Key Takeaways:

• The plan you select will determine how much Webex costs.
• You can hold meetings with up to 100 people for up to 40 minutes using Webex’s free plan.
• You can select from their premium plans if you require additional time or features.

Cisco Webex is a collection of products for collaboration and video conferencing. The software included in this cloud-based collaboration suite is Webex Meetings, Webex Teams, and Webex Devices. The Cisco Spark team collaboration app and the Webex web conferencing technology were combined to create the Webex suite. In April 2018, the services changed their name to Webex in an effort to consolidate Cisco’s array of collaboration products. Features offered by Cisco Webex products include file sharing, team communications, and online meetings. With its focus on large group meetings for enterprise-wide deployments as well as small group collaboration for SMBs, the suite is regarded as a leading platform for collaboration in the unified communications space. Users can use a PC or mobile app to participate in video conferences. Although the various versions of Webex have greater capabilities, there is also a web version accessible. Additionally, users can take advantage of team communications facilities and share files. Webex Teams and Cisco Webex Meetings apps both support the service.

How does Webex work?

• All meetings are powered by the Webex backbone network, regardless of whether the participant joined via the Teams or Webex Meetings apps.
• With its Webex Hybrid Service, the software suite also facilitates hybrid and on-premises installations. The hybrid solution links on-premises Cisco communication systems to the cloud-based capabilities of Webex Teams.
• In addition, Video Mesh, a hybrid media solution provided by Cisco Webex, retains local users on-site while pushing remote or overflow consumers to the cloud.
• It is possible to organise, plan, and initiate meetings with WebEx Meeting Centre. Microsoft Outlook allows users to create meeting invitations. All that is needed for a user to invite attendees is their email address.

• After that, the user can sign up with a computer or smartphone. It is also possible to switch devices in the middle of a conference.
• Users of Training Centre can automatically configure their screen views according to the type of file.
• As a result, the view will automatically display the slides if a user chooses to display a PowerPoint presentation. Once granted authorization, attendees can also edit files.
• The Event Centre can accommodate up to 3,000 guests. Chat and polling tools make it possible for these big gatherings to be interactive.
• Webex Calling is a cloud-based phone system that is included with Webex. Through Webex Calling, users can make direct calls from Webex Teams or from Cisco IP phones to anybody.
• With the Hybrid Service, users may now link Cisco phone systems to Webex Teams. But PSTN services have to be bought from an outside supplier.
• Webex Teams allows you to define a service address for each PSTN phone line, facilitating 911 calling.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of Webex?

Given the availability of well-known video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Webex needs to offer a range of features that will entice users to choose it over rival offerings. A few advantages of Webex are:

• HD video and audio options for phones or computers.
• Users are able to join calls on numerous devices and change devices in the middle of a call.
• Participant files can be shared in a variety of ways, and online users can access content sharing extensions.
• There are tools for annotation.
• It is possible to record calls.
• There are facilities for screen sharing and chat.
• Remote controls are available for screens.
• Added security features.
• It connects to programmes like Microsoft Teams and Cisco.

On the other hand, Webex has certain drawbacks.

• Expensive compared to Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• The UX and menu system may be difficult for certain users to use intuitively.
• Non-Webex users have reported experiencing audio glitches when connecting to audio.
• A few people have also reported difficulty switching from outdated Webex installations.

What are different Webex plans and what do they cost?

There are five distinct Cisco Webex versions available at varying pricing points.

• There is a free edition that allows users to host calls with up to 100 participants, 1 GB of cloud storage, and a 50-minute call duration.
• At $13.50 per month, per user, the beginning version is the least expensive non-free option. The restriction on calls has been raised to 24 hours, and storage has been enhanced to 5 GB. More capabilities including call recordings and app integrations (such Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint) are also included in this edition.
• The monthly fee of the Plus edition is $17.95 for per user. In this edition, there is an increase in participant capacity from 50 to 100. Furthermore, round-the-clock technical assistance is also offered.
• The cost of the business edition is $26.95. Upgrading storage to 10 GB and increasing the number of attendees per meeting to 200 are other improvements.
• For organisations, the enterprise plan offers customisation options. It offers limitless cloud storage and up to 100,000 attendees every conference.