Connecting an Analog PA System to Microsoft Teams Voice

The Situation

Legacy Phone and PA Systems Were Tightly Connected

The client operated with a traditional Mitel phone system that supported daily communication across their facility. This included an analog PA system with speakers installed throughout the shop floor. Staff could use desk phones to broadcast announcements across the building, similar to a retail paging system.

Because the PA system was directly tied into the on-premise phone system using analog connections, it could not be easily separated or replaced on its own. As the organization planned its move to a modern phone system, this created a key concern. They needed a way to maintain paging functionality without rebuilding the entire system.

The Challenge

Maintaining Paging While Moving to a Modern Platform

The project focused on replacing the existing phone system with Microsoft Teams Voice. While this transition is usually straightforward, the PA system introduced a unique challenge that required a new approach. It relied on analog wiring and direct integration with the legacy PBX, which does not translate easily to a cloud-based platform.

In addition, the exact configuration of the PA system was unclear during planning, and the team could not fully confirm how it would integrate with the new platform until they were on-site. This required hands-on discovery to identify wiring types, trace connections, and determine how to safely integrate the system without disruption.

The Solution

Turning a PA System Into a Teams Extension

ITonDemand deployed Microsoft Teams Voice as the new phone system, replacing the Mitel PBX and upgrading desk phones to modern Yealink touchscreen devices. This provided the client with a flexible, cloud-based communication platform that supports calling, extensions, and internal routing.

To preserve the existing PA system, the team implemented Algo interface devices. These devices allowed the analog speakers to connect to the network and function as a dialable endpoint within Microsoft Teams. In practice, this made the PA system behave like a phone extension that automatically answers and broadcasts audio through the speakers.

The team completed on-site validation to identify wiring, test the integration, and confirm compatibility before full deployment. After testing the setup, they finalized the configuration and prepared it for full rollout alongside the phone system cutover.

The Result

Modern Communication Without Replacing Existing Systems

The client successfully transitioned to Microsoft Teams Voice while preparing to bring their existing PA system fully into the new environment. Staff can dial a dedicated extension to broadcast announcements across the facility, maintaining the same functionality they relied on before.

At the same time, the organization gained a modern phone system with improved flexibility and easier management. By avoiding a full PA system replacement, the solution reduced cost and complexity while still delivering a complete upgrade. The result is a practical solution that connects modern communication tools with existing infrastructure.

Our Partner

About the Regional Manufacturing Firm

This regional manufacturing firm operates across multiple locations and relies on clear communication to support daily production. Their teams work across office and shop floor environments, where timely updates and announcements are essential. By maintaining reliable systems and improving how information is shared, they support both efficiency and workplace coordination.