WebEx is #3 in Top 10 Videoconferencing software

Positions in ratings

#3 in Top 10 Videoconferencing software

#2 in Top 19 Webinar services

Alternatives

The best alternatives to WebEx are: GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Adobe Connect, Google Meet

Latest news about WebEx

2021. Cisco to acquire startup Socio to bring hybrid events to Webex



Cisco has made an acquisition by purchasing the startup Socio, a company specializing in planning hybrid events that combine both in-person and virtual elements. Socio offers a crucial hybrid event management component that will complement Cisco's existing Webex platform. The objective behind this acquisition seems to be integrating Socio's capabilities with the recently acquired Slido, thereby transforming Webex from a primarily video meeting application into a comprehensive event platform. Socio, established in 2016, has received approximately $7 million in investment capital, as reported by Crunchbase. The company boasts an impressive roster of enterprise clients, including Microsoft, Google, Jet Blue, Greenpeace, PepsiCo, and Hyundai.

2020. Cisco is buying Slido to improve Q&A, polls and engagement in WebEx



While Zoom continues to dominate the videoconferencing landscape, Cisco's WebEx division has demonstrated its commitment to staying competitive by announcing an acquisition. WebEx is acquiring Slido, a company renowned for its platform that enables moderators to manage questions and interactions from a large audience during virtual conferences and live events. Slido's innovative solution allows participants to ask questions in a separate space, and other attendees can upvote the questions they find most valuable, prioritizing them for discussion. Additionally, moderators can conduct polls and receive real-time feedback, fostering better engagement and audience interaction. This approach helps minimize unnecessary disruptions on the main video screen while still giving the audience a voice and the opportunity to actively participate in the conversation. The acquisition of Slido by WebEx strengthens its offerings and showcases its determination to stay at the forefront of the videoconferencing industry.


2018. Webex Teams gets BroadCloud Calling integration



Webex Teams, a collaboration service that facilitates continuous teamwork through video meetings, group messaging, file sharing, and whiteboarding, has enhanced its capabilities with the integration of cloud calling using the enterprise-grade cloud-based PBX phone system, BroadCloud Calling. This integration enables Webex Teams to become a comprehensive unified communications (UC) application, aligning with the original vision of UC. Webex Teams was introduced earlier this year as a result of Cisco merging its two collaboration platforms, Webex and Spark, into a unified platform. With the addition of calling functionality to its existing content sharing and messaging features, Webex Teams offers a seamless and all-encompassing collaboration solution.


2018. Cisco morphed Spark into Webex



Cisco has announced that its team messaging app, Spark, will undergo a rebranding and integration into its Webex platform. The decision entails discontinuing the Cisco Spark brand and introducing Webex Teams as its successor. Webex Teams will incorporate all the collaborative functionalities of Spark, such as persistent messaging, whiteboarding, easy guest access, and content sharing. Additionally, Cisco has introduced a new videoconferencing app called Webex Meetings, which will replace Spark's existing meeting app. Previously, Spark video meetings operated separately in the public cloud, rather than within Webex data centers. Consequently, both Webex Meetings and Webex Teams will now operate on the Webex infrastructure backbone.


2018. Cisco acquired Accompany to add AI to Webex



Cisco has made an agreement to purchase the startup Accompany, known for its utilization of artificial intelligence to create comprehensive databases containing information on individuals and their professional relationships within organizations. This technology functions as a personal assistant, equipping executives with the necessary context prior to conversations and meetings. Cisco intends to integrate Accompany's technology into its collaboration products, such as incorporating company and individual profiles into Webex meetings. The acquisition will involve a payment of $270 million in cash and stock, as confirmed by Cisco.


2018. Cisco Spark & Webex combine into single collaboration platform



Cisco has taken a step towards streamlining its collaboration offerings by merging its two separate packages, Spark and WebEx, into a unified platform. This decision was driven by Cisco's development of these similar packages independently, which resulted in market and sales channel confusion. With the introduction of Webex Teams, Cisco has combined the collaboration features from Spark and WebEx, including whiteboarding, persistent messaging, roster management, meeting controls, and content sharing. Previously, Cisco Spark utilized the Control Hub as its management tool with basic analytics capabilities, while WebEx customers relied on the separate Site Admin tool for analytics. Now, the Control Hub supports both WebEx Meetings and WebEx Teams, providing comprehensive analytics functions for WebEx users.


2015. Cisco to acquire video conferencing provider Acano



Cisco announced that it will buy video conferencing service Acano for $700 million. While Cisco already provides a similar service called WebEx, which it acquired in 2007 for $3.2 billion, Acano offers a more advanced solution. In addition to WebEx, Cisco launched Project Squared, a modern alternative, last year. However, Acano significantly enhances Cisco's video portfolio by offering sophisticated capabilities that fill important gaps. With Acano, Cisco will be better equipped to establish connections in diverse environments, even when multiple vendor tools are involved and across various devices, from mobile devices to large screens in boardrooms. Acano's portfolio includes video and audio bridging technology and gateways that enable customers to connect different collaboration solutions from various vendors in both cloud and hybrid environments.


2012. Free Webex is already available



As Cisco promised, its web-conferencing service WebEx is becoming free. True, the number of free conference hosts (i.e. users that can create and manage online meetings) was reduced from 3 to 1. But the free disk space was increased up to 1 GB. The free online meeting can support up to 25 people simultaneously and provide the variety of tools: screen-sharing, whiteboard, remote control, file sharing, presentations, VoIP, video in HD-format, recording. You might be surprised that the service is currently in Beta status (after all, WebEx has been the web-conferencing market leader  for many years). The fact that it's not just the free version. It's a new version of WebEx, which in addition to web-conferencing adds a workspace for collaboration before and after online meeting. ***


2011. WebEx adds free version, online office workspace



Finally, the most popular Web-conferencing service Cisco WebEx is getting closer to small business. At the Collaboration Summit in Miami Cisco has introduced the new version of Webex and the subscription free plan for 3 people and 250 MB of space. In addition to basic functions (screen-sharing, whiteboard, online presentations, document collaboration, VoIP and instant messaging) the free version also provides video conferencing (but not in HD-quality). Of course, there are several other web-conferencing services that offer free version, but WebEx differs by high quality and extensive functionality. According to the Cisco representatives the free version is already available, but we couldn't find it on the WebEx site. So, let's wait. We also have to wait till Q1 2012 for the new version of WebEx, which includes the very interesting feature - online workspace. ***


2009. Cisco announced upgrades to its WebEx SaaS meeting portfolio

The recent upgrades offered by the company bring several advancements to their applications, catering to e-training, virtual events, and remote support. These updates aim to provide users with an improved experience, expanded device compatibility, and broader global reach. One notable introduction is the WebEx Node for ASR 1000 Series, which is built upon the ASR 1000 Series aggregation services routing platforms. This innovative solution enables the edge router to function as a point of presence (PoP) within an enterprise network, specifically designed to serve meeting attendees on that network. By doing so, it reduces bandwidth requirements, enhances video and voice over IP (VoIP) performance, and leverages the WebEx Collaboration Cloud's global load balancing and availability features to ensure optimal performance for customers within the enterprise network.


2009. WebEx Brings Online Meetings to the iPhone

While the Apple Keynote today may have been slightly disappointing, other companies have compensated by unveiling their own products at MacWorld. Among these exciting releases is WebEx's new native iPhone application, available on iTunes. With this app, users can now join meetings hosted on Cisco's WebEx service directly from their iPhones. When hosting a WebEx meeting, a special iPhone link can be added to invitations, allowing participants to join using their iPhones. Though untested, the application is expected to work on the iPod touch as well, with the actual call being made from another phone. The app includes most of the features found in a full-featured online meeting client on a desktop, enabling users to view shared content, see participant lists, and engage in chat with other attendees. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to schedule meetings on the phone (though pre-scheduled meetings can be started) and the inability to present from the iPhone. Despite initial security concerns, the iPhone is increasingly gaining traction in enterprise environments, and productivity applications like WebEx's iPhone app and Soonr, which we reviewed yesterday, are becoming more popular, allowing users to access and share documents directly from their phones.


2008. WebEx adds Mac support to remote desktop service

WebEx, the remote desktop service, has finally introduced Mac support for its paying users. The upgrade comes just in time for the Macworld Expo and includes additional features such as a remote Webcam viewer and a guest pass system. Despite the delay in offering a Mac version, WebEx's move reflects the increasing market share of Mac, which surpassed 7 percent last month. WebEx previously released an iPhone-compatible version of its PCNow service, featuring mobile file access and integration with Skype and Outlook. While competitors like LogMeIn and RealVNC have long provided cross-platform services, Citrix has yet to offer a Mac version of its GoToMyPC service. WebEx's PCNow maintains its pricing structure, starting at $13 per month for one computer and going up to $60 for 10 machines, with a 30-day free trial available. For casual users seeking occasional remote desktop access, the free version of LogMeIn may be a more suitable choice.


2007. Webex's MeetMeNow gets video upgrades, MS Office integration

Webex's MeetMeNow, their primary product, received an update with new features. One notable addition is support for webcams on both PC and Mac, which are automatically detected to inform the conference host of participants with video-conferencing capabilities. The interface now consolidates all video in one area, allowing the host to choose which cameras are broadcasted to others in the meeting. While not as advanced as other collaborative services, Webex aims to differentiate itself by providing video with audio to all meeting attendees. The host has control over video feeds through a drop-down menu. However, the inability to preview someone's webcam before going live and the initiation process being reliant on the host are drawbacks. Microsoft Office users also gain quick-launch buttons in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for starting conferences. Despite these updates, Webex's user-friendliness and compatibility with dual monitors are issues that need improvement. Separating user chat and video feeds can be distracting, and a more streamlined user interface is necessary. Nevertheless, the core functionalities like screen sharing work well, and incorporating video is a positive step. The service retains its pricing at $49 per month or $39 for annual subscribers, and a 14-day trial is available with just an email address required.


2007. Cisco buys WebEx

This morning, surprising news broke that Cisco is acquiring WebEx, a remote meeting services company, for $3.2 billion. Initially, it felt like reading a news story that had been stuck in the web tubes for five years, only now resurfacing. It would have made sense in the online market five years ago, before the Web 2.0 hype began and airline finances were crumbling. However, in today's landscape, the acquisition's relevance is less clear. While it aligns with Cisco's goal of expanding its communication tools and Web conferencing fits the bill, WebEx's main offering is an outdated product that faces a serious threat of being overshadowed by newer Web 2.0 startups like Vyew, Yugma, SlideShare, and others. WebEx is considered overpriced and cumbersome to use. As a frequent recipient of WebEx meeting requests, I can attest to the frustration shared by presenters and attendees. Despite generating decent revenues, it is unlikely to justify its purchase price. Although WebEx possesses valuable assets like a solid customer base, Cisco would be wise to revamp and reprice the offering promptly.


2004. Look alert-WebEx is watching

WebEx, the leading web-conferencing provider, is launching a new service called Sales Center tailored for sales professionals. The service includes an "attention indicator" feature that ensures clients are engaged during remote presentations. If a client is not paying attention, the presenter will be alerted and can adjust the presentation accordingly. WebEx aims to keep customers fully engaged during sales calls by monitoring their activity. The company dominates the web-conferencing market, but faces competition from Microsoft's Live Meeting. WebEx's strategy is to offer specialized services, and Sales Center completes its portfolio by providing tools for sales teams, including integration with CRM systems, sales material portals, private communication channels, and management tools for recording and presenting sales data. Sales Center aims to make sales calls more efficient and effective. The service will be available through monthly subscriptions or pay-as-you-go plans.


2004. Web conferencing market heats up

Competition in the rapidly expanding Web conferencing market intensified on Monday as WebEx, the market leader, announced a partnership with Salesforce.com, and Macromedia offered free trials of its new Breeze service. WebEx will integrate its MediaTone communications network with Salesforce.com's web-based customer relationship management (CRM) services, enabling Salesforce.com to provide a wider range of sales-related activities. The global market for Web conferencing services is projected to reach $700 million this year, with Microsoft's acquisition of PlaceWare (now Live Meeting) and Macromedia's entry with Breeze contributing to the market growth. Macromedia aims to promote its Breeze service by offering it for free throughout March, allowing new customers to conduct meetings with up to five simultaneous users. Meanwhile, Raindance Communications introduced its integrated conferencing service, Raindance Meeting Edition, which combines online presentation, audio and video conferencing, and collaboration features. Raindance has also embraced voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to enhance its services.


2000. WebEx aims to raise $40 million in IPO

WebEx, a San Jose-based start-up that provides Web-based meeting solutions with video, audio, and teleconferencing capabilities, is planning to initiate an initial public offering (IPO) by selling 3.5 million shares. In an amended filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company revealed its intention to sell an 11 percent stake at a price range of $12 to $14 per share. The IPO aims to raise $40.5 million, and while the offering date has not been determined yet, the company is moving forward with its plans. The filing cites market projections by International Data Corp, stating that the market for Web-based collaboration services is expected to grow to around $42.8 billion in 2003. WebEx's competitors in this field include Centra Software and Akamai Technology. WebEx, which gained attention for signing drag queen RuPaul as a company spokesperson, has secured over $57 million in financing through three rounds, with investors such as SAP Ventures, Yahoo, Oracle, and Tibco. In the first quarter of 2000, WebEx reported a net loss of $14.8 million on revenues of $2.2 million. Goldman Sachs will serve as the lead underwriter for the IPO, and WebEx has applied to be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol "WEBX."


2000. SAP Ventures to invest in start-up WebEx

SAP Ventures, the venture arm of SAP AG, is set to announce tomorrow its investment in meeting software start-up WebEx. The exact amount of the investment falls between $1 million and $5 million. Additionally, WebEx will reveal a $26 million Series D funding round, with investors including SAP, Yahoo, and Tibco. This partnership comes at a time when the market for business-to-business services is growing, and SAP's online strategy is facing scrutiny due to declining revenues. As part of the collaboration, mySAP.com, SAP's business portal, will incorporate WebEx technology to offer a co-branded area for business-to-business customers to conduct meetings. WebEx's software allows users to conduct enhanced web-based meetings with phone conferencing, audio, and video capabilities, as well as document sharing and web browsing. Through this venture, SAP aims to expand its presence in the business-to-business e-commerce market, competing against companies like Commerce One, Ariba, and Oracle. In December, WebEx raised $25 million in a previous funding round.