Collaboration has been innovating and evolving for decades. However, at times it has seemed like a slow process.
For example, video conferencing has been around for years, but most people were unfamiliar with everyday use cases.
In March 2020, that all changed, and the pandemic gave collaboration solutions the push it needed to evolve into an everyday essential.
Video conferencing, instant messaging, and meeting platforms have undeniably evolved since the world flocked to various options. They had to find one that worked in order to keep all of us connected to family, friends, and colleagues.
However, many businesses, possibly even yours, were given little opportunity to plan and vet options for the new demands of collaboration.
As the pandemic slowly but surely winds down, you’re still using video conferences and other collaboration solutions beyond simple audio calls. This is all part of the “new normal.”
At this point, there are several options for collaboration solutions, specifically video conferencing.
When you’re looking for a long-term solution, it’s important to consider what features make a video conferencing platform a sustainable solution.
As a Cisco partner and Webex user, we’ve noticed several new features and options from Webex. Some notable attributes you should know about include:
- Recent feature changes to Webex, including an all-in-one app
- The new Cisco Calling Plan
- Upcoming features from Webex
- Webex’s competitiveness with other products
We know these changes aren’t always as apparent to others as they are to us at The KR Group. However, whether you’re reconsidering Webex or looking at it for the first time, these should inform your decision about trying Webex for your organization.
Recent features changes to Webex
The most significant change to Webex over the past year or so is that it’s now a single, all-inclusive app instead of three separate apps for meeting, calling, and messaging functions.
This creates a more user-friendly and straightforward experience since all of the features you traditionally needed different apps for are consolidated under a single user interface.
Another benefit of Webex combining all functions into a single app is how user status is displayed.
For example, if one user messages another using Webex, they can see that person is presenting in a video call and may not answer the message right away.
Screen sharing is now incorporated into the Webex app, so you don’t have to start a meeting for it. You can also transition between audio, video, screen sharing, messaging, etc., without leaving the app.
Even before the switch to a single app, Webex had consistently been introducing new features, such as:
- Dark mode
- Message reaction
- Pin messages
- Reply to an individual message
- Virtual background
- Background noise detector integration
- Prezi integration
- Built-in AI/on-screen emojis
- Speech to text and language translation
- Break out meetings
- Meeting templates
New Cisco Calling Plan
The new Cisco Calling Plan was announced alongside a slew of other Webex features at the end of 2020. However, it is significant enough to address in its own section.
By partnering with BroadSoft and introducing their own calling plan, Cisco has addressed the most common complaint of Webex Calling (now just Webex).
From a billing perspective, this eliminates a second invoice and agreement for your calling system. Simplicity is one of Cisco’s primary goals with the new Webex features, and an integrated calling plan definitely helps achieve it.
From the phone perspective, you no longer need to assign an individual number to each phone. While you’ll still need at least one direct inward dialing (DID) number for your organization, you have the option to forego individual numbers for each phone.
Future features from Webex
There’s certainly no going back with video conferencing reliance. Additionally, there is no staying stagnant.
Now that much of the workforce relies on video conferencing technology, Cisco (and other vendors) are continuing to innovate and expand the technology.
What can you expect from Cisco in the future?
A few upcoming solutions that are public knowledge include:
- New phones with video capabilities
- More language translations
- Expanding the availability of Cisco calling plan
However, there is almost certainly more behind-the-scenes that Cisco hasn’t announced yet.
Webex’s competitiveness
A common question we hear about Webex is if it is competitive with newer collaboration platforms. The short answer to this question is yes.
While there may be times a competitor is first to roll out a feature, eventually Webex – and most other platforms – will add the feature or something similar to their solution.
At this point, most video conferencing solutions have similar functions and appearance; all of them work toward providing the best experience.
Why should you choose Webex?
At this point, you’ve seen what Webex now offers and how they’re staying competitive in the fast-paced video conferencing world.
But what makes them the right choice for your business?
Cisco has long been a powerhouse in the technology world. This means Webex is backed by an organization with nearly limitless resources to continue innovating and addressing your needs.
Another important feature is security. Not only does Cisco as a company focus on security, but they implement this security knowledge into their other solutions, such as Webex.
These factors are in addition to all the ways Webex has evolved their product with new features, implemented a calling plan, and promised to continue innovating.
Learn more about Webex and how it can empower your business in this free infographic from Cisco.