin), .NET, and other platforms. REST APIs enable integration into any backend system.
How are Azure Communication Services costs calculated?
Billing is usage-based: voice minutes, video minutes, chat messages, and SMS are billed separately. There are no monthly base fees or minimum commitments.
