Item: Webex Calling
Rating: 7
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are using Webex Calling as our primary driver for calling. We use Webex App, which includes messaging and meetings as well. We have used Microsoft Teams in past but they lack in enterprise features. Webex Calling includes almost all the features which we had when we were using on-premise calling solutions.

Pros and Cons

Simple and Easy to use
Easy to maintain - cloud based
Control hub can be used for managing Webex Calling, meeting and messaging as well as on-premise calling (CUCM) - Microsoft lacks this

Cisco Webex App still need to work on integrations, Slack is the leader in terms of integrating with other applications.
a bit costlier when compared to MS. MS E5 has it for free
Availability in some countries like Russia still not there

Return on Investment

Reduced our headcount for management of UC apps thus saved costs
Easy to implement, less downtime
Transition to cloud was really smooth (We were using on-prem Cisco Call manager)

All-in-one Platform

We have used Microsoft Teams for messaging and calling previously, then due to lack of features integrated Webex Calling in MS Teams but still had some issues therefore completely migrated to Webex App. We have also integrated to Webex Calling manager at some remote sites. Webex App has been our daily driver for some time now.

Security

When it comes to security Webex has been the best in business for some time now. Microsoft teams meeting doesn't offer End to end encryption for meeting, they started supported it for calling only recently. Who can forget Zoom fiasco wherein they said they support End to End encryption but they didn't. Webex Calling has been supporting End to Encryption from the starting and having their own make of Phones does help them in this regard. Moreover, Control hub can be used to manage all workloads at same place. This sorts out issues of multiple windows for management.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Teams, RingCentral MVP, Zoom Phone and 8x8 X Series

Webex Calling does very well against all their competitors. Its strength is integration with Call manager, enterprise feature set, End to End Encryption, their own phones. Most vendors use third party phones and gateways which creates extra overhead in management. Having a single vendor solution does help in case of issues as TAC can't deny their responsibility, which happens most of the times in case of multi vendor solution.

Key Insights

Do you think Webex Calling delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Webex Calling's feature set?

Yes

Did Webex Calling live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Webex Calling go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Webex Calling again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Cisco Firepower 9300 Series, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), 8x8 X Series, Genesys Cloud CX, Cisco Unified Border Element (CUBE), Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager), Cisco Unified Contact Center, Cisco Webex Room Series, Cisco Webex Room Phone, Webex App, Microsoft Teams, Zoom Phone, RingCentral Contact Center, RingCentral MVP, Avaya Cloud Office, Cisco AnyConnect, Cisco Secure Endpoint, Cisco Cloud Email Security, Cisco Umbrella

Likelihood to Recommend

Cisco Webex Calling is the solution for enterprises. It includes all the calling features, more than most of the other cloud calling provider. Only RingCentral comes close to Webex Calling when it comes to features. If customer are using Cisco Call manager, one of their most popular solution, Integration and transition to cloud becomes very easy. This is not something with other Cloud calling providers.

Enterprise features combines with End to End Encryption

Overall Satisfaction with Webex Calling