The Cisco Webex DX80 was a technology supporting HD video conferencing and digital whiteboarding. It is discontinued, and is superseded by capabilities found in Cisco Desk Pro.
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Score 6.0 out of 10
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The Polycom RealPresence Group Series is a video conferencing codec that connects to a standards-based video conferencing infrastructure to allow users to make video conference calls. There are three products in the series – RealPresence Group 300, RealPresence Group 500, and RealPresence Group 700. It is certified to use with Office 365 and Skype for Business.
It is an excellent choice for a personal device if you want to bring an independent device to meetings and add it as a second display at the same time. I don't believe that there is nearly as much benefit in using anything in a shared environment or in shared mode. My opinion is that the Room Kits that include displays that can flip or be touched by Samsung are more suited for that.
If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens.
In the workplace, Cisco Webex DX80 is ideal for group meetings. It's as simple as entering the room, dialing the destination number, and joining the video. It's simple and convenient. It offers an easy-to-use menu and user interface. My own opinion is that Cisco's usability is fantastic and I like it greatly. I encountered no issues.
The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
I give top marks for Cisco Webex DX80 support. We have Cisco Smartnet and I can confirm that they are exceptional in answering and resolving doubts and problems with the device. On the phone, you are quickly answered and one of the Cisco experts solves your problem in your language.
I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
Didn't have any experience with other product lines as our company was a user and a fan of the Cisco Webex platform so didn't bother to go to any other competition. Webex provided us with all that was required to fulfill our business needs while maintaining high end.
The Polycom RealPresence Group Series was top of the line. It had a lot more features as well as the ability to integrate with Microsoft Teams. With Highfive, you had to pay to keep the device running and it was more like renting it. Although we pay maintenance with Polycom we will own the devices. The Highfive camera also didn't move. Lifesize was comparable but it did not integrate with Microsoft Teams at the time. It may as of now, I am not sure.
It helped us get our Sr. Leadership team familiar with and excited about Webex. Then, them spreading the word helped align the company with the new Webex software coming and saved us a bunch on training. When users were more excited about a product, they soak it in better.
This device has been a mainstay in our COVID working from home plans. This allows the business to keep running AND meet face to face when it's not safe yet to do so.
Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly.
Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win.
Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints.
