Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business: which one is for you?

There are a lot of organizations that are facing the Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business decision dilemma for communications purpose. The problem you can often face while looking for the technical assessment of technology solutions is the absence of a proper differentiator, just like comparing Jabber and Skype. Skype for Business, earlier known as Microsoft Lync, is a version of Skype introduced for professional use. It allows voice, video and IM exchange between two users. It is highly integrated with the other Microsoft Office 365 products. Cisco Jabber too offers similar features with hardware support for an optimal experience. It offers communication across many platforms and devices as Skype for Business.

There are certain options to integrate Skype for Business with CUCM. The solution should not require any additional hardware. You can refer to this release, not for the integration requirements. To achieve the most effective and industrious communications application for your business, you need to compare Skype for business vs Cisco Jabber. The main difference between both the applications is that Cisco’s collaboration components are from its own portfolio. But, Microsoft has partnered with third-party vendors for some features. Though the price and ease of use may not be a significant difference, features are important points that make them separate.

Features of Skype for business vs Cisco Jabber:

This will make it clear to decide between Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business.

Skype for Business retains some features of Lync such as Quick Action buttons that let users to IM or call a contact with a click. It has a simplified Skype meeting room with easily searchable commands and chat text formatting options. The company has also added a preview option prior to downloading it and enabled compatibility with Apple products. The application also allows users with Skype Server to make Skype calls with a desk phone for audio. Skype for business has Skype directory in the UI that connects millions of users. You just need to search the contact and if the name is not in the contact list then the Skype directory search will help in finding them. Call monitor is also added Skype for Business which allows enhanced multi-tasking for professionals.

Few of the features of Cisco Jabber include:

·        Promptly Interact with IM

·        Provision for IP Audio/ Video Telephony

·        Collaboration with iPad

·        Interaction From MS Office

·        Mobile Collaboration Facility regardless of location and time

·        Communication Within Different Web Apps

Comparison of the Pros and Cons of Skype for Business vs Cisco Jabber

Skype for Business has made it easy to share experiences with people irrespective of their locations via text, voice and video calls. In contrast to it, Cisco Jabber lets people make instant phone calls using their Ethernet location, and it ensures consistent communication even with less bandwidth. As per the surveys of Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business, the customer experience for Skype has been reported to be approximately 98% and only 90% for Jabber.

Skype for Business allows integration with other Microsoft applications such as MS Word, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, Lync, WorkXpress, and much more. Here, Cisco’s Jabber offers integration with many applications such as SharePoints, IBM Connections, IBM Notes, SAP, Google Calendar, Office 365, etc.

Considering language support in Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business, the comparison is simple. The languages of Canada and US are supported by Cisco Jagger. On the other hand, Skype for Business supports a wider array of languages which include USA, UK, Canada, International, China, Germany, India, Japan, Spain, France, and Russia. In addition to that, both the applications allow free communication with basic features. But, the premium plans include advanced features and offered at a price. Skype is much affordable than Cisco Jabber in this case. Skype’s premium plan goes as high as $12.5 per month while Cisco Jabber’s premium plans begin at $149.

Selecting Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business is a bit confusing. One of the reasons is that people from networking background are really passionate about Cisco products while other IT population goes for Microsoft’s service. However, some organizations may opt to use an elemental approach by implementing few features of one vendor and the other features from the other vendor. For instance, one can select to use Cisco Jabber for voice communications with Microsoft for Web Conferencing, IM. But, there is a negligible linkage between the two platforms in this approach.

Integration of Microsoft apps with its ecosystem is stronger than that of Cisco's. Cisco too offers an effective platform, but the interface is not much familiar. Also, it lacks the integration points that are present in Microsoft. The feature of Skype’s switching modalities is excellent. It lets the user begin with a conversation type and easily change to another. With Skype, you can start with an IM, then instantly jump to voice, and share docs at the same time, along with dragging in another person in the loop. You can easily move from an IM to a full on-line conference with additional members.

Conclusion:

In spite of contrasting technologies of Cisco Jabber vs Skype for Business, both the applications deliver a nearly comparable experience. However, Skype for Business offers higher productivity and flexibility. It is comparatively more flexible and has a simplified and extensible infrastructure.