Skype for Business / Lync (discontinued) vs. Webex App

Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams is a remote/virtual team collaboration tool must have...especially if you already use Microsoft tools. Of course, since it now part of an MS 365 subscription, it really doesn't make sense to use anything else. It is easy to use and just works. I'm not sure how anyone who works with digital files/documents and needs to work with other people doing similar work can be effective without such a tool. Of course, there are a number of alternatives like Zoom or Webex, but why pay or use another separate tool if you don't need to. :-)

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

• Instant messaging to anyone who we know only by name/email. Even if they're offline, they get the message in missed convos and a notification automatically goes to them via Outlook mail. All conversations are saved and accessible via Outlook.
• Video and voice calls are a norm in the WFH scenario, and an average employee has around 4-5 calls a day. Skype gives notifications for upcoming meetings, allows easy scheduling via outlook calendar, and its audio/video quality [is] reasonably good compared to the amount of data it consumes.
• Status availabilities - in the WFH scenario, you could be off for lunch, out of office, busy, sharing screens - and might not want to be disturbed. Skype allows you to do that, and in case you're off, ensures that you know that you have missed messages.
• Screen sharing - we have to share screens at least once or twice a day with a coworker when working on some issues/features, and Skype easily lets us do that. One of the best things about Skype is that the screen can be shared without being on a video/voice call - which is of immense advantage because oftentimes, you could prefer sharing the screen, while it [is] too noisy to talk.

• 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.

Incentivized

• Connection issues can be hard to diagnose when they come up(as some knowledge of server information may be needed to reestablish as the connection troubleshooting options on the sky are not as user-friendly as the rest of the platform.
• Some issues setting up camera/sound could use more info on troubleshooting options with playback sound, video, etc.
• Statuses sometimes are unreliable and do not display correctly .

Incentivized

• Compared to zoom, I think the user experience is not as good.
• I am not familiar with more detailed options; maybe they are too hidden: how do I integrate Slido better?
• Not a fan of a mobile app. Maybe needs some improvement.

Incentivized

The software is simple to install and configure. It is rather simple to explain for correct use. It is possible to profile users for the different functions offered. It is integrated quite completely with Outlook and with Active Directory security. It performs all communication functions well with one or more interlocutors and the possibility of granting control of your computer is convenient.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

Very easy to use. Even though Microsoft Teams has a lot of features and integrations, as a user I feel completely comfortable on finding what I need, getting information about the app extensions and using them. It's a very comprehensive tool, intuitive design and does not make me feel tired to be using it. I am glad with the current experience.

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.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

I have only had to reach out to the Support team at Skype for Business once with an issue, and I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the quickness and thoroughness of their response. The wait time was short and my question was dealt with politely and clearly, so I would say the support team has it together.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

Skpe for business is utilized company wide in regards to my company. Everyone not only uses it, but uses it often. It is an effective way of communicating. It also integrates very nicely with outlook and all conversation history is pushed to a folder within the outlook system. We also have it so that if someone misses a message, they are sent an email reminder saying that there is a message that went unread.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

For the below reason I will always choose this app over its competitors: Better audio and video quality, Little to no disconnections or freezing when on a call/video conference Integrates well with mailbox/ calendar/ one drive, and SharePoint is easy to use

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.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

• Skype for Business has enabled a migration in part away from fixed line telephony and introduced the user to mobile working with a headset which cannot be overstated as being a game changer.
• Being able to schedule Skype for Business meetings through Outlook has meant meetings with colleagues without a meeting room has been a great enabler.

Incentivized

• 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.

Incentivized