Instant Connect & Webex connects frontline and office workers via push-to-talk

What is the Webex and Instant Connect solution?

Together, Webex and Instant Connect’s interoperable push-to-talk application connects office and home workers with their frontline colleagues. The combined solution is designed to improve communication for fast-moving workforces and improve day-to-day operational success in manufacturing, mining, energy, utilities, transportation, sports/events, and other diverse industries. “The key is any device, any network interoperability,” says Wes Wells, Product Director at Instant Connect. “Our automated talk channels can run on virtually any voice-enabled device, operating system, or network: LTE/5G, Wi-Fi, radio, IP.” This unified voice environment gives Webex subscribers a direct, unbroken line of communication with frontline workers for the first time. “Solutions like this show how older legacy technology can co-exist with newer IP networks to provide hybrid work solutions across many different sectors and applications” says Alyson Hoagland Pace, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Cisco. See Instant Connect in action here.

Customer in action: Glencore

Glencore, a global mining giant, faced a dilemma: its analog LMR system was creating dangerous communications gaps that were unproductive and unsafe. So, Glencore converged its communications onto a private LTE network with the aim to create a safer and more productive environment. This offered expanded coverage and modernized connectivity (both above and below ground) while supporting IP telephony needs fulfilled by Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM). Glencore deployed Instant Connect’s intelligent push-to-talk app for miners, operational staff, and management. This not only provided the push-to-talk functionality that miners were accustomed to using on legacy (radio) devices, but with Instant Connect, miners also had access to calling functionality with CUCM and more. Users of radios, smartphones, laptops, and other devices are now linked in a unified voice communications environment that improves frontline mining operations and accelerates response to both scheduled and unscheduled events. Learn more about Webex and Instant Connect on apphub.webex.com or contact your Cisco representative for more information on how to take advantage of this partnership.