Cisco expands Webex with cloud-based PBX

Cisco has recently expanded its Webex collaboration tools to include a full cloud-based PBX, including the corresponding app. In addition, teams will soon be able to use new Webex meeting applications in small meeting rooms that are specially designed for this purpose..

With the Cisco BroadCloudCalling application, end users of the Webex conference applications can now also have access to a complete cloud-based telephone exchange or PBX. It gives end users access to all the functionality of normal PBXs, such as high quality telephony, meetings and collaboration, via the cloud. According to the supplier, the application that has now been launched is particularly suitable for companies with up to 100 employees.

New app

Cisco also introduces the Calling App. In addition to traditional call functionality such as mute, call forwarding and waiting, this application also offers the ability to make HD quality video calls and business calls on mobile devices, displaying the normal business phone number instead of a mobile number. In addition, the application is integrated with Outlook and company directories, making it easy to find colleagues’ contact details.

Availability

All of the above applications will be added to the Cisco Collaboration Flex subscription. This enables service providers, among others, to put together a complete solution for collaboration. This makes it easier for their customers, such as medium-sized and larger organisations, to switch to cloud-based telephony.

The cloud-based PBX will be available from the end of this year through providers in 19 countries around the world. In 2019, this number of providers will be expanded further.

Expansion of the portfolio for small meeting rooms

Not only does Cisco now present a cloud-based PBX within Webex, but this collaboration portfolio is also being expanded with specific conferencing applications for small rooms. With this, the supplier wants to meet the needs of end users who are increasingly working in flexible office spaces and often only have small meeting rooms at their disposal. In concrete terms, this concerns so-called huddle spaces that do not always have the facilities of large meeting rooms.

Within the Webex portfolio, Cisco is launching the Webex Room Kit Mini. This compact meeting solution automatically activates, at its own discretion, when someone enters the room and has intelligence, cameras and microphones similar to those in larger conference rooms. The compact solution of course also makes it possible to share content or hold meetings with employees outside the door.

In this context, the network and communication specialist also introduces the Webex Board 55. This is an all-in-one videoconferencing device for, among other things, whiteboarding, video or audio conferencing or for wireless presentation. Finally, the portfolio of meeting and collaboration solutions is expanded with a special adapter, the Webex Share, which makes presentations visible on any screen with a single click, without the hassle of dongles or cables.