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 8.5 out of 10
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Webex App brings together Calling, Meeting and Messaging modes of collaboration in order to create a seamless, engaging, inclusive and intelligent experience. Seamless collaboration across devices, locations and organizations · Use any computer, tablet, phone, browser or Cisco devices to connect · Collaborate with people outside an organization as easily as those inside · Minimize app switching with bi-direction integrations with other popular…
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
Today, every company needs to deal with increasingly complex communications environments that open up a wide variety of communication methods. Webex App expands communication and improves productivity. It is very suitable for consolidating and optimizing the collaborative work of our company, with the diversity of communication channels it provides. It allows for obtaining a dynamic, secure, and stable communication flow.
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.
The loading time of the app when opening first time or after an update is very long, this should be fixed
In case of network failure, the app does not show whether it is still connected or not, a random stopping of the audio and video cannot be an indication of which side the network failure has been on
Webex App is really easy to use, friendly interface and feature rich application. Besides that, there are some few bugs and instability to correct to give a 10 grade in my opinion. The application sometimes lost audio device configuration, specially when used with Microsoft Windows 11. It is somehow annoying behavior, not frequently but it forces you to restart Windows to get it back to normal condition.
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 believe as with any cloud based application or solution that your individual connectivity is key to making the product a success. WebEx works will with just about any internet connection from cellular to WiFi
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.
It's a fantastic product, but nothing is perfect, and there's always room for improvement, hence the 9/10. The integrations, the application available from the application itself, and API make this a well-supported solution for any organisation. Cisco also allows you to raise support cases specifically for Webex App (subject to support contracts, I presume), ensuring that these go to the correct team after opening the case.
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
Very easy to create. All operations are done without any problems with our business growth. All people like the experience including me as an instructor. The tools that WebEx App offers us are very complete for working in a virtual classroom, whether it is sharing the screen, the different display modes, the whiteboard, or even the scoring tools on the screen, it allows me to do my job as an instructor as if I was face to face with the participants.
Polycom RealPresence Group Series stands head and shoulders above Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex Meetings both for dependability and robust delivery of function. One established the meetings were very hard to break apart but easy to end when so desired. The installation of the devices, the training of technicians, and end-users were both intuitive and easy to manage, where the same interactions with Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex In my opinion, and experience, were challenging to work through.
I had to choose Webex App, my company uses it. It stacks up very poorly in the UI/UX department. The whole app is a mess. If it wasn’t a mess it would’ve taken over as the app of the pandemic. It needs a fundamental redesign. I hate using it.
Cisco has designed WebEx to be scalable from small companies with only a few employees to enterprise organizations with thousands or employees without loosing any features or functionality
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.
