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Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) vs. Webex Calling

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)

    Score8.3 out of 10
    N/ACall Manager is a unified call control center from Cisco that supports enterprise collaboration functions across the spectrum of IP telephony, video & web conferencing, and messaging. Features include call forwarding, call back, call transfer, ad hoc conferencing, and call park.N/A

    Webex Calling

    Score8.8 out of 10
    N/AWebex Calling is Cisco’s flagship cloud calling solution with over 12 million users worldwide. It delivers an enterprise-grade calling experience that enables customers to replace PBX hardware with a cloud calling solution. Webex Calling's connectivity and collaboration experience includes calling, meetings, messaging, contact center, and integrated devices.

    $17

    per month per user

    Pricing
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Webex Call
    $17
    per month per user
    Webex Suite: Meet + Call
    $25
    per month per user
    Webex Enterprise
    Contact Sales
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager
    Contact Sales
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Free Trial
    NoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptional
    Additional DetailsMust contact sales team for pricingDiscount available for annual pricing.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Considered Both Products
    Cisco
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Cube is a robust gateway works in conjunction with Cisco Unified Communications Manager for providing PSTN calling facility. Cube is easy to set up and manage and it has lots of security features. SRST is one of the best feature where in case of a network issue with the Cisco Un…
    Incentivized
    Cisco
    Chose Webex Calling
    CUCM was great years back, as it was very granular in its configuration and could collect logs to determine any issues. However, being on-prem made it challenging to maintain and keep the version up to date. Also, Webex calling now has almost all the features CUCM had, and even …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Less overhead than Call Manager and less maintenance.
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    They can both be complementary to each other.
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Webex Calling does very well against all their competitors. Its strength is integration with Call manager, enterprise feature set, End to End Encryption, their own phones. Most vendors use third party phones and gateways which creates extra overhead in management. Having a …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Webex Calling provides the majority of the features of Cisco Call Manager with the flexibility of a cloud-based platform. This offers ease of management, zero-touch deployment of users' phones and devices, and the ability for a limited IT department to handle a complex …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Complete above services and brings all to the cloud , with all advantages on anywhere services
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) does provide more flexibility in design, but is also more difficult than Webex Calling to configure to meet the requirements of the Ray Baum Act where there are multiple locations. CUCM also requires periodic updates, including …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    For being cloud-based and decreasing the cost for hardware
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Previously we used Cisco UCM as our phone system, which is still Cisco's current on-premise offering. The main advantage of Webex Calling is the ability to easily connect phones and devices from outside the corporate network without having to create the Expressway setup first. …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    Webex Calling works better with existing customers on CISCO UC/Communications Manager, and using the existing Cisco phone.
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    The big advantage of Webex Calling is that the deployment could be fully in the cloud, you dont need to purchase hardware like SBC and you can add Cisco Webex Meeting and Teams to your user for more collaboration. It's the last piece of the puzzle if you already use theses …
    Incentivized
    Chose Webex Calling
    From the experience we already have with working with Cisco technology and with everything new that is being brought to the cloud, we knew it was an excellent option.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    89%
    Would buy again
    33 Answers
    92%
    Would buy again
    187 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    97%
    Delivers good value for the price
    34 Answers
    97%
    Delivers good value for the price
    169 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    92%
    Happy with the feature set
    34 Answers
    96%
    Happy with the feature set
    196 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    96%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    27 Answers
    94%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    127 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    90%
    Implementation went as expected
    28 Answers
    97%
    Implementation went as expected
    142 Answers
    Features
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Cloud PBX
    Comparison of Cloud PBX features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    7.6
    52 Ratings
    4% below category average
    Webex Calling
    7.2
    192 Ratings
    16% below category average
    Hosted PBX9.427 Ratings8.4146 Ratings
    Multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR)5.238 Ratings5.1105 Ratings
    User templates6.149 Ratings00 Ratings
    Call reports8.249 Ratings00 Ratings
    Directory of employee names9.150 Ratings8.9180 Ratings
    Call Management
    Comparison of Call Management features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    7.9
    55 Ratings
    4% below category average
    Webex Calling
    8.3
    193 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Answering rules9.352 Ratings8.6175 Ratings
    Call recording5.234 Ratings8.7168 Ratings
    Call park9.447 Ratings8.4163 Ratings
    Call screening8.942 Ratings8.5154 Ratings
    Message alerts6.847 Ratings7.5125 Ratings
    Business SMS/External Messaging00 Ratings8.430 Ratings
    Online Fax00 Ratings8.220 Ratings
    Voicemail Transcription00 Ratings8.143 Ratings
    VoIP system collaboration
    Comparison of VoIP system collaboration features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    9.1
    49 Ratings
    14% above category average
    Webex Calling
    -
    Ratings
    Video conferencing9.139 Ratings00 Ratings
    Audio conferencing9.249 Ratings00 Ratings
    Video screen sharing8.823 Ratings00 Ratings
    Instant messaging9.427 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile apps
    Comparison of Mobile apps features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    6.8
    31 Ratings
    15% below category average
    Webex Calling
    8.3
    185 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Mobile app for iOS6.531 Ratings8.4168 Ratings
    Mobile app for Android7.028 Ratings8.3152 Ratings
    Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
    Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    8.8
    51 Ratings
    4% above category average
    High quality audio00 Ratings8.851 Ratings
    High quality video00 Ratings8.749 Ratings
    Screen Sharing
    Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    8.9
    49 Ratings
    5% above category average
    Desktop sharing00 Ratings8.949 Ratings
    Online Meetings / Events
    Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    9.1
    49 Ratings
    7% above category average
    Calendar integration00 Ratings9.146 Ratings
    Meeting initiation00 Ratings9.147 Ratings
    Record meetings / events00 Ratings9.146 Ratings
    Online Events Collaboration
    Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    9.1
    43 Ratings
    9% above category average
    Live chat00 Ratings9.143 Ratings
    Online Events Security
    Comparison of Online Events Security features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    9.0
    46 Ratings
    13% above category average
    User authentication00 Ratings8.946 Ratings
    Participant roles & permissions00 Ratings9.243 Ratings
    Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration
    Comparison of Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) and Webex Calling
    Feature
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Webex Calling
    8.8
    50 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Centralized communications management00 Ratings9.047 Ratings
    Team messaging00 Ratings9.047 Ratings
    Team document sharing00 Ratings8.743 Ratings
    Call and meeting analytics00 Ratings8.648 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Small Businesses
    CallFire
    Score9.7 out of 10
    Broadvoice | GoContact
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Fuze
    Score8.2 out of 10
    8x8 Work
    Score8.7 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Google Voice
    Score7.8 out of 10
    Avaya Aura
    Score7.3 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.2
    (57 ratings)
    8.8
    (214 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    8.6
    (8 ratings)
    Usability
    9.3
    (17 ratings)
    9.3
    (12 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.3
    (2 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.3
    (2 ratings)
    Support Rating
    8.0
    (14 ratings)
    8.7
    (5 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.7
    (2 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)Webex Calling
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cisco
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager is suited for medium to large customers who are in search for a solid call control platform with added security in mind. Cisco Unified Communications Manager also supports receptions, small groups and also a mini contact center type of set up with its Hunt Group, Pick up Group and call queuing facilities and also with set up of music on hold function while calls queuing.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    easy to set up, fewer failure points, and it is all in the same location as the rest of the tenant configurations. Lots of PSTN providers are available and options to choose from. easier to create routing, but at the same time, simplified all the rules needed in CUCM. Great way to see all users, devices, and licenses. Call analytics needs improvement, but otherwise it's a great product.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Cisco
    • 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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Has clients for multiple platforms and devices
    • Uses existing network connections instead of hardwired phone lines
    • Client can be consolidated with other communications methods (Slack, Zoom, Chat) in one place
    • Client is simple to use
    • Client integrates with remainder of physical phone system for special cases (university main reception number, for instance)
    • Handles call routing to different locations well
    • Integrates with existing computer audio (for instance, Apple AirPods)
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Cisco
    • 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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Webex Calling supports limited codecs that are generally accepted all over the world but it would be good to see if they add transcoding support.
    • The local gateway option is designed more for on premise PBX communication. It would be good to see if it is developed more as a local PSTN breakout where local SIP trunk or local PRI is terminated.
    • We would like to see more of the dial plan features like CLI manipulation, translation, etc.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Cisco
    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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    The service can be intermittent and the call forwarding feature will not always work perfectly. There will be periods of time where the calling feature will not work at all and people on the other end can hear me but I am unable to hear them. It also requires a fairly strong signal which can be an issue if you work somewhere remote or a building without much service.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Cisco
    The usability part of Cisco Unified Communications Manager is very much simple from a usability point of view. Day-to-day Move Add Change Delete (MACD) can be performed by the administrators very easily with simple training. From the initial deployment point of view, some of the thing can be improved to simplify the process.
    Read full review
    Cisco
    Cisco Webex Calling is an outstanding cloud collaboration that includes enterprise-grade cloud phone system designed for the modern hybrid workplace. Webex Calling integrates calling, messaging, and meetings into a single, intuitive platform, empowering your teams with unparalleled flexibility and productivity. Benefit from advanced features like HD audio and video, voicemail to email, call forwarding, and intelligent call routing, ensuring crystal-clear communication and efficient workflows from any device, anywhere. Webex Calling prioritizes security and reliability, offering redundant data centers and end-to-end encryption to safeguard your conversations. Its scalable architecture effortlessly adapts to your envolving business needs, providing a future-proof communication foundation. Enhance collaboration and streamline operations with a solution that's not just a phone system, but a comprehensive communication hub.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    I've not actually had it ever be unavailable when I needed to use it. As mentioned before, a network outage would take it down, but we have redundant systems for our network connections with automatic failover.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Performance
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    I don't really see this impacting any other system performance at all. The client is very light use on resources, even on my iPhone. I don't know what else it connects to behind the scenes other then the campus directory, but I haven't seen or heard of any impacts. It seems fairly self contained except for wherever it interfaces with the general telephone system connectivity outside the campus.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Support Rating
    Cisco
    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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    I have been working for a long time with Cisco as a provider and also Cisco TAC and Cisco Support Engineers. The support starts right beforehand in the documentation of the product you are interested in. From the start you have a good, complete, and detailed and easy to read datasheet and there's always someone available to answer any questions.
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    We did it inhouse for our teams
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Cisco
    This was the first phone system we implemented that could span multiple locations. We were very satisfied once fully implemented
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Cisco
    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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    The company uses Microsoft Teams. They do use Microsoft Teams right now and for a long time a lot of the different practices have been using on-premise, contact Call Manager and Unified Communications Express. But Cisco WebEx, the cloud-based product is one of the new ones. And some of our other site practices are also using RingCentral. So cloud calling is not new to the company. For those of us who are familiar with Cisco products, the transition to WebEx calling is not as difficult as it might be for some other products. Going from on-prem to RingCentral, there is more of a learning curve with.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    So far it has been very reliable, with very little down time that was associated with the product itself. We have had network outages due to external factors such as construction cutting a fiber link, but other than that kind of thing not much for failures.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    Cisco
    • 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
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Certainly when it comes to my client base, they certainly understand the benefits of the full end-to-end, Cisco stack. And when I talk about a calling platform in regards to it simply being a call from one end to another or a message from one end to another, Cisco provides so much more because it enables all that AI and I guess analytical data of which the endpoints cover. So when it comes to integrating with a meeting room experience and you're in a meeting room that can cater for up to 20 people, but say for example, only two or three people on average utilize that room, that type of safe spacing information gets transmitted into other business decisions that can benefit the business from an ROI perspective such as rearranging the interior design to create better outcomes for worker experiences. So much more than just a calling platform.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    Webex Calling Screenshots

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