Developed by Cisco, Webex is a video conferencing and cloud-calling application that is widely used by 650+ million users all around the globe. This feature-rich web and video conferencing tool allows its users to meet each other via audio or video while sharing a screen or speaking through a mobile device.
It works perfectly on any device, including Windows, Mac, and even tablets and smartphones. Webex is even considered as the best Zoom alternative by many.
But no matter how feature-rich and flexible it is, Cisco Webex also has its own unique drawbacks, just like how it has some amazing benefits. And in this blog, we will explore just that.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Advantages of Cisco Webex
In the era of Zoom and Skype, Cisco Webex really had to pull out a collection of unique yet practical features that can draw attention. Let’s take a look at the key advantages of using Cisco Webex.
1. Robust security
Security is one of the strongest points of Cisco Webex. Cisco is one of the most prominent communication, technology, and data security companies. No matter which Webex plan you purchase, it will secure all your data with multiple layers of encryption. As a result, you will never have to worry about your privacy when you’re on a Webex call.
As Cisco puts the utmost importance on data security and encryption, you can use the Webex service with complete peace of mind.
2. Collaborating audio and video conferences
Do you want your conference solution to have multiple features that cover all your video and audio conferencing needs? Webex has got your back, and it stops at nothing to provide a solid user experience.
With Webex, you can enjoy HD-quality video calls, where you can see up to 25 participants at any time. There is a chat feature that you can use to send texts during the call. It also has whiteboards that will help you collaborate with others using notes. You can also enjoy the breakout rooms for participating in team-building exercises and classes.
The screen sharing and control features are unlike anything you have tried before as they don’t affect the display quality, and the application allows you to switch between different windows or even desktops with ease.
3. Fast conference bridge connections
A fast connection is extremely important when it comes to audio and video calls. And Cisco Webex has a particularly fast connection speed that is almost instantaneous when you compare it to the other video call and collaborative applications.
What’s more, once you sign in, you can instantly check if your browser or system is working well just before joining a conference. So, if you’re organizing something like a webinar, you won’t have to spend helping people connect with the webinar all the time.
4. Availability of extensive integration
Webex can directly work with Google Workspace or Microsoft Outlook to sync all your appointments and meetings with the calendar of your choice. It can also work with tools like Microsoft Sharepoint and teams as well as Google to collaborate all across the corporation.
Because of such extensive integration, Webex makes it easier to schedule meetings, share external invitations, and look out for participants’ availability. Many rival collaborative workspaces like Zoom don’t offer such thorough integration with other tools.
And it doesn’t end here. If you have Cisco hardware like DX80 monitor or Cisco phones, Webex can integrate with them, allowing you to dial into a conference directly.
5. Many ways to connect
As Webex is a platform-independent collaborative workspace, you can join any conference via the device available to you. You don’t even have to install the app on your device to join a meeting. You can just join a conference or a webinar by opening Webex using your browser, and you will enjoy the same features as the Webex desktop app.
In fact, you can just dial into any conference (as long as you have the right subscription), which can be incredibly handy if you’re experiencing a bad internet connection.
It also has the VoIP feature that allows you to switch to different audio devices during the conference, which you don’t usually find in other competitors.
Disadvantages of Cisco Webex
No matter how great any tool or application is, it is bound to have some drawbacks. And Cisco Webex isn’t an exception either. Here’s a list of disadvantages of Cisco Webex.
1. Random call quality and connection issues
Let us make something clear first. Webex has really good call quality, and its noise cancellation feature works better than many other conference tools. However, as a large number of people use Webex on a daily basis, there is always a risk of outages.
Many users have experienced sudden connection issues and when it happens, they would be out of the call for quite some time. Most of these users have experienced connection problems for a few seconds before the connection was established once again.
2. Limited personalization options
While Cisco Webex does have a few virtual backgrounds, the collection is not as wide as some of its competitors like Google Meets or Zoom. It also lacks many other personalization options. Personalization capability is one of the best advantages of Google Meet.
For example, you won’t find fun tools like Windows layout options and color schemes that are pretty common in other video conferencing tools.
3. Confusions regarding multiple ways of connection
We know. We have just explained how many ways of connection are one of the biggest benefits of using Webex. And now, we are saying that it’s the exact opposite – a disadvantage.
Well, hear us out!
While having multiple ways of connection is a great thing, it can be confusing for many people. You can connect via Webex Teams, and Webex Meetings, and then there is your own conference bridge which you can sync with it. Sometimes, Webex Teams work slower than usual.
With all these and many other available options, it can get pretty confusing to choose one way to connect.
4. Mobile app with sub-per features
The Cisco Webex mobile app is quite easy to use, and it allows you to connect to any meeting with just one tap. And you won’t notice any drop in video quality while using the mobile app.
However, when you compare the Webex mobile app with its competitors’ mobile apps, the conference experience might not feel that smooth. Plus, it lacks many features available in the desktop and browser versions of this platform.
5. The “Call Me” feature is available just as an add-on
Cisco Webex doesn’t provide the feature to call people to make them join, by default. The participants must dial in themselves to join the conference, so you will pretty much have to rely on them to remember about the call.
It will continue until you buy the “Call Me” feature, which is available as an add-on service.