* updated content (both text and resources)
* added youtube demo''Webex Calling for Microsoft Teams demo-March 2024 ''
*added recent CiscoLive session (Amsterdam, Feb2024)
hi all,
Webex app offers enterprise-grade Calling + Messaging + Meetings services.
But there are cases where, as an organization, you have decided to use Cisco for calling (onprem or cloud) and use MSFT Teams for messaging. In these cases you could leverage Webex app's calling integration with MSFT Teams.
What are the advantages of this approach?
How this is done: user uses Microsoft Teams app for messaging workload plus other services, but, when they need to place or receive a PBX call, then in-call window is offered by Cisco. This happens in a transparent way for the user (webex app needs to be installed on user's device but runs in hidden mode). And while in call, user has all the Cisco calling features (of CUCM or Webex calling).
This is important benefit compared to direct routing path that requires to maintain two phone systems, brings extra costs and effort and comes with caveats. On admin side you don't have to reinvent the wheel in order to finetune a new phone system. You can count on your existing Cisco calling platform and count on MSFT for messaging workload.
(community post comparing Direct routing vs Webex app client side integration for CUCM cases --> here)
Integration is happening on the client level and does not require changes on the cisco calling world (CUCM or Webex Calling).
For CUCM or Webex Calling, these calls are like typical calls. So they keep all the features and architectural aspects that these calling solutions offer. For example if you have setup CAC(Connection Admission Control) policies on CUCM then this is maintained in these calls like other calls you do with CUCM.
5) integration is available for both CUCM onprem environment and Cloud calling (WxC, WxC DI) environments.
So if you have today Webex app with CUCM onprem and later on upgrade to Webex app with Webex Calling phone system integration with MSFT Teams remains.
To find more details about calling integration with MSFT Teams, check below resources:
Webex Calling for Microsoft Teams demo - March 2024 (latest youtube video, delivered Sara Macias Salete)
Calling Interoperability with Microsoft Teams - BRKCOL-2067 (Amsterdam 2024) (requires access to CL ondemand library)
Relevant help.webex.com help articles (note that these talk about both Webex Calling and CUCM environments):
Webex Calling for Microsoft Teams
Configure Microsoft Teams for Webex Calling
MS Teams Calling Integration and Security
What's New in Webex Calling for Microsoft Teams great article with latest news
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Live Demos - Best way to experience this integration?
Either enable it on your environment or ask partner or cisco account team for a live demo.
Partners and Cisco teams could use our Webex DemoToolBox to start a demo in few minutes.
You can find there latest updated demo with new features:
Webex Integration for Microsoft Teams with Webex Calling (New features added!)
Although Demo Toolbox is super easy to use, for partners that use this for the first time, this excellent PIW is great:
PIW - Learn How to Demo Webex Calling for Microsoft Teams - Deck & Recording
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- Dark theme support // for windows and browser version of Microsoft Teams)
- Call history improvements // so you can see from which call queue or hunt group the call was made and the name of the person who has forwarded the call (this enhancement is for Webex Calling environment only at the moment. CUCM support will follow at later release).
- Webex Calling integration is available in Microsoft Teams mobile app // Users can now make a phone number call directly from their Microsoft Teams mobile app using dialpad of Webex Calling app, or Webex Calling app as a messaging extension in one-on-one chat, and group chat. More details here
- Enable bidirectional presence sync //Administrators can enable presence sync feature for synchronizing the user's presence (In a call, In a meeting, Presenting, and Do not disturb) between Microsoft Teams and Webex Bidirectionally. This synchronization helps the Microsoft Teams users who are using Webex Calling integration to know the presence status of their contacts. For details on admin configuration, see Accept presence sync permissions and Enable bidirectional presence sync sections in Configure Microsoft Teams for Webex Calling.
- Enable multi call window // Multi call window allows users to manage multiple lines in a single window. Users can make and receive calls, see the status of all lines, and have better access to features like hold, transfer, and barge, without changing to another window. This is super important since you could also leverage unique Customer Experience Basic and Essentials function of Webex Calling.
Stay tuned for further enhancements! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please rate if you find helpful.
You can find there community posts on Webex Calling and CUCM solution.
thanks!
Alkiviadis
