Cisco began developing voice over IP (VoIP) communications and collaboration solutions in 1997. Currently, Cisco states they have more than 100,000 unified communications customers worldwide. The modern Cisco IP Phone portfolio includes VoIP and HD video phones designed to meet the needs of organizations.
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Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Score 7.4 out of 10
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Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.
Although the 6800 range(opens in new tab) may not be as flashy as some of Cisco’s other VoIP offerings, it still delivers reliable, business-grade audio(opens in new tab) in an energy-efficient package that will appeal to many organizations. Specifically designed for companies with “moderate to active VoIP needs,” the 6800 range gives businesses five models to choose from, depending on their specific needs. As security becomes more important, Customers should choose the 7800 series. All of the 7800 models boast the latest security and encryption. Solutions (opens in new tab) so organizations need not worry about audio data being intercepted or interfered with. Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA-2) and Transport Layer Security 1.2 are employed to help protect the intellectual property of your business. This security also extends to remote workers, who can connect to the Cisco network using the Cisco Expressway without the need for a dedicated VPN solution(opens in a new tab) when using a 7800 series phone.
Skype is useful for collaborations across distances, including work from home, as well as a more convenient way to communicate with a large group of people. Skype is also useful to communicate with specific parties quickly, rather than relying on cellular service in areas where not as available. Skype is less useful if the team does not use computers , tablets, smartphones, etc in daily workflow as it would rarely be used.
Cisco 8845 Video phones are very helpful for interactive one-to-one calls, without needing a video bridge for video calls.
Cisco 8851 phones have USB port and can be used to connect the USB headsets and easy for use.
Proximity on Cisco 8800 series phones are a useful feature to pair smartphones via Bluetooth and answer smartphone calls via Cisco phones and connected headset.
Instant messaging to anyone who we know only by name/email. Even if they're offline, they get the message in missed convos and a notification automatically goes to them via Outlook mail. All conversations are saved and accessible via Outlook.
Video and voice calls are a norm in the WFH scenario, and an average employee has around 4-5 calls a day. Skype gives notifications for upcoming meetings, allows easy scheduling via outlook calendar, and its audio/video quality [is] reasonably good compared to the amount of data it consumes.
Status availabilities - in the WFH scenario, you could be off for lunch, out of office, busy, sharing screens - and might not want to be disturbed. Skype allows you to do that, and in case you're off, ensures that you know that you have missed messages.
Screen sharing - we have to share screens at least once or twice a day with a coworker when working on some issues/features, and Skype easily lets us do that. One of the best things about Skype is that the screen can be shared without being on a video/voice call - which is of immense advantage because oftentimes, you could prefer sharing the screen, while it [is] too noisy to talk.
Probably the biggest area is the video element as it has historically struggled in this area.
The need to be forced to federate with another organisation by providing yours and enabling the other organisation settings is a bit tedious but once done, allows for simple collaboration between third-parties.
Functionality wise, as it's an older product and being superseded by MS Teams, it feels as if it's run its course but was very good for what it does/did at the time.
The software is simple to install and configure. It is rather simple to explain for correct use. It is possible to profile users for the different functions offered. It is integrated quite completely with Outlook and with Active Directory security. It performs all communication functions well with one or more interlocutors and the possibility of granting control of your computer is convenient.
Easy to use Functions are self-explanatory Light Efficient I generally have no complaints about them as they get the job done. Just a few employments on maybe graphics or so otherwise they are really great 👍 no complaints... Maybe it is just because is just a user and doesn't implement them or something.
Very easy to use. Even though Microsoft Teams has a lot of features and integrations, as a user I feel completely comfortable on finding what I need, getting information about the app extensions and using them. It's a very comprehensive tool, intuitive design and does not make me feel tired to be using it. I am glad with the current experience.
Cisco support has always been one of the best on the market with a great level of customer service and response time. Smartnet is critical to always have technical support and firmware/software update with new features. The price is good.
I have only had to reach out to the Support team at Skype for Business once with an issue, and I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the quickness and thoroughness of their response. The wait time was short and my question was dealt with politely and clearly, so I would say the support team has it together.
Skpe for business is utilized company wide in regards to my company. Everyone not only uses it, but uses it often. It is an effective way of communicating. It also integrates very nicely with outlook and all conversation history is pushed to a folder within the outlook system. We also have it so that if someone misses a message, they are sent an email reminder saying that there is a message that went unread.
The 8800 series phone is lighter and has a better build quality with all except the flagship phones from Yealink, Mitel, and Avaya. The Yealink S59 and Avaya Vantage have a touch screen interface the make them more akin to the old DX650 which is more high-end than the 8800 currently.
For the below reason I will always choose this app over its competitors: Better audio and video quality, Little to no disconnections or freezing when on a call/video conference Integrates well with mailbox/ calendar/ one drive, and SharePoint is easy to use
I set up the desk for new hires in our group - it is super easy to plug in this phone and have them up and running.
Having the ability to pre-program speed dial numbers ensures that new hires are able to reach help without having to search for a number.
The ability to program ring tones is great, so if we are in the shared space meeting and we hear a phone ring, we know who's phone is ringing - the meeting can go on without everyone leaving to check.
We almost lost our biggest client because of the poor performance early on in our implementation...the online meetings were poor quality for audio and bandwidth refreshing
Many of the employees in our company disliked the quality so much, they started to sign up for free Cisco WebEx accounts to use instead
The majority of employees in our company lost trust in our CTO because of his decision to switch from Cisco WebEx to Skype for Business
