Work When, Where and How You Want – A Better User Experience with Cisco and Microsoft

Cisco and Microsoft Bringing a Seamless User Experience

It’s no secret – the way we work has changed forever. The past few months have challenged us to adapt to how we stay connected and productive while remaining physically apart. We have seen video usage on the Cisco platform explode, increasing 3.5 times in just a few months. And that’s not a surprise. There’s tremendous power in human connection. Many of us have learned firsthand the power in seeing a co-worker’s gesture or facial expression to bridge the physical distance. This trend is here to stay. Video-first collaboration experiences should be a pressing matter for every CIO/CTO as they contemplate what is next for their business.

As organizations plan for their next normal, user experiences continue to be top of mind for IT as they manage hybrid work environments – blending the needs of those working at home with those who are beginning to return to the office. No matter where you are, people want to use collaboration tools they are familiar with. They need to stay connected to their co-workers while also staying productive and secure regardless of their location.

Announcing Frictionless Collaboration in Multivendor Environments

Cisco and Microsoft understand that people are at the heart of any company’s winning advantage. By empowering them through technology, they can focus on doing their best work. With this in mind, I’m pleased to share that the previously announced integration (specifically, Direct Guest Join) is now available through Cisco and Microsoft. This enables joint Cisco and Microsoft customers with the ability to connect to Microsoft Teams meeting services from Cisco Webex Rooms devices, and to enable Microsoft Teams Room devices to connect to the Cisco Webex meeting service – creating a seamless user experience.

In addition, Cisco Webex Video Integration for Microsoft Teams (our Microsoft Cloud Video Interop solution) is currently in early field trials with customers and garnering enthusiastic feedback. Together, these new options deliver amazing experiences for all employees who enjoy using both Cisco and Microsoft collaboration products.

“We recognize that customers have a mix of different vendors across conference rooms and meeting infrastructure solutions. We’re excited to help our customers communicate with people outside their organization more easily, by partnering with Cisco to enable direct guest join across Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex meetings and devices,” said Ilya Bukshteyn, Partner Director, Microsoft Teams Devices.

Workplace of the Future

Bringing these two solutions together delivers a frictionless collaboration experience giving users of Cisco and Microsoft collaboration tools, one less thing to worry about. The workplace of the future isn’t a specific place — it’s where you are at any given time, whether that’s a home office, an office building, or on the go.  It’s using the tools you want, when you want, and where you want. And, together, Cisco and Microsoft are providing you with just that.

Anything is possible with the right combination of people and technology.

Stay tuned for a deeper dive from Espen Loberg and Michael McGary in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, make sure to check out the devices that make this possible – Webex Rooms

Learn More

https://blogs.cisco.com/collaboration/cisco-and-microsoft-have-come-together-to-deliver-a-better-user-experience

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