In today’s dynamic digital communication landscape, Webex has established itself as a leading platform that supports various business needs through its comprehensive calling and meeting services. For organizations looking to streamline their communications, understanding the types of Webex Calling options and their distinctions is essential. This guide explores the types, features, and benefits of Webex Calling, including key elements like local PSTN gateway support and hybrid calling, to help you select the best fit for your business.
What is Webex Calling?
Webex Calling is a cloud-based enterprise phone solution designed for organizations of all sizes. It offers secure, reliable telephony capabilities that range from basic call functions to advanced features like automated attendants and call management groups. With Webex Calling, businesses can achieve high-quality communication, ensuring continuous connectivity and data protection.
Types of Webex Calling Licenses
Webex Calling offers different licenses tailored to specific user needs and workspaces. Here’s an overview:
- Professional License (User)
Designed for individual users, this license includes a comprehensive range of telephony tools suitable for professionals who require reliable and feature-rich calling options. - Professional License (Workspace)
This license serves shared or collaborative spaces, providing tools optimized for communication in conference rooms, hot-desking environments, and other shared workspaces. - Standard License (User)
Ideal for users with basic calling needs, this license offers essential telephony capabilities without advanced features, suiting those who need straightforward calling options.
Key Features of Webex Calling
Here are some standout Webex Calling features that enhance business communication and collaboration:
- Auto Attendant
A virtual receptionist that greets callers and routes them to the right contact or department, enhancing customer experience and internal efficiency. - Call Queue
Manages high call volumes by queuing incoming calls and providing automated messages or hold music until an agent becomes available. - Call Pickup Groups
Allows team members within a group to answer each other’s calls, promoting collaboration and efficient call handling within departments. - Call Park
Enables users to place a call on hold and retrieve it from a different device, enhancing flexibility for call management across multiple phones. - Hunt Group
Distributes incoming calls to available agents in a team, ensuring prompt response times and optimized call routing.
Local PSTN Gateway Support
A Local PSTN Gateway offers an alternative to a fully cloud-based PSTN solution, allowing businesses to connect on-premises PSTN services to the Webex Calling cloud. This feature is ideal for organizations needing to retain existing phone numbers or on-premises telephony systems while transitioning to Webex Calling. The local PSTN gateway allows businesses to maintain local control over their phone services, improve cost efficiency, and offer business continuity by integrating Webex Calling with existing PSTN providers.
Hybrid Calling
Hybrid Calling provides a bridge between Webex Calling and existing on-premises calling systems, such as Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM). This feature enables businesses to connect their on-premises PBX infrastructure with Webex Calling, allowing seamless communication between cloud-based and on-premises systems. Hybrid calling is beneficial for organizations undergoing phased migrations to the cloud, enabling them to enjoy cloud benefits while leveraging existing on-premises investments.
Webex Meetings Integration
For businesses needing integrated calling and video conferencing capabilities, Webex Calling seamlessly integrates with Webex Meetings. This optional integration supports high-quality video conferencing and calling within a unified platform, simplifying communication workflows and enhancing productivity for teams.
Choosing the Right Webex Calling License
When selecting a Webex Calling type, consider your business’s communication requirements and operational needs:
- For Individual Professionals
The Professional License (User) is best, offering a comprehensive set of features suited for individual professional calling needs. - For Shared Workspaces
The Professional License (Workspace) is optimized for conference rooms, open workspaces, and other shared settings that require collaborative communication tools. - For Basic Calling Needs
The Standard License suits users who need simple, straightforward calling features without advanced options. - For Businesses with On-Premises Systems
Organizations looking to retain existing phone systems or undergo gradual migrations may benefit from Hybrid Calling and Local PSTN Gateway support, bridging cloud and on-premises calling for smooth transition and integration.
Conclusion
Webex Calling provides a flexible, scalable solution that enhances business communication. By understanding the differences between license types and leveraging features like local PSTN gateway support and hybrid calling, businesses can tailor Webex Calling to meet their specific needs. From individual users to collaborative workspaces and hybrid setups, Webex Calling offers the tools essential for reliable, efficient communication.
For additional resources and detailed setup guides, explore online documentation and walkthroughs that help tailor Webex Calling for your unique business environment.