Webex innovations expand the options for hybrid working and collaboration

Cisco has made significant additions to its Webex collaboration system that make it even better for organisations of all sizes that are trying to maximise their productivity and potential as they move to hybrid working practices. New additions to Webex include an all-new whiteboarding function and audio watermarking for improved security of confidential discussions.

► New whiteboarding capabilities and audio watermarking added

► Enhanced integration between Webex and Microsoft, Zoom and Google platforms

► New collaboration solutions launched

► Hybrid workplace blueprint based on Cisco NYC available

Webex users can now create, use and share whiteboards on any device – including the newly launched Webex Board Pro, which features dual 4K cameras, directional audio, and a 55- or 75-inch display. The watermarking feature tags audio streams to individual participants taking part in a meeting with a marker that cannot be heard by the human ear. This would allow any recording to be traded back to an individual.

Also new is the Cisco Room Kit EQ, an advanced collaboration device for large workspaces that uses AI-based techniques to enable more textured, true-to-life meeting experiences and seamless integration and inclusive hybrid working in larger spaces.

With the Hybrid Workspace Design Guide, Cisco is breaking new ground. This is a repeatable hybrid workspaces design based on its own NYC office deployment. The idea is to help customers imagine what’s possible. It encompasses smart building solutions, collaboration, networking, security technology and more.

Following the acquisitions of Socio Labs and Slido, Cisco has also unveiled an expanded Webex Events portfolio to support even more types and sizes of hybrid events. It’s now possible to host up to 10K attendees in webinar mode and 100K in webcast mode. Management capabilities include badging and printing for ticketing, monetisation and networking, as well as polling, quizzing and Q&A.

In addition, Cisco announced further collaborations with various platforms and enhanced interoperability with Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google. Cisco has now added more than 1,000 new features or innovations to Webex in the last year and is set to keep on improving its platform in 2023.