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.
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Webex App
Score 8.3 out of 10
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The Webex App brings together Webex Calling, Meetings, and Messaging into a single application, fostering collaboration and unlocking more productive ways to work.
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
It can be useful for organizations which uses hybrid and work from home model. By using this application we can seamlessly connect with each and every person in the organization. Used to conduct meetings about progress of project and can be able to present our data to others by screensharing option.
The online meeting within the internal team using Webex App is always a good experience as it helps well in sharing screen, and any content for that matter.
It helps in arranging online interviews and it is also very good experience using the web version of Webex App.
It also helps in arranging online training sessions and webinars which generally involve huge number of participants generally over 200+ participants and Webex App handles it very well.
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.
While Webex has strong adoption on the administrative side, the LTI tool for Webex is lacking some important support for teaching and learning. Therefore, faculty do not see much value in Webex and prefer to use other tools that are easier to access and more likely to benefit their students within the LMS. Webex has not been the easiest to work with for identifying pedagogical roadmap improvements, especially compared to competitors who work closely in the education space
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).
Webex is quite usable, and it is, in fact very easy to use as well. You don't need a lot of documentation to learn how to use the app as it's mostly self-explanatory. The user interface is easy on the eyes, and people can see buttons without issues. Overall, WebEx's front-end design is great and I don't have much issue with it.
I would say every time I open it, it is there, there are times that our users have to sign out and back in to get it to work or even do a full exit as the app will disconnect from the controlling the desk phone, but some easy steps to sign-out or fully exit the app gets the user back up and running quickly.
On standalone it works fine, it used to consume a considerable amount of system resources in the past, but with updates and upgrades, this has improved quite a lot. As far as integrations with other systems, we have not come across any critical issues with the app.
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.
Talking about Webex App technical support is talking about the quality because they are always attentive and willing to attend to our needs, and the response is immediate; every time we have needed help to solve a problem or find out a function, they have not responded quickly, Cisco has always been characterized by being efficient and deserving 10 points.
I am very satisfied with my experience with Webex App in online training. The creation of the event is very easy with the possibility of scheduling it in advance. The management of participants, organizers, and animators is complete. The invitations are automated and by simply using emails we can create all the schedules of the training session
I would rate the online training 8/10. It provided clear and well-structured content, making it easy to understand the core features of Webex. However, I believe it could have been more interactive, with practical exercises or real-life scenarios to enhance user engagement. More advanced topics or troubleshooting guides could also be helpful for deeper learning.
There was quite a bit of back and forth with TAC and Cisco Reps to get it fully up and running but we did get there. Some of which had to do with documentation was not fully understandable. But with Cisco TAC we were able to get fully up and running.
Our Polycom RealPresence Group Series unit replaced a Cisco Room Series that was mounted to a mobile cart. The cart had one smaller display and the speakers\microphone at the cart. This required staff to be very close to the cart to hear and speak during the meeting. No fault of Cisco but the cart was not sufficient for the space. Polycom RealPresence Group Series was less costly when we were planning out the room.
Microsoft Teams, while being built for more file sharing, completely misses the mark. I prefer Webex App which focuses on being a great chat tool, rather than trying to become something it is not. Slack is preferred over Webex App, but just barely, and it is only because Slack has a slightly more intuitive group discussion function.
Once everything is in place on the back end getting Webex on a user's PC is now very easy and with single sign-on, users are able to sign in without having to remember another password. Just make sure you have all the user settings in CUCM, CUC set right, and that they have the needed licenses in Webex Control Hub.
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.
Comfort in switching multiple OS platforms, when there is similar UI design.
HD video quality and HD screen share, make up presentations look more professional and standardized.
Less call/meeting drops as seen in other platforms applications.
Builds a level of trust, when we connect on Cisco's application platform with customers who are having their whole communication infrastructure shifted to Cisco Webex App.
