Cisco WebEx Launches New Small Business-Friendly Service For 8

If you’ve been using web-enabled video conferencing tools such as Skype but feel that your small business has outgrown it, consider the latest newly-introduced package from Cisco‘s WebEx. At US$19.99 a month (US$15.99 for a year’s subscription) WebEx 8 is half the cost of its regular service (US$49/month for up to 25 users) and is directly aimed aimed small business owners and entrepreneurs who want advanced enterprise-level web conferencing tools but have a limited budget.

WebEx 8 has all the functionality of WebEx for up to 8 participants (including the host), including compatibility with WebEx Mobile so participants can use the service on the move. Other functions include:

• Desktop sharing: Share your computer desktop or just a file with anyone in your meeting. This streamlines collaboration and speeds communication as you easily work together on the same thing at the same time.
• High Quality Video: Web cam participants are featured dynamically as they speak, with the same ease of an in-person conversation. While web cam use is optional, it is a powerful tool for making a personal connection.
• Recording: Record your meeting so team members can replay it later, or package your meeting like an event and post it on your external web site.
• Integrated Outlook scheduling: Integrate WebEx with the tools you use every day. Schedule your WebEx via Outlook with visibility to your team’s calendar and easy access to email.

“We heard from many of our customers that they wanted a full-featured, business-ready video and web conferencing solution like what WebEx offers – functionality like recording, integration with Outlook, mobile access, and a meeting experience that incorporates multi-party video plus integrated audio,” explains Deborah Holstein, Senior Director, Online at Cisco WebEx. “Another highly sought-after feature was the ability to share not only the desktop, but also just specific applications.”

“Because many felt they didn’t need a 25 person meeting room, this feedback and input informed the development of this new package.”

Interestingly, Holstein reveals that the company is seeing significant interest and adoption of its mobile applications, with over one million downloads across iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry. “Currently, we are seeing about one million users attending meetings from a mobile app each month,” she adds.

You can find out more about the service here.