- The comparison
- Software
- Microsoft Teams in front of Cisco Webex: Which video conferencing and cooperation service is better?
Cisco may not have the same reputation in the consumer arena as Microsoft or Google, but in the business arena it is indeed well known. This is why its video conferencing software, Cisco Webex, has proven so popular over the last year. With the arrival of the Covid-XNUMX pandemic, collaboration tools like Webex have clashed with Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and much more. With the introduction of social distancing measures, virtual interactions have replaced face-to-face assemblies. While other solutions may have better name recognition than Webex, that doesn't mean they should be considered inferior to any of the other platforms on the market. If you're unsure of the precise pros and cons of using Webex, the next guide will help. In particular, we will compare Webex with Microsoft Teams, one of the solutions that experienced the largest increases in popularity throughout the pandemic. However, this development has not stopped Webex from gaining a tremendous reputation for its industry-leading features. In this guide, we've gathered all the information you need to decide whether Teams or Webex is right for your business, comparing plans and costs, features, security, and more.
Packages and prices
Although the free tier of Microsoft Teams suits many small businesses and individual users, Cisco Webex is truly aimed at paying customers. It offers a free plan, but it's only available for a single host and offers limitations on some of its features, including a fifty-minute call limit. On the other hand, the free version of Teams comes with a slightly higher 3-minute time limit for calls, as well as two GB of personal cloud storage and unlimited chat service. Teams When it comes to Teams payment options, users can choose between 1 different packages from Microsoft 9, which will offer different levels of Teams functionality. Microsoft 1 Business Basic, for example, costs $100 / $XNUMX / AU$XNUMX per user per month and gives them the ability to schedule and record meetings. It also increases the file storage capacity to XNUMX Terabytes per user. The Microsoft XNUMX Business Standard package, on the other hand, costs €XNUMX / €XNUMX / AU €XNUMX per user per month and also comes with desktop versions of Microsoft productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). For companies with bigger budgets, Microsoft XNUMX Premium comes with advanced security and privacy features, but will cost you $XNUMX / $XNUMX / AU$XNUMX per user per month. It's true that Teams is one of the most expensive video conferencing tools out there if you haven't already subscribed to Microsoft XNUMX. However, if your company is already an avid XNUMX user, Teams is a very cost-effective alternative. Webex For Webex, the cost plans are fairly easy to explain. There is the Starter plan that is suitable for small teams or individual users, since it includes XNUMX host licenses and XNUMX GB of file storage. This bundle is going to cost organizations €XNUMX per host per month. Meanwhile, the business plan costs $XNUMX per host per month and also includes XNUMX host licenses, XNUMXGB of file storage and an interactive whiteboard feature. Lastly, the Enterprise plan comes with custom pricing, but might be the best option for businesses that host a lot of larger meetings or live events.
Features
Webex functionality is easily categorized into 3 distinct areas: Meetings, Calls, and Mail. In terms of meeting features, users can enjoy tailored screen layouts and high-quality HD video and sound for up to one to zero meeting participants. Webex users also have a variety of sharing options, including full-screen sharing and popular apps like PowerPoint. Automatic transcription, calendar integration, and meeting customization are also great features. Group and individual messaging is free (even outside of a meeting), and there are a number of useful integrations, including Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and Salesforce. When it comes to Teams, the features include screen sharing, call recording, live captions, background blur technology, and chat features. However, the ability to integrate with other Microsoft applications is perhaps its most useful feature.
Security
Unsurprisingly, given Microsoft's pedigree, Microsoft Teams comes with a number of security features, including encryption of all data in Microsoft data centers. Microsoft Teams also requires multi-factor authentication to protect users and companies against unauthorized access to accounts. Cisco Webex also takes security very seriously. Encryption is again provided for all cloud recordings, and meeting passwords should help prevent unwanted meeting attendees. The paid versions of Webex are also HIPAA and BAA compliant.
Support
While Microsoft Teams comes with a robust formal support offering, including online webinars and live chat support. However, one of the most lauded support features is really unrelated to Microsoft. Due to the huge user base of Teams, a community has grown that is always more than willing to assist anyone who might encounter a challenge. Webex support includes free training programs and video tutorials, plus up-to-date demos and live events. Although the fact that the free service only comes with online support is a bit disappointing, the Enterprise plan comes with a dedicated representative, which means you should fix your issues very quickly.
Verdict
Cisco Webex is a video conferencing tool that does come with a solid pedigree. While individual users are more likely to opt for technology brands they recognize in their day-to-day lives, such as Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, companies will undoubtedly appreciate some of the premium offerings that come with Webex. In particular, the Enterprise plan has some really nice touches, including offering your representative for support. This kind of service really makes the user feel valued. In terms of features and security, the two platforms are also the same, making it quite difficult to decide whether Teams or Webex is right for your business.