A Video Calling Tool Among Many...

Cisco is one of many calling tools that we have. Unfortunately, we have many because our customers have different experiences with video calling depending on their security requirements, so while we prefer to use Webex, we also have Teams calling and Zoom as well. Webex has made some great efforts to add more features over the last few months making it a more exciting tool to use.

While I have not used any of the additional/combined products personally, our company does have an Audio/Video team that offers to host Webex events and trainings that have additional features such as Q&A, panelists, etc. for meetings that require large amounts of viewers. I would say I'm most happy with Cisco's audio and screen sharing features.

Cisco is our most secure video conferencing tool. We also use Teams which can be a little spotty to use, and have recently been using Zoom as well depending on our external customer requirements. Generally though, Cisco Webex Calling meets our internal needs for scheduling and conducting video and audio meetings.

We had WebEx for calling and webinar prior to the shift to hybrid work, but rolled out new policies and best practices related to video calling as part of our broader shift to hybrid work. Offering regular updates as part of employee communications related to these as well as trainings have made our organization successful in the shift.

Specifically related to webex calling and meetings, we had an issue with employees not wanting to turn on and use their cameras which we feel has reduced overall engagement and participation. We’re still working through how best to make remote working as engaging as being in person, especially as we have some employees coming back in office while others are remote.

It’s helpful to have a variety of solutions from webex in order to host various types of meetings, calls and events. Different options in larger meetings such as having panelists and auto muting upon entry have made large events seem less. It’s second nature for employees at our organization to use soft phones now compared to legacy desk phones.

Personally, I can’t impatience ever not being in a hybrid or remote work situation in the future. It’s changed the way I live my life and how I work. I think it’s made me a better employee and certainly a happier and more balanced one. Being able to have a few days remote and to focus on getting work done, while having a few days in the office to focus on relationships has made my work life significantly better.

I have used Cisco webex products and also have used similar products such as zoom, Microsoft teams, blue jeans and google meet. I think of Cisco webex as the most professional of those products, and what I think of when I think of a traditional organization. The others may have more bells and whistles and more fresh interfaces, but I find that webex is the most reliable.