Lots of enterprise telecom folks are shifting their Cisco systems to the cloud, moving from Unified Call Manager (UCM) to Webex Calling. Of course, one big question is: what about all the hardware? (And all the money you've already invested in it!)
Turns out, some devices can actually work with both. Is your device ready to make the leap? Let's find out.
Webex Calling supports a wide range of devices, including IP phones, conference phones, DECT phones, and analog telephone adapters (ATAs). Here's which devices are Webex-ready:
Looking for the perfect desk phone for Webex Calling? These Cisco models are right for you:
Cisco 6800 Series: 6821, 6841, 6851, 6861 (including Wi-Fi models), and 6871.
Cisco 7800 Series: 7811, 7821, 7841, and 7861.
Cisco 8800 Series:
Want just audio? Go with the 8811, 8841, 8851, or 8861
Need video too? The 8845 and 8865 have you covered
Each of these phones brings you crystal-clear HD audio, while select models feature vivid color displays and lightning-fast gigabit Ethernet.
For meeting rooms and collaborative spaces that demand top-notch audio:
Cisco IP Conference Phone 7832
Cisco IP Conference Phone 8832
For mobile workers, these systems are great for on-the-go communication:
Cisco IP DECT 6825 Handset
Cisco IP DECT 210 Multi-Cell Base Station
ATAs connect non-IP devices like fax machines or analog phones to Webex Calling:
ATA191 Multiplatform
ATA192 Multiplatform
AudioCodes MediaPack series (e.g., MediaPack 1288)
Webex Calling also supports third-party SIP-compliant devices that meet specific requirements (e.g., TLS 1.2 compliance). Examples include Poly and Yealink devices configured as customer-managed endpoints.
If your device isn't ready for Webex Calling, you might face some challenges:
Limited Functionality: Unsupported devices may miss out on essential features like voicemail integration or high-definition audio.
Security Risks: Non-compliant devices may not meet Webex’s encryption standards, exposing your organization to potential threats.
Increased Maintenance: Troubleshooting unsupported devices can be time-consuming and costly since Cisco Technical Support doesn't assist with third-party device configurations.
To avoid these challenges, consider upgrading to fully supported devices or leveraging migration tools provided by Cisco to update firmware on compatible models.
To simplify migration and ensure consistency across your platforms,
check out Expo XT UC Analytics.
Migrating from Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) to Webex Calling involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition. By selecting the right devices and following best practices during migration, your organization can enjoy a seamless experience with Webex Calling.
Still on the fence about migration? Check out this article about the Pros and Cons.