Cisco Jabber - Detailed Review
Collaboration Tools
Cisco Jabber - Product Overview
Cisco Jabber Overview
Cisco Jabber is a comprehensive suite of Unified Communications applications that facilitate seamless interaction and collaboration among users. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Cisco Jabber is intended to unify various communication methods into a single, consistent experience. It integrates instant messaging, presence, voice and video calling, voicemail, desktop sharing, and conferencing, making it easier for users to find and connect with the right people quickly and efficiently.
Target Audience
The target audience for Cisco Jabber includes business workers and organizations of all sizes. It is particularly useful in global, distributed work environments where effective communication across different locations and devices is crucial. This tool is beneficial for anyone needing to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, customers, partners, and suppliers.
Key Features
- Instant Messaging: Provides enterprise-class instant messaging with personal, group, and persistent chat rooms. It supports chat history and server-based logging for compliance and convenience.
- Presence: Allows users to see the availability of their contacts, including customized availability states such as “in a customer meeting.”
- Voice and Video Calling: Offers high-quality, standards-based voice and video calls with wideband and high-fidelity audio, and high-definition video (720p).
- Voicemail: Integrates voicemail capabilities, ensuring users can manage their voice messages efficiently.
- Desktop Sharing and Conferencing: Enables users to share their desktops and participate in web conferences, enhancing collaboration.
- Cisco WebEx Meetings Integration: Allows users to join WebEx meetings directly from the Jabber client, streamlining the meeting process.
- Single Sign-On and Automatic Upgrades: Simplifies user access with single sign-on capabilities and ensures the application stays up-to-date with automatic upgrades.
- Security: Includes features like instant messaging encryption and voice and video encryption to ensure secure communications.
Overall, Cisco Jabber is a versatile tool that enhances productivity by providing a unified and secure communication platform accessible from a variety of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Cisco Jabber - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Cisco Jabber
The user interface of Cisco Jabber is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for individuals to communicate and collaborate effectively.Interface and Features
Cisco Jabber offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface. Here are some key aspects:Contact Management
Users can easily search for contacts, add them to their list, and view their presence status in real-time.Messaging
The platform allows users to send and receive messages, change fonts and colors, send screen captures, files, mention users, and add emoticons to messages. This makes communication more engaging and flexible.Calling and Meetings
Users can initiate voice and video calls directly from the app by selecting the Call icon from an active conversation window or from their contacts list. Scheduling meetings is also simple, involving selecting contacts and starting a meeting with a few clicks.Integration
Cisco Jabber integrates well with other Cisco products and Microsoft Office applications, allowing users to initiate chats, voice or video calls, or multiparty conferences directly from these platforms.Ease of Use
Users generally find Cisco Jabber very easy to use. Here are some points that highlight its ease of use:Intuitive Design
The interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for new users to get started quickly. The app looks and feels like a traditional phone, reducing the learning curve.Clear Functionality
Features such as calling, messaging, and scheduling meetings are clearly laid out and accessible, ensuring that users can perform these tasks without confusion.Accessibility
Cisco has made significant efforts to ensure the app is accessible. For example, the Mac version was developed with a focus on keyboard navigation and common use cases, ensuring that users with disabilities can use the app effectively.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience of Cisco Jabber is positive, with several key benefits:Seamless Communication
Users appreciate the seamless integration with other Cisco products and the ability to communicate through various channels (instant messaging, voice, video, and desktop sharing) from a single application.Convenience
Features like the ability to control desk phones remotely, answer calls with a mouse click, and play voicemail directly from the app enhance user convenience.Feedback and Improvement
Cisco has actively sought feedback from users, particularly through an internal early-adopter community, to improve the user experience and address any issues promptly. However, some users have noted a few limitations, such as the limited history for communications and the lack of saving group conversations after the conversation window is closed. In summary, Cisco Jabber offers a user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a positive overall user experience, making it a valuable tool for business-level communications and collaboration. Cisco Jabber - Key Features and Functionality
Cisco Jabber Overview
Cisco Jabber is a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform that offers a wide range of features to enhance productivity and streamline communications across various devices and platforms. Here are the main features and their benefits:
Instant Messaging and Presence
Cisco Jabber provides real-time presence information and instant messaging, allowing users to see the availability of their contacts and initiate chats quickly. This feature reduces delays and improves productivity by enabling users to connect with the right people at the right time.
Voice and Video Calls
The platform supports business-class voice and video calls with HD quality, ensuring clear and reliable communications. Users can make voice and video calls directly from their desktop, tablet, or smartphone, facilitating seamless communication regardless of the device used.
Desktop Sharing and Conferencing
Cisco Jabber allows users to share their desktops, which is useful for presentations, training sessions, and collaborative work. It also supports audio, video, and web conferencing, enabling teams to collaborate effectively even when they are not in the same physical location.
Integration with Microsoft Office
Users can access Cisco Jabber directly from Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook. This integration enables users to initiate chat, voice, or video calls, or start multiparty conferences with just a few clicks, keeping workflows simple and efficient.
Video Conferencing
The platform offers full-featured video conferencing that can be accessed from mobile devices as well as desktops. This ensures that users can participate in video meetings from anywhere, maintaining the same level of functionality and ease of use.
Call Management Features
Cisco Jabber includes several call management features such as call pickup, call park, and call preservation. These features allow users to manage their calls efficiently, such as picking up calls from other phones or parking calls to be retrieved later.
Bridge Escalations
This feature allows users to quickly escalate a group chat to a conference call. Participants are automatically added to the conference without the need to merge them manually, streamlining the transition from chat to call.
File Transfer and Screen Capture
Users can transfer files and capture screens during sessions, which is useful for sharing documents and visual information in real-time.
Cisco WebEx Meetings Integration
Cisco Jabber integrates with Cisco WebEx, allowing users to join WebEx meetings directly from the Jabber client. This integration simplifies the process of attending virtual meetings and enhances collaboration.
Security and Compliance
The platform includes features such as chat security labels, instant messaging encryption, and FIPS compliance to ensure secure communications. These features are crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of business communications.
Automation and Integration
Cisco Jabber can be integrated with various SaaS applications and services using platforms like Tray.ai. This allows for automated workflows, bi-directional syncing of messaging data, and the ability to connect Jabber with other applications such as CRM, ERP, and project management tools. This integration enhances internal communications and scales mission-critical processes.
Future Potential of AI Integration
While the current resources do not explicitly detail the integration of AI within Cisco Jabber, the platform’s extensive features and integrations with other tools suggest a strong foundation for potential AI-driven enhancements in the future, such as predictive contact search and automated workflows.
Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Jabber is a versatile communication tool that enhances productivity, facilitates collaboration, and ensures secure and reliable communications across multiple devices and platforms.
Cisco Jabber - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Cisco Jabber
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Cisco Jabber involves several key aspects, including its features, network requirements, and potential limitations.
Performance
Cisco Jabber is designed to provide a seamless and efficient collaboration experience through its unified communications capabilities, which include audio, video, and web conferencing, as well as instant messaging and presence features.
Network Bandwidth and QoS
To ensure optimal performance, especially for video calls, Cisco Jabber requires adequate network bandwidth. Cisco IT configured Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize video traffic, allocating 1 Mbps of bandwidth for each 720p video call. This helps maintain video quality even during network congestion.
Device Provisioning and Management
Cisco Jabber supports multiple devices per user, which can be managed through automated tools and separate programs for deployment, support, and ongoing management. This ensures that the system can handle a large number of devices without compromising performance.
Accuracy and Reliability
Call Quality
The accuracy and reliability of Cisco Jabber can be affected by network conditions. Poor call quality issues have been reported, particularly when using Jabber over VPN connections or in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments. These issues are often due to latency and bandwidth constraints.
Video Desktop Sharing
Jabber supports video desktop sharing, but this feature has some limitations. For example, it is only available in software phone mode and requires the Binary Floor Control Protocol (BFCP) to be enabled on the Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM).
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
VDI Limitations
Cisco Jabber has specific limitations in VDI environments. The standard version of Jabber is not recommended for VDI, as it can lead to poor call quality and other issues due to the “hairpin effect,” which creates bandwidth bottlenecks. A specialized version of Jabber for VDI is available to mitigate these issues.
Multiple Device Configuration
Running multiple Jabber clients on different devices can lead to contention issues, such as dropped calls or busy tones, if not configured correctly. Ensuring that each device is properly configured on the Cisco UCM is crucial to avoid these problems.
Hardware Compatibility
Certain hardware configurations, such as specific camera drivers on Lenovo ThinkPad W500 computers, can cause issues with video transmission. Using the default Microsoft UVC driver instead of the Ricoh driver can resolve these problems.
User Experience and Support
User Expectations
Setting clear user expectations is important, especially since users can download and update Jabber clients independently. This helps manage support cases and reduces confusion about performance issues, particularly when using Jabber over home or VPN connections.
Training and Resources
Providing targeted materials for user and helpdesk training, based on actual usage patterns, can enhance the overall user experience and help anticipate support issues with new releases of the Jabber client software.
In summary, Cisco Jabber offers strong performance and accuracy in unified communications, but it requires careful network planning, proper device configuration, and awareness of its limitations, especially in VDI and multi-device environments.
Cisco Jabber - Pricing and Plans
User Licenses and Pricing
- Cisco Jabber User (Mobile Devices): This license is priced at $150.00 per user.
- Migration between Mobile OS for Cisco Jabber: This costs $75.00 per user.
Specific Plans and Features
- Cisco Jabber for Desktop:
- The cost for Cisco Jabber 9.X for Desktop can vary, but it is listed at $58.99 or $50.00 depending on the specific offering.
- Upgrades from existing Cisco UC Clients to Jabber 9.x Desktop are priced at $50.00.
- Jabber for Mac:
- Cisco Jabber for Mac Client is priced at $50.00.
- Upgrades from CUPC or other softclients to Jabber for Mac 8.6 are also $50.00.
Bundle and Add-On Options
- BE6K Jabber Now Add-On user with Two Jabber Devices: This is priced at $305.00.
- UCL Jabber Now Add-On user with Two Jabber Devices: Also priced at $305.00.
Large-Scale Deployments
- For larger deployments, options like adding active Jabber Mobile Client registrations are available:
- Adding 100 active registrations costs $10,800.00.
- Adding 500 active registrations costs $30,000.00.
- Adding 2,000 active registrations costs $72,000.00.
Free Options
- Some features and licenses are listed as having a “Right to Use” with no additional cost, such as Jabber for Desktop for PC and Mac, Jabber for iPad and Android Tablet, and various other specific use cases. However, these are typically part of larger enterprise agreements or specific conditions rather than standalone free options.
Integration and Additional Features
- Cisco Jabber integrates with various Cisco services, such as Webex and Cisco Meeting Server, which may have additional costs based on the subscription plans chosen. For example, the Cisco Meeting Server Subscription Plan has different tiers with varying costs per knowledge worker or multiparty meeting host.
Given the information available, it appears that Cisco Jabber’s pricing is structured around different user licenses, migration costs, and add-on features, with varying prices depending on the specific needs and scale of the organization. For detailed and current pricing, it is recommended to consult Cisco’s official pricing guides or contact a Cisco representative.
Cisco Jabber - Integration and Compatibility
Cisco Jabber Overview
Cisco Jabber is a versatile collaboration tool that integrates seamlessly with various other tools and platforms, enhancing user productivity and communication efficiency.
Integration with Other Tools
Cisco Jabber integrates well with several key tools and services:
- Webex App: To enable communication between users on both Webex App and Cisco Jabber, you can set up interoperability settings. This allows messaging and other forms of communication between users on both platforms. This setup can be configured at the organizational or individual user level through the Control Hub.
- Microsoft Outlook: Jabber can be accessed directly from Microsoft Outlook, allowing users to check presence, initiate instant messages, audio, and video calls without switching applications. This integration streamlines workflows and saves time.
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM): Jabber supports business-quality voice and video communications managed by Cisco UCM. It allows for call control features such as mute, call forwarding, and impromptu conferencing. It also supports Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) with various devices.
- Cisco Meeting Server and Webex Meetings: Jabber can initiate and manage meetings through Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) and Webex. This includes features like participant management, layout controls, and meeting recording.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Cisco Jabber is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and devices:
- Desktop Operating Systems: Jabber supports Microsoft Windows 10 and Apple MacOS Sierra 10.12 or later. This ensures that users on different desktop platforms can use the application without any compatibility issues.
- Mobile Devices: Jabber is supported on Android OS Marshmallow 6.0 or later, and Apple iOS 11 or later. This includes a variety of Android and iOS devices, allowing users to communicate effectively whether they are using smartphones or tablets.
- Hardware Requirements: For optimal performance, Jabber has specific hardware requirements, such as Intel Core 2 Duo or later processors for Mac devices, and minimum display and CPU requirements for Android devices. It also supports various Bluetooth headsets and other peripherals.
Deployment Flexibility
Cisco Jabber offers flexibility in its deployment models:
- On-Premises and Cloud: Jabber can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud, giving IT departments the flexibility to choose the model that best suits their business needs.
- Mode of Deployment: Jabber can be used as a full-featured client with instant messaging, presence, and phone services, or it can be deployed as a phone-only client without instant messaging and presence services. This versatility allows organizations to customize the deployment based on their specific requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Jabber’s integration with other tools and its compatibility across various platforms and devices make it a highly versatile and effective collaboration solution for businesses.
Cisco Jabber - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Cisco Jabber
When using Cisco Jabber, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you resolve issues and make the most out of the product.
Phone Support
For immediate assistance, you can contact Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) via phone. In the US and Canada, you can call 1-800-553-2447 or 1-408-526-7209. For international support, Cisco provides a list of country-specific phone numbers, ensuring you can get help regardless of your location.
Online Support
You can open a TAC case online, which is a convenient way to submit your support request and track its progress. To do this, you need to have your Cisco.com User ID, contract, and serial number(s) ready to avoid any delays.
Community Support
Cisco offers a dedicated support community for Jabber clients. This forum is where customers and partners can discuss issues, ask questions, and share solutions. The community covers various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Android. Here, you can also use the Bug Search tool to check if you’re encountering a known issue.
Documentation and Resources
Cisco provides extensive documentation and resources for Jabber. You can access technical support documentation, downloads, and tools directly from the Cisco website. This includes product overviews, release notes, and guides on how to set up and use Jabber effectively.
Integration with Other Cisco Tools
Cisco Jabber integrates well with other Cisco tools, such as Webex. This integration allows you to arrange video conferences and share desktops seamlessly. For more detailed information on these integrations, you can refer to the specific guides and documentation available on the Cisco website.
Additional Tools
For existing cases, you can use the Cisco Support Assistant, which helps in managing and tracking your support requests efficiently. Additionally, there are various other tools and resources available that can aid in troubleshooting and optimizing your use of Cisco Jabber.
Conclusion
By leveraging these support options and resources, you can ensure a smooth and effective experience with Cisco Jabber.
Cisco Jabber - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for collaboration and communication:
Unified Communications
Cisco Jabber integrates multiple communication methods, including instant messaging, presence, voice and video calling, voicemail, and conferencing, into a single interface. This allows users to communicate seamlessly across different platforms and devices.
Ease of Use
Users find Cisco Jabber very easy to use and intuitive, with features like predictive contact search and a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to add contacts and set up groups.
Integration with Other Tools
Jabber integrates well with other Cisco products, such as Cisco Webex, and also with third-party applications like Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendars. This enhances planning, time management, and overall workflow efficiency.
Mobility and Flexibility
The mobile client allows users to place and receive calls, control their desk phone, and engage in video conferencing from anywhere with an internet connection, reducing the need for face-to-face meetings and saving time and resources.
Security and Compliance
Cisco Jabber provides secure communications with features like instant messaging encryption, voice and video encryption, and compliance controls for file transfers. This ensures that communications are safe and adhere to organizational policies.
Scalability
Jabber is scalable to thousands of users, making it suitable for large organizations. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows.
Disadvantages of Cisco Jabber
Despite its advantages, Cisco Jabber also has some notable disadvantages:
Limited Features Compared to Competitors
Users often find that Jabber lacks the robust features offered by competitors like Webex and Zoom. It is limited mainly to chat and voice calls, with no video call capabilities in some versions.
User Interface Issues
Many users criticize the user interface of Cisco Jabber, describing it as dull, outdated, and reminiscent of older messaging platforms like AIM and MSN Messenger. The chat feature can be confusing, and there are limitations in inserting images or emojis into chats.
Reliability and Notification Issues
There are reports of unreliable messaging and notifications, with alerts sometimes not popping up immediately. This can lead to missed messages and communication difficulties.
Network Resource Usage
Some users note that Jabber can be greedy for network resources, causing interruptions that make communication difficult. This can be particularly problematic in environments with limited network bandwidth.
Limited Message History
The application has limited message history storage, which can be frustrating when users need to refer back to previous conversations. Group conversations are not saved after the conversation window is closed, and local storage of messages can pose security risks if not managed properly.
Cost and Licensing
With the shift to cloud licensing, some users find that the cost of using Cisco Jabber does not provide sufficient value, especially when compared to other solutions available in the market.
By understanding these pros and cons, organizations can make informed decisions about whether Cisco Jabber aligns with their communication and collaboration needs.
Cisco Jabber - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Cisco Jabber to Other Collaboration Tools
Several key features and alternatives stand out.Unique Features of Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is an all-in-one communication tool that integrates presence, messaging, video, voice, voice messaging, screen sharing, and conferencing. Here are some of its unique features:Alternatives and Competitors
Zulip
Zulip is a strong alternative to Cisco Jabber, known for its organized and efficient communication structure. Here are some key differences:Flock
Flock is another competitor that offers several unique features:Slack
Slack is a popular collaboration tool that differs from Cisco Jabber in several ways:Taskade
While Taskade is more focused on project management and AI-enhanced collaboration, it can be considered as an alternative for teams looking for a more comprehensive workspace: Cisco Jabber - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Cisco Jabber
1. Where can I find the Cisco Jabber icon?
The Cisco Jabber icon is typically found on your desktop. It has a distinct appearance that you can easily identify once you know what to look for.2. Are Jabber messages retained?
Yes, the instant-messaging function of Jabber is subject to retention. These communications are monitored and retained, similar to email or telephone communications, and are governed by the same rules and regulations.3. Can I use Jabber without a VoIP phone?
Yes, you can use Cisco Jabber without a VoIP phone. Features such as instant messaging, presence, voice messaging, and one-to-one desktop sharing are available even without a VoIP phone. However, Jabber does not provide any phone control for non-VoIP phones.4. What operating systems are supported by the Cisco Jabber client?
Cisco Jabber supports several operating systems, including:- Microsoft Windows 10 and later versions
- Apple MacOS Sierra 10.12 or later
- Android OS Marshmallow 6.0 or later
- Apple iOS 11 or later
5. Is the Jabber client available for my mobile phone?
Yes, the Cisco Jabber client is available for mobile devices. You can download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iOS devices.6. How do I log in to the Cisco Jabber client?
To log in to the Cisco Jabber client, you need to ensure you have the necessary credentials and that your account is set up for the service. Additionally, you must use Duo two-factor authentication to log in.7. How do I add a contact in the Cisco Jabber client?
To add a contact, you can search for the person’s name in the search bar within the Jabber client. Once you find the contact, you can add them to your contact list. For more detailed steps, you can refer to the client’s help section.8. Can I organize my Contacts in the Cisco Jabber client?
Yes, you can organize your contacts in the Cisco Jabber client. You can manage your contact list by creating groups or folders to keep your contacts organized.9. What specific Presence information is available via the Cisco Jabber client?
The Cisco Jabber client provides presence information such as whether a contact is Available, Away, or on a call. It also indicates if the contact is on the phone or in a conference call.10. Can I change my Availability status manually?
Yes, you can change your availability status manually. You can select from options like Available, Away, and Do Not Disturb using the drop-down menu at the top of the Cisco Jabber window under your name. You can also set a custom status label.11. How do I start a chat session in the Cisco Jabber client?
To start a chat session, double-click on the name of the contact you want to chat with, or right-click on the contact name and choose the Chat option.12. Can I chat with more than one contact in the same conversation (group chat)?
Yes, you can add multiple participants to a chat session. To do this, click on the “Add participant” icon within the chat window, type the name of the person you wish to add, and click “Add”.13. How do I call a contact from the Cisco Jabber client?
To call a contact, run your cursor over the contact and click on the phone icon on the right side of the contact line. For contacts not in your list, type the phone number in the “Search or enter number to call” box near the top of the client.14. Can I forward a voice mail message using the Cisco Jabber client?
Yes, you can manage and forward voice mail messages using the Cisco Jabber client. This feature allows you to handle your voice messages directly within the application.15. Can I share files using the Cisco Jabber client?
Yes, Cisco Jabber supports file sharing. You can share files with your contacts during a chat or meeting session. Cisco Jabber - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is a comprehensive collaboration tool that integrates multiple communication features into a single, user-friendly interface. Here’s a detailed assessment of its capabilities and who would benefit most from using it.
Key Features
- Unified Communications: Cisco Jabber offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, voice messaging, desktop sharing, and conferencing. This makes it an all-in-one solution for various communication needs.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: It is accessible on a broad range of devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring users can stay connected regardless of their location or device.
- Integration with Other Tools: Jabber seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office applications, allowing users to initiate chats, voice or video calls, or multiparty conferences directly from these platforms.
- AI-Driven Insights: With the integration of People Insights, users can gain valuable professional profiles of meeting participants, enhancing the quality and inclusivity of meetings.
- Security and Scalability: The platform is secure, easy to deploy, and scalable to thousands of users, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
Who Would Benefit Most
Cisco Jabber is particularly beneficial for:
- Remote and Distributed Teams: Given its ability to connect teams across different locations and devices, it is ideal for organizations with remote or distributed workforces.
- Large Enterprises: Its scalability and integration capabilities make it a strong choice for large enterprises looking to streamline their communication processes.
- Teams Requiring Multifaceted Communication: For teams that need a variety of communication tools, such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and desktop sharing, Jabber provides a unified solution.
Overall Recommendation
Cisco Jabber is a highly recommended collaboration tool for its comprehensive feature set, ease of use, and seamless integration with other business applications. Here are some key points to consider:
- Enhanced Productivity: By providing real-time presence information and instant messaging, Jabber helps reduce delays and improve overall productivity.
- Unified Experience: The alignment with Webex Teams functionality ensures a consistent user experience across different Cisco collaboration tools, making it easier for users to transition between apps.
- Advanced Features: The addition of AI-driven insights through People Insights and features like multiline support and Android Auto integration make Jabber a versatile and advanced collaboration solution.
In summary, Cisco Jabber is an excellent choice for organizations seeking a reliable, secure, and feature-rich collaboration platform that can enhance team communication and productivity. Its ability to integrate with various devices and applications, along with its AI-driven insights, makes it a valuable tool for modern workplaces.