Better Together: Cisco Devices for Microsoft Teams
December 12th, 2022
Following the pandemic and the subsequent increase in Microsoft Teams adoption, customers who had been running an existing video estate based on Cisco technology were faced with having to choose between continuing with Cisco or making the wholesale switch to Microsoft for their video meetings.
Organisations chose Cisco in the first place as their video solutions have always been built with reliability, security, and quality at the core. These requirements did not go away. In many cases customers had perfectly suited video setups and so were extremely reluctant to lose the Cisco kit they had already invested in. However, the one thing they knew is that they did want to adopt Microsoft Teams.
The challenge of integrating MS Teams into Cisco meeting spaces
Adopting Microsoft Teams in meeting spaces meant either employing BYOD solutions, which aren’t always optimum for the space or workstyle of teams or implementing Microsoft Teams Rooms systems in these spaces. Either option meant a significant compromise in quality of the solutions in the meeting space and thus meeting experience itself. Customers want the quality of Cisco but usable within the boundaries of the Microsoft Teams ecosystem.
So, what to do? Cut your losses on the investment already made in meeting spaces and replace that high quality kit with Microsoft Teams compliant solutions or continue with Cisco and accept a compromise in the way users on Teams and your meeting spaces collaborate.
Cinos has always led the way bringing these worlds together with our Better Together approach, using Cloud Video Interop services to allow our customers’ Cisco endpoints to take part in Microsoft Teams meetings. This has allowed our customers to continue with the investment already made in their meeting spaces and not have to undertake expensive refreshes just because technology vendors won’t play nicely together.
The new solution: Cisco Devices for Microsoft Teams
Well, all that has now changed. Cisco has announced a new option for customers using their technology – Cisco Devices for Microsoft Teams. This means customers who have already have Cisco in their meeting spaces can register those devices natively with Microsoft Teams for a Microsoft Teams Room experience.
This is a game changer for the market. Customers can now truly enjoy the best of both worlds. Best-in-class standards-based video in your meeting spaces, whilst continuing your organisations’ strategic direction of travel for digital transformation with Microsoft 365 and Teams. The compromise customers were being forced to consider is now gone.
The divide between these two often warring vendors has been bridged in a way that puts their differences aside to meet customer demands. What’s more, the ability of Cisco endpoints registered to Microsoft Teams to still take part in Webex meetings with a native Webex experience means customers are no longer forced into making a choice, they are free to decide for themselves what works best for their business.
Cisco have confirmed the first wave of devices are expected to certified by early 2023. The portfolio will include:
With this range of devices, enterprises can enable employees to work from home, the office, and anywhere in between.
Cinos are recognised as a Cisco Gold Provider and a Microsoft Gold Partner. This level of expertise positions us perfectly to discuss any requirement regarding Cisco Devices for Microsoft Teams. So, if this is something you are considering, please get in touch with our team, we would be delighted to help.
Related Links |
|---|
Related Links |
|---|
