Understanding the Difference: MS Teams vs Webex
As workplace collaboration and unified communication platforms enter the marketplace, the number of features that make each platform unique can be harder to pinpoint. While both Teams and Webex share capabilities like one-on-one and group chat, video conferencing, file storage, and screen sharing, what exactly makes these platforms unique?
Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex Comparison
When choosing a workplace communication platform, organizations must consider various factors to find the best fit for their needs. Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex both deliver high-level team collaboration and web conferencing solutions, uniting video conferencing, chat messaging, and voice calling in one intuitive interface. However, they offer unique solutions that set them apart.
Telephony
Microsoft Teams:
- Enables customers to bring current voice services into the Microsoft Cloud through Direct Routing.
- Offers features like Operator Connect for easy integration of calling services.
- Includes a next-generation global voice platform integrated with Microsoft Office 365.
Cisco Webex:
- Leverages Jabber, Cisco’s Unified Communications Manager, and Hosted Collaboration Suite.
- Offers Webex Calling for a fully integrated collaboration experience.
- Provides Webex Dedicated Instance for enhanced experiences, supporting older Cisco endpoints and critical business workflows.
Security
Microsoft Teams:
- Built on the enterprise-grade cloud of Office 365, ensuring robust security.
- Features a security and compliance center integrated across the Office 365 Suite.
Cisco Webex:
- Provides high-grade protection but gives more control to individual users for managing encryption keys.
- May require additional training for users unfamiliar with communication platform security systems.
Productivity
Microsoft Teams:
- Heavily integrated with Office 365, enabling seamless collaboration, access, and storage.
- Combines messaging, voice, and meeting platforms for high workstream collaboration.
Cisco Webex:
- Utilizes proprietary meeting applications alongside third-party tools.
- Requires additional productivity tools like Microsoft 365 or Google for full functionality.
Conclusion
Both Cisco Webex and Microsoft Teams provide exceptional collaboration applications. Microsoft Teams is tightly integrated with Office 365, while Cisco Webex is part of a larger Cisco meeting and conference ecosystem.
Key Recommendations:
- If your organization uses Cisco Voice, Cisco Webex may be a natural fit.
- If your organization already utilizes Microsoft platforms, Microsoft Teams may integrate more seamlessly.
For businesses using both solutions or without a focus on either, partnering with a specialist in Voice and Collaboration can help determine the best fit.