Webex Review, Features & Pricing [2019]
Article by Chris Costi, Last update at March 15, 2020
Key Features
- Video Conferencing
- Electronic Hand Raising
- On-Demand Webcasting
- Presentation Tools
- Real-Time Chat
- Record & Playback
- Screen Sharing
- Two-Way Audio & Video
Pricing
With Cisco WebEx you can take advantage of the free trial for test purposes. They have 3 pricing plans the first on is the Premium 8 which covers up to eight people in a meeting and costs $24 per user per month. The Premium 25 hosts 25 people in unlimited meetings and costs $49 per month per user and the third one is the Premium 100 for $69 per month per user and hosts up to 100 people. All plans include all video conferencing, share applications, VoIP or phone in call-in, markup tools and whiteboard. Free mobile apps and audio and video recording as well as the ability to share the presenter role are also included.
Things To Note
Cisco WebEx can be described as a flexible audio and video conferencing solution designed for businesses of all sizes. WebEx virtual meetings require the installation of Java and cookies. They offer mobile optimization for tablets and smartphones and this works in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. WebEx is ideal for businesses that have remote employees as it allows participants to join in by phone, if they cannot connect by computer, as long as one person is connected to the internet. WebEx provides both toll-free and toll numbers that can be used from anywhere. Meetings can be recorded and shared as MP4A audio files and presenter controls can be passed along to participants so that they can share their ideas and strategies. Devices supported are Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad and Mac.
In A Nutshell
WebEx provides a fully functional web conferencing service for businesses of any size and in any location. They offers the best preparation and follow up features which are ideal for people that are scattered across the globe, as it makes it easy for participants to get together and work on a project. WebEx meetings offer full 256-bit, end to end SSL encryption for web conferencing that is above industry standards. With password protected online meetings, they offer a safe and secure way to conduct video conferencing.
Let’s Dive Deeper
WebEx is available in various plans which are designed to meet specific work and meeting spaces. They have the capability to cover multiple meetings as well as large scale product launches or educational sessions. WebEx offers multiple productivity tools that offer a stable platform to hold video conferences. Their WebEx Meeting Center makes it easy for users to schedule, start and conduct any online meeting. All that is needed is for users to have a host account as a presenter in a hosted meeting. Invitations are prepared using Microsoft Outlook and then the schedule is loaded into the Cisco WebEx system. Attendees can then join the meeting by phone, computer or video system. The software also allows for switching from one device to another during the meeting.
With WebEx you can toggle between different screens, sharing content with side by side views. Their centralized control bar offers all the meeting tools in easy to use format so that you have full control. The software automatically sets up the screen view depending on the type of file being presented. Attendees can share files with an assigned privilege allowing them to participate in real time which makes it ideal for live discussions and brainstorming. The Cisco WebEx Event Center organizes events for up to 3,000 attendees. Participants will be able to share a whole screen or just one document or application with any device. Instant recording is in place and when the meeting is concluded you will receive an email with an MP4 file of the meeting. There is also the Facebook Live integration which can easily be used to share a meeting.
With the WebEx mobile app you can meet anywhere through your mobile device. A simple click on a link will enable you to join any meeting. Group meetings with Cisco Webex Board video screen will give you the capability of inviting participants and they can join you online from anywhere at any time. Hosting webinars with Cisco WebEx Events is interactive and offers HD video and broadcasting quality audio for up to 3,000 participants. Their Webcasting Host is used for large scale virtual events for more than 40,000 participants and the Cisco WebEx Training hosts breakout sessions with automated grading for over 1,000 participants. WebEx Teams is an app that promotes continuous teamwork through video meetings, group messaging, with file sharing and white boarding. Anyone using this app can start a meeting with one click so there is no wasting time. You will be able to join from anywhere on any device with no problems.
WebEx integrates with popular tools including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Twitter, Trello and Zandesk. They have a range of high quality IP phones that you can purchase for every location including your home. These phones offer high quality audio and high definition video calling. The hardware supplied by WebEx allows you to add a virtual receptionist for inbound callers and you can personalize voice mails for every user. With Webex Teams, you can make and receive calls on any of your devices. Use the app on your computer, smartphone or tablet to turn any call into a meeting, with instant desktop sharing of screens, files, and messages.
Cisco WebEx has end to end encryption and your information is kept secure at all times. They have some of the most advanced security in place and your data, conversations and files are always protected. Searches are encrypted, keeping search terms and results from hackers. You will have the full support of WebEx with a variety of instructional materials and tutorials that are available on their website. Phone support is available 24/7 and this include technical support as well as live chat.
