There are clients that are investigating the use of Teams or Cisco Webex as the communications platform for their enterprise. There is a myriad of solutions out in the marketplace, but we have decided to home in on two of the leading platforms in this domain, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex. They both offer robust solutions tailored to various client profiles. However, choosing between these platforms can be challenging, and effectively managing their integration often requires specialized expertise. This is where third-party solution consultants like ZLH Enterprises can play a pivotal role, bringing industry knowledge and experience to help businesses leverage these tools efficiently.
Microsoft Teams has become one of the most widely used platforms in the business world, especially for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. With its integration into Microsoft 365, Teams provides easy access to familiar tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive and more. This native integration is a significant advantage for businesses that rely heavily on Microsoft products for day-to-day operations, as they will not have to train their team on a new product suite. Teams offers a streamlined experience for businesses of all sizes, as they can use Teams for secure, centralized communication, instant messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, collaborative workspace features, and more. Teams is also highly supportive of remote and hybrid work models, offering many features for virtual meetings, file sharing, and collaboration. Furthermore, Microsoft Teams adheres to stringent security protocols and compliance standards, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 1 and 2.
Cisco Webex is another highly regarded platform, known for its video quality, flexibility, and scalability, appealing to businesses that prioritize seamless, high-quality video and audio communication. Cisco Webex is a smart choice for enterprise clients with complex communication needs, as it offers robust video conferencing, webinars, and cloud calling features that can support up to thousands of participants. Cisco Webex emphasizes compliance and security features for industries like healthcare and finance by supporting regulations such as HIPAA for patient data protection and FedRAMP for financial data security. Like Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex also ensures data integrity with end-to-end encryption, holds certifications like ISO/IEC 27001, and offers compliance-focused features tailored to meet stringent regulatory requirements, making it a reliable choice for businesses handling sensitive information.
Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex both offer flexible options for integrating voice calling, but they take distinct approaches that cater to different organizational needs. Microsoft Teams offers Calling Plans, Direct Routing, and Operator Connect, each tailored to give businesses control over how they connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). With Calling Plans, Microsoft itself acts as the PSTN provider, offering a straightforward solution that eliminates the need for external telecom operators, making it ideal for small to medium-sized organizations looking for an easy-to-deploy option. Direct Routing allows organizations to connect their own telephony infrastructure to Microsoft Teams using a Session Border Controller (SBC), giving large enterprises and organizations with complex needs greater control over their voice networks and the ability to maintain existing telecom contracts. Operator Connect acts as a middle-ground solution, allowing businesses to use certified third-party telecom providers to manage calling while keeping deployment simple. This range of options allows Microsoft Teams to cater to a variety of needs, from simple setups to highly customized, global solutions.
On the other hand, Cisco Webex provides voice capabilities through Webex Calling, offering flexibility with options like Cloud Connected PSTN (CCP) and Premises-based PSTN. With Cloud Connected PSTN, businesses can select from a list of Cisco-certified PSTN providers, like Microsoft’s Operator Connect; to manage and host calls through the cloud. This option is ideal for businesses looking for reliable, managed PSTN connectivity without maintaining complex on-premises infrastructure. For companies with existing telephony infrastructure or specific regional requirements, Premises-based PSTN enables them to connect on-premises PSTN systems to Webex Calling through a local gateway, resembling the flexibility offered by Microsoft’s Direct Routing. Cisco’s approach allows businesses to choose cloud-based calling solutions or leverage on-premises infrastructure for hybrid setups, providing a balance between flexibility and control to accommodate specific business needs. Each platform’s distinct approach to voice calling means that businesses can select the provider and connectivity model that aligns best with their IT environment, regulatory requirements, and budget considerations.
Choosing the right communication tools can be complex, especially for companies with unique needs or regulatory considerations. Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex each offer unique benefits suited to different business needs, and choosing the right platform—along with the optimal calling configuration—is key to maximizing productivity. Partnering with a technology consultant like ZLH Enterprises can simplify this process and ensure a seamless experience. Our experienced team works closely with clients to understand their specific requirements and recommend the most effective combination of platforms and solutions. With expertise in Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and extensive knowledge of how these services work on the backend, ZLH Enterprises can help you integrate your new services smoothly with your existing systems or procure a completely new tech stack. By aligning the right solution with your business needs, we help businesses optimize their costs and can even assist in contract negotiations. Whether your company is leaning toward Microsoft Teams with Operator Connect, Cisco Webex, or another service, having a knowledgeable partner like ZLH Enterprises ensures a streamlined, cost-effective, and secure deployment.
Contact ZLH Enterprises: (732) 845-5288
Connect with our team: @Zina Hassel @Jodi Hassel
Learn more about ZLH Enterprises: https://www.zlhent.com
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