Layla UsmanWhen Your Business Needs More Than Microsoft Teams Can Offer
Microsoft Teams dominates the conversation about workplace collaboration in Australia — and for good reason. For many businesses, it delivers exactly what they need. But there is a segment of Australian organisations for whom Teams is not the right platform — and for those businesses, Cisco Webex is the answer.
Webex is the enterprise unified communications platform built by Cisco — the world’s largest networking and communications technology company. It combines HD video meetings, enterprise calling, team messaging, file sharing, contact centre functionality and advanced security into a single, tightly integrated platform that is purpose-built for the reliability, security and compliance demands of Australia’s most sophisticated business environments.
At BroadConnect, we deliver Cisco Webex Calling with full Australian PSTN connectivity — meaning your team can make and receive real phone calls from any Australian number directly within Webex, backed by BroadConnect’s local infrastructure, Australian support team and 30+ years of telecommunications expertise.
| 📊 Enterprise Reach: Cisco Webex is used by more than 95% of the Fortune 500 and is deployed in over 185 countries. In Australia, it is the collaboration platform of choice for government agencies, financial services firms, healthcare networks and enterprises where security, compliance and call quality are non-negotiable. |
1. What Is Cisco Webex — and What Does It Actually Do?
Cisco Webex is a cloud-based unified communications platform that brings together every form of business communication and collaboration into a single, coherent environment. Unlike point solutions that handle one communication type, Webex is designed as an integrated whole — where calling, meetings, messaging, and contact centre operate from the same identity, the same data layer and the same user experience.
| Webex Capability | What It Does | Business Value |
|---|---|---|
| Webex Calling | Full enterprise phone system — inbound/outbound PSTN calling, IVR, call recording, voicemail, call analytics | Replace your PBX with a cloud phone system that works on any device, anywhere |
| Webex Meetings | HD video and audio conferencing — up to 1,000 participants, screen sharing, breakout rooms, live transcription | Professional-grade meetings without third-party tools or per-meeting costs |
| Webex Messaging | Persistent team spaces, direct messages, file sharing, task management, bot integrations | Reduce email volume; keep project conversations in context |
| Webex Devices | Cisco-certified room systems, desk devices, headsets — all managed centrally through the Webex platform | Consistent, high-quality room and desk experience across all your locations |
| Webex Contact Centre | Cloud contact centre with ACD, skills routing, omnichannel, workforce management, analytics | Enterprise CX capabilities without on-premise infrastructure |
| Webex Security | End-to-end encryption, zero-trust architecture, compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, Australian Privacy Act | Enterprise-grade security that meets the most demanding regulatory environments |
| Webex Analytics | Platform-wide analytics — call quality, meeting engagement, device usage, contact centre performance | Data-driven decisions about your communications infrastructure and team behaviour |
| Webex APIs & Integrations | Open API platform with pre-built integrations for Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft 365, and hundreds more | Connect Webex to your business systems — CRM, ticketing, HR, finance |
The depth and breadth of the Webex platform is what sets it apart from simpler collaboration tools. For businesses that need a single platform to handle every communication requirement — from a reception desk call to a board meeting to a customer support interaction — Webex delivers it within one managed environment.
2. Cisco Webex vs. Microsoft Teams: An Honest Side-by-Side
This is the question every Australian business evaluating collaboration platforms eventually asks. Rather than declaring a winner, here is an honest comparison based on the factors that actually matter in a business deployment:
| Factor | Microsoft Teams | Cisco Webex | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market position | Dominant — broadest adoption in Australian SMB and mid-market | Enterprise standard — preferred by large organisations and regulated industries | Teams for breadth; Webex for depth |
| Video meeting quality | Good — sufficient for most business use cases | Superior — Cisco’s hardware and AI noise cancellation are industry-leading | Webex edge in quality |
| Calling / PSTN integration | Requires Direct Routing (via BroadConnect) or Calling Plans | Webex Calling includes full enterprise telephony — deeply integrated | Webex more native telephony |
| Security & compliance | Strong — Microsoft enterprise security stack | Strongest — zero-trust architecture, end-to-end encryption, government-grade | Webex for highest-risk environments |
| Hardware ecosystem | Third-party devices — variable quality | Cisco hardware — purpose-built, consistent, best-in-class room systems | Webex hardware advantage |
| Microsoft 365 integration | Native — perfect for Microsoft 365 environments | Good — integration available but not native | Teams if already on M365 |
| Contact centre capability | Basic — Microsoft Teams Premium / limited CX features | Full enterprise CCaaS — deep WFM, analytics, omnichannel | Webex clear winner |
| AI features | Copilot — document summary, meeting notes | Webex AI — real-time transcription, translation, meeting insights, noise removal | Neck and neck — both strong |
| API / integration depth | Strong Microsoft ecosystem | Open platform — Cisco AppHub with 300+ integrations | Depends on your ecosystem |
| BroadConnect delivery | ✅ Full Teams Direct Routing available | ✅ Full Webex Calling with PSTN available | Both fully supported |
The honest conclusion: Teams is the right choice for Microsoft 365-centric environments where deep Office integration and broad staff familiarity are the priorities. Webex is the right choice for businesses that operate in security-sensitive, compliance-heavy or enterprise environments — or where Cisco hardware, superior video quality and the depth of the Webex calling and contact centre platform are the deciding factors.
| 🔑 BroadConnect Advantage: We are one of the few Australian providers that delivers both Microsoft Teams Direct Routing AND Cisco Webex Calling with full PSTN connectivity — meaning we can give you an unbiased recommendation based on your actual needs, not based on which product we happen to sell. |
3. Webex Calling: Enterprise Phone System Built Into Your Collaboration Platform
The most transformative capability BroadConnect adds to a Webex deployment is full PSTN calling — the ability to make and receive real calls to and from any Australian or international phone number, directly within the Webex app, using your existing business numbers.
BroadConnect delivers this via Webex Calling with Local Gateway — a certified integration between the Webex cloud platform and BroadConnect’s Australian SIP trunking infrastructure. The result is a complete enterprise phone system that lives inside your Webex environment:
- Inbound calls to your business numbers ring directly in Webex on your laptop, desktop or mobile
- Outbound calls are made from within Webex — caller ID shows your business number, not a personal device
- Auto-attendant and IVR configured within Webex Control Hub — route callers to the right team or person
- Call queues and hunt groups distributing inbound calls across your team — managed centrally
- Call recording — every call captured, stored securely, available for compliance and quality review
- Voicemail to email — voice messages transcribed and delivered to your inbox instantly
- Call analytics — volumes, wait times, missed calls, agent performance — all in Webex Control Hub
- Emergency calling (000) — compliant with Australian emergency service requirements
The result: your team has one app on their laptop or mobile — Webex — that handles video meetings, team chat, file sharing and real phone calls. No separate softphone. No context switching between apps. No inconsistency between in-office and remote calling experiences.
4. Which Australian Businesses Are Best Suited to Cisco Webex?
Webex is not the right platform for every Australian business — and we say that as a provider that delivers it. Here is an honest guide to who Webex is genuinely the best choice for:
| Business Type | Why Webex Is the Right Choice | Key Webex Capabilities Used |
|---|---|---|
| Financial services (banking, insurance, wealth management) | ASIC recording compliance; highest security standards; enterprise-grade reliability; client-facing professional communications | Compliant call recording; end-to-end encryption; Webex Contact Centre for customer interactions; CRM integration |
| Government agencies and public sector | Data sovereignty requirements; security clearance environments; existing Cisco infrastructure investment | Australian data hosting; zero-trust security; Cisco hardware rooms for secure conferencing; compliance reporting |
| Healthcare networks (hospitals, health systems) | Clinical communication compliance; multi-site coordination; integration with clinical systems; telehealth requirements | Secure messaging; compliant call recording; Webex Meetings for telehealth; Cisco room systems for clinical spaces |
| Legal (large and mid-size firms) | Privileged communication security; call recording for matter files; video conferencing for client meetings | Encrypted communications; automatic call recording with matter tagging; Webex Meetings for client video calls |
| Education (universities, large schools) | Large-scale video classrooms; existing Cisco network infrastructure; complex multi-building phone requirements | Webex Education features; Webex Calling across campus; Cisco devices throughout facilities |
| Technology companies and SaaS businesses | Developer-friendly API platform; Cisco hardware for engineering workspaces; global team collaboration | Webex APIs for custom integrations; Cisco headsets and devices; global calling capabilities |
| Multi-national companies with Australian operations | Global Webex deployment from international parent; Australian PSTN connectivity needed locally | BroadConnect Australian PSTN via Local Gateway — connects global Webex tenant to Australian numbers |
| Existing Cisco infrastructure environments | Already running Cisco networking, switches, firewalls — Webex is the natural extension into communications | Native Cisco ecosystem integration; single vendor relationship; Cisco hardware compatibility |
If your organisation fits one or more of these profiles, BroadConnect’s Webex team can assess your specific requirements and design the right Webex deployment for your environment.
5. Cisco Webex Devices: The Hardware Advantage
One area where Webex has a clear and significant advantage over competing platforms is the quality and depth of its hardware ecosystem. Cisco designs and manufactures a full range of purpose-built Webex devices — from personal desk phones and headsets to full room conferencing systems — all managed centrally through the Webex Control Hub.
| Device Category | Products | What It Delivers |
|---|---|---|
| Personal headsets | Cisco Headset 320, 520, 720, 920 series | Professional-grade audio for calls and meetings — active noise cancellation, all-day comfort, Webex-optimised |
| Desktop phones | Cisco IP Phone 6800, 7800, 8800 series; Webex Desk Phone 9800 | Full-featured desk phone experience with Webex integration — perfect for reception desks and executive offices |
| Personal collaboration devices | Webex Desk, Webex Desk Pro, Webex Desk Mini | All-in-one video phone and collaboration device — camera, speaker, screen in one unit; ideal for home offices and private workspaces |
| Small room systems | Webex Room Kit Mini, Cisco Board | Plug-and-play room video conferencing — transforms any meeting room into a Webex-enabled space in minutes |
| Medium room systems | Webex Room Kit, Webex Room Bar | 4K camera, intelligent framing, noise suppression — enterprise room experience for 6–12 person meeting rooms |
| Large boardroom systems | Webex Room Panorama, Cisco TelePresence | Immersive boardroom experience — multiple screens, PTZ cameras, studio-quality audio for executive meetings |
| Webex Board (digital whiteboard) | Webex Board 55, 70, 85 series | Interactive digital whiteboard with built-in video conferencing — replaces projectors and whiteboards in collaborative spaces |
All Cisco Webex devices are centrally managed through the Webex Control Hub — the same web-based administration portal that manages your calling, meetings and users. Adding a new device to your environment takes minutes. Firmware updates are pushed automatically. Device status is monitored in real time. This is the operational efficiency of a unified device and software estate that no third-party hardware approach can match.
6. Webex Security: Why Regulated Industries Choose It First
Security is not a feature of Webex — it is the foundation on which the entire platform is built. Cisco is the world’s largest enterprise security company, and that expertise is embedded throughout the Webex platform in ways that matter deeply to Australian businesses operating in regulated environments.
| Security Feature | What It Means | Why It Matters for Australian Business |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | All communications encrypted in transit and at rest — not even Cisco can access your content | Critical for legal privilege, clinical confidentiality, financial advice communications and government data |
| Zero-trust security architecture | Every user, device and application verified continuously — no implicit trust based on network location | Protects against insider threats and compromised credentials — essential in hybrid work environments |
| Australian data residency | Data stored and processed in Australian data centres for Australian deployments | Meets Australian Privacy Act data sovereignty requirements and government data handling obligations |
| ISO 27001 certification | Information security management certified to the international standard | Provides auditable evidence of security controls — required by many enterprise and government procurement processes |
| SOC 2 Type II | Independent annual audit of security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy | Assurance for financial services and regulated industries that Cisco’s security controls are operating effectively |
| HIPAA compliance capability | Platform supports HIPAA-compliant deployments for healthcare organisations | Relevant for Australian healthcare providers with international patients or US subsidiaries |
| Australian Privacy Act alignment | BroadConnect and Cisco’s Australian deployments are configured for Australian Privacy Principles compliance | Direct compliance relevance for all Australian businesses handling personal information |
| Compliance call recording | Immutable call recording with access controls, retention policies and legal hold capability | ASIC obligations for financial services; clinical governance for healthcare; file compliance for legal |
| 🔒 Security Context: In a survey of Australian financial services firms, security and compliance recording capability were cited as the top two factors in their choice of enterprise communications platform — both areas where Webex leads the market. For organisations where a communication breach has existential consequences, Webex is the industry standard for good reason. |
7. How BroadConnect Delivers Webex Calling with Australian PSTN
Webex in its native form is a powerful collaboration platform — but without a local PSTN connection, it cannot make or receive real calls to standard Australian phone numbers. BroadConnect provides that connection through Webex Calling with Local Gateway — a certified, BroadConnect-managed integration that connects the Webex cloud platform to Australia’s telephone network.
| Delivery Component | Who Provides It | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Webex platform licences | Cisco / BroadConnect | The Webex software — meetings, messaging, calling features, Control Hub management |
| PSTN connectivity | BroadConnect (SIP trunking) | Connects Webex to the Australian telephone network — inbound/outbound real calls |
| Australian phone numbers | BroadConnect | Your existing Australian numbers ported to BroadConnect and presented via Webex |
| Session Border Controller | BroadConnect managed | Secure, certified bridge between Webex cloud and BroadConnect’s SIP infrastructure |
| Business internet / QoS | BroadConnect (optional) | Business-grade internet with voice quality optimisation — ensures HD call quality |
| Cisco hardware (if needed) | BroadConnect supply & config | Webex-certified desk phones, headsets, room systems — configured and managed centrally |
| Implementation | BroadConnect Australia | End-to-end deployment — tenant setup, user provisioning, call routing, number porting |
| Ongoing support | BroadConnect Australia | Dedicated Australian account manager; Webex technical support; 1300 880 330 |
This end-to-end delivery model — where BroadConnect is accountable for the entire Webex Calling experience from the platform licence to the PSTN call quality to the hardware on your desk — is what distinguishes a BroadConnect deployment from buying Webex licences direct from Cisco and trying to assemble the rest yourself.
8. Migrating to Cisco Webex: What to Expect From BroadConnect
Whether you are migrating from a legacy on-premise phone system, from Microsoft Teams, or deploying Webex for the first time, BroadConnect manages the transition end-to-end. Here is the deployment process:
| Stage | Timeframe | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Webex Assessment | Week 1 | BroadConnect assesses your current environment — existing phone system, collaboration tools, user count, call volumes, integration requirements, compliance needs |
| 2. Design | Week 1–2 | Design the Webex tenant architecture — calling plan, user profiles, call routing, IVR, devices, security policies, integrations with CRM/other systems |
| 3. Webex Tenant Setup | Week 2 | BroadConnect provisions your Webex organisation, configures Control Hub, sets up calling features, creates user accounts and permissions |
| 4. PSTN / Number Porting | Week 2–3 | Port your existing Australian phone numbers to BroadConnect’s SIP platform; configure Local Gateway; test inbound and outbound calling |
| 5. Hardware Deployment | Week 3–4 | If Cisco devices ordered: configure centrally in Control Hub; ship pre-configured to each location; plug-and-play activation on arrival |
| 6. Integration Setup | Week 3–4 | Connect Webex to your CRM, Salesforce, ServiceNow or other platforms; configure any custom bots or API integrations |
| 7. User Training | Week 4 | BroadConnect delivers Webex user training — calling, meetings, messaging, device use; admin training for IT managers on Control Hub |
| 8. Go Live | Week 4–5 | Cutover to Webex — old system decommissioned, all users on Webex Calling and Meetings |
| 9. Hypercare (30 days) | Month 2 | BroadConnect provides intensive post-go-live support — daily check-ins, rapid issue resolution, configuration refinements based on real-world usage |
| 10. Steady State | Ongoing | Dedicated account manager, Control Hub monitoring, quarterly reviews, user additions, platform updates managed by BroadConnect |
9. Understanding Webex Pricing for Australian Businesses
Cisco Webex pricing is structured around user licences, with different tiers offering different levels of functionality. BroadConnect adds Australian PSTN calling and managed delivery to the Webex licence cost. Here is how the structure works:
| Component | What’s Included | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|
| Webex Calling licence | Phone system features — calling, voicemail, IVR, call recording, analytics per user | Per-user monthly licence — BroadConnect will quote based on your user count and required features |
| Webex Meetings | Video conferencing, screen sharing, transcription, breakout rooms — for all users | Included with Webex Suite or as standalone; BroadConnect packages with Calling for combined savings |
| Webex Messaging | Team spaces, direct messages, file sharing, bots — persistent and searchable | Typically included with calling and meetings licences |
| BroadConnect PSTN (Australian calling) | Inbound/outbound calls to/from Australian phone numbers; number porting; SIP infrastructure | Per-channel or per-user call package — BroadConnect will model the right structure for your call volumes |
| Cisco hardware (optional) | Desk phones, headsets, room systems — centrally managed via Control Hub | Hardware purchase or rental; configured and managed by BroadConnect |
| Webex Contact Centre (optional) | ACD, omnichannel, WFM, analytics — enterprise contact centre capability | Per-agent monthly licence — added to Webex Calling environment |
| BroadConnect managed service | Implementation, training, account management, ongoing support, Control Hub management | Included in BroadConnect’s service delivery — no hidden professional services fees |
BroadConnect provides a fully itemised quote that combines Webex licences, PSTN calling and any hardware into a single clear monthly cost — in Australian dollars, with no exchange rate exposure. Request a Webex quote from BroadConnect.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: We already use Cisco networking equipment. Does that make Webex the obvious choice?
It is a strong signal but not an automatic decision. Existing Cisco networking infrastructure (switches, routers, firewalls) does integrate more naturally with Cisco Webex than with competing platforms — particularly for device management and network QoS configuration. However, if your organisation is already deeply embedded in Microsoft 365 and your staff are heavy Teams users, that context matters too. BroadConnect can provide an honest assessment of both paths — we deliver both, so our recommendation is based on your needs, not our preference.
Q: Can we run Webex alongside our existing phone system during the transition?
Yes — and BroadConnect recommends it. The standard BroadConnect Webex migration process includes a parallel running period where Webex Calling is operational and tested while your existing phone system remains active. Users can trial Webex calling before the full cutover, staff can be trained without any service risk, and the go-live cutover is de-risked significantly. This typically runs for 1–2 weeks.
Q: What is the difference between Webex Calling and Webex Meetings?
Webex Meetings handles video conferencing — scheduled or instant meetings between participants. Webex Calling handles telephony — inbound and outbound calls to and from standard phone numbers (the public telephone network). In a full Webex deployment via BroadConnect, you get both: the ability to hold video meetings with anyone via Webex Meetings, AND the ability to make and receive standard phone calls via Webex Calling — all from the same Webex app on your laptop or mobile.
Q: Our organisation has offices in multiple Australian cities. Can BroadConnect deploy Webex across all of them?
Yes — multi-site is a core strength of Webex. All your Australian offices operate on a single Webex tenant, with consistent calling features, meeting capabilities and management through one Control Hub. Staff can transfer calls between sites, share Webex meeting rooms across locations and be managed from a single portal. BroadConnect’s PSTN infrastructure provides Australian number coverage across all states and territories. Contact BroadConnect to discuss your multi-site Webex requirements.
Q: Does BroadConnect also offer Microsoft Teams if Webex turns out not to be the right fit?
Yes — BroadConnect offers both. Our Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Flex service delivers exactly the same full PSTN calling capability for Teams that we deliver for Webex. BroadConnect is genuinely platform-agnostic — we will help you choose the right platform for your needs, and we will deliver either with the same level of Australian support and managed service.
Conclusion: Webex Is the Platform Built for Businesses That Cannot Afford to Compromise
For Australian businesses where security, compliance, call quality and enterprise depth are non-negotiable — financial services, government, healthcare, legal and organisations with existing Cisco infrastructure — Cisco Webex is the collaboration and calling platform that meets the standard. It is the platform trusted by 95% of the Fortune 500 precisely because it was built to handle the most demanding communication environments in the world.
BroadConnect makes Webex fully functional for Australian businesses by adding the one piece Cisco cannot provide directly: the local PSTN connectivity that lets your Webex app make and receive real Australian phone calls. Combined with our 30 years of local telecommunications expertise, our dedicated Australian support team and our end-to-end managed implementation, we deliver a Webex experience that is enterprise in capability and practical in delivery.
Whether you are evaluating Webex for the first time, migrating from a legacy system, or looking to add Australian PSTN calling to an existing Webex tenant, BroadConnect is the right partner. Book your free Webex assessment at broadconnect.com.au/contact-us or call 1300 880 330 today.
References & Further Reading
- BroadConnect Cisco Webex Calling Service
- BroadConnect Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
- BroadConnect SIP Trunking
- BroadConnect Hosted Phone System
- BroadConnect Contact Centre
- Cisco Webex — Official Product Information
- Australian Communications and Media Authority — Unified Communications
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner — Privacy Act Compliance
- BroadConnect — Free Webex Assessment
- BroadConnect — Full Services Overview
| Enterprise Calling and Collaboration. Australian Delivery.Cisco Webex Calling with Australian PSTN — delivered, managed and supported by BroadConnect.Free Webex assessment — find out if Webex is right for your business.Call 1300 880 330 | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm | hello@broadconnect.com.au>>> Book Your Free Webex Assessment — broadconnect.com.au <<< |