Item: Webex Calling
Rating: 6
Author: Jaime L. Regan

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use webex as our firm video conferencing platform. We use it for internal meetings and also to set up meetings with outside parties. We also use it as a conference line. It addresses problems related to meetings where not everyone can be present in person, and avoid fees charged by conference line callers as that is an added feature.

Pros and Cons

Transcribes meetings
Video conferencing
Regular phone conference line

The audio is often choppy/has feedback
Video freezes
Less user friendly than zoom

Return on Investment

Positive - use of videoconferencing for less cost than Zoom
Positive - use of conference line for less cost than traditional conference line services
Negative - a bit choppy/glitchy

All-in-one Platform

We have combined Cisco Jabber with Webex. Jabber allows intra-office communications between teams both in instant message and in phone/audio/voicemail capabilities over computer and sent to email. It allows for integration of multiple meeting spaces and means of communications across our firm, which is beneficial, though a bit redundant.

Security

Webex calling seems secure from an end to end perspective. It is easy enough for a host to boot out a participant that dials in without providing any identifying information. I also expect transcripts are maintained securely and/or encrypted but I do not have particular expertise in this area to confirm that for sure.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco Jabber

As discussed in the prior portion of this review, Jabber is used in conjunction with webex, not in place of it. Jabber allows for intra-firm communications via instant messaging and calls and allows users to manage calls and voicemails over computer and via email/app from anywhere. It compliments Webex, it is not a competitor.

Key Insights

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

Not sure

Are you happy with Webex Calling's feature set?

Did Webex Calling live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Webex Calling go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Webex Calling again?

Other Software Used

Cisco Jabber, Zoom, Microsoft Teams

Likelihood to Recommend

Webex is generally fine for meetings and conference lines. In my experience, the audio is often wonky so I generally prefer zoom or teams as a platform but it does the job for less total cost. The layout/view is also not as polished. It does, however, avoid pricy conference line charges because setting up a conference line is a capability, and it integrates seamlessly with Outlook to automatically insert meeting links/details/call-in information in meeting invitations.

Webex - Review of Video and Teleconferencing

Overall Satisfaction with Webex Calling