Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) vs. FreeConferenceCall.com

The Cisco Unified Communications Manager platform would be most suited for the below scenarios. 1. An organization with very restricted policies and compliance where can't move to cloud-based solutions for data security. They can install the CUCM on-premises. 2. An organization that is still on a legacy phone system could adopt CUCM to save costs and have better services.

FreeConferenceCall is well suited for a low price service to connect with others. The onboarding is super simple and easy to use. The ability to record to the cloud is also useful. The ability to host a large number of people is great. The only scenario I can think of less appropriate is that the interface just looks a bit dated, so maybe it is not the best for the wow factor of dealing with clients.

Incentivized

• This solution is extremely stable and has been running in our environment for several years without (unscheduled) downtime.
• The ability to have voicemails automatically sent as an email message is extremely helpful in helping us to keep in touch while away from the desk.
• The Call Manager provides us very granular settings to route our calls as we want.

Incentivized

• The online portal to access call details and recordings is very easy to use.
• The functions that are offered beyond the free plan are competitive with other providers.
• I feel that our calls are secure with our own personal access codes and the same number always being used.

Incentivized

• Administration web page is little bit hard to understand at the beginning specially if you are not familiar with naming convention and GU Interfaces.
• Call Detail Record interface is fine but would be desirable to include more options that fit organization needs in terms of reporting purposes.
• Self Care Portal interface could be more useful to the end user if it includes options to manage some features without administrators involving.

Incentivized

• Recently callers cannot get onto the call
• Users on the call get bumped off
• Non-transparent policy about why problems are occurring. If FreeConferenceCall.com can't reliably provide free service, just tell me that rather than blaming it on a law that changed and local carriers causing the problems. The real problem is that the law did recently change, which allowed companies like FreeConferenceCall.com to collect a revenue share for all calls placed through certain hubs--even free calls. This loophole was removed recently, and I believe the service issues I've been experiencing are being used to extort users to buy a paid service in order to receive trouble-free service.
• I found customer service representatives rude and dismissive

We have been using this product for 20+ years and will continue too. This is a great product and new features are always coming out.

Incentivized

It is so user friendly.

Incentivized

Although it's very easy to use, once you understand the concepts of IP telephony, as I said before, I think Cisco could have improved the management interface of the platform, adding modern technologies and the design language of the other platforms like DNA Center, etc. This interface hasn't had a substantial improvement for about 10 years

Incentivized

I am and have been extremely pleased with my use of this product.

Incentivized

CUCM is supported by most third-party vendors for related products, so it makes finding solutions to specific needs easy. Also Cisco TAC is very knowledgeable, and we have never run into a problem they have not been able to resolve. Usually they are resolved without the need to escalate tickers either.

Incentivized

I haven't had the need to call for any support at all yet for FreeConferenceCall.com. It has just worked splendidly for me. That being said, when I first downloaded it and got started using it there was a wizard which made every section and button very clear on what it does. It was easy to get started by following the wizard. I imagine then that their customer service will be just as good.

Incentivized

This was the first phone system we implemented that could span multiple locations. We were very satisfied once fully implemented

Incentivized

It's a no brainer!

Incentivized

We have been a Cisco based shop and have looked at other cloud voice options such as MS Teams pbx, and others, but ultimately, the features, endpoints, and reliability of Cisco has been the common factor in staying with them as our voice provider. Their integrations, room systems, and hybrid design allows for us to be flexible and keep a high up time vs reliance on 100% cloud.

Incentivized

So this doesn't have the polish that say Zoom or Teams has, but for free, you can't complain. The real big unknown is anything to do with security where a product like Teams is great. Zoom and Teams seem to have become standard that everyone has installed and is familiar with, but the adjustment to FCC is pretty fast and painless.

Incentivized

• Communication and collaboration - Our offices are able to communicate both internally and externally due to this system.
• Down time - Struggles with CUCM has caused a lot of down time due to the instability of the system.
• High Costs - the cost of both the license and the maintenance was much higher than other systems.

Incentivized

• We pay next to nothing for our access and it creates a professional means of connecting with our clients.
• Connecting via FreeConferenceCall.com has helped our business stay afloat during this challenging time by giving us multiple ways to connect with our clients.
• FreeConferenceCall.com has allowed our team to more efficiently collaborate by being able to access calls even when they aren't able to be present during the live conversation.

Incentivized