New CISCO Jabber features with Jabber 12.5

We are pleased to announce the release of Jabber 12.5. CISCO’s stated goal with this new release is to “build bridges” and provide technology that works together and delivers a consistent experience, regardless of the device or application you use. So what’s new in Jabber 12.5? We’re introducing modern team messaging features from the cloud and a significantly enhanced meeting experience with active controls. These two new features help you leverage new and existing technologies to create amazing employee experiences.

What is CISCO Jabber?

Before detailing the new features of Jabber 12.5, I would like to introduce Cisco Jabber for those who are not familiar with this Cisco application. It is a business collaboration tool. It allows people to collaborate anywhere and from any device. Instant messaging, voice, video, desktop sharing, conferencing and presence.

Mobility does not have to limit productivity. Cisco Jabber offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, voice messaging, desktop sharing, conferencing and presence. Find the right people, see if and how they are available and collaborate more effectively.

Capabilities and benefits:

Instant messaging and presence: Improve productivity. Use real-time presence information and instant messaging to reduce delays. See the availability of contacts inside and outside your organization.

Enterprise-class voice and video: Communicate clearly. Get secure and reliable communications with Cisco Jabber phone features, including HD voice and video, plus desktop sharing.

Collaborate anywhere, anytime: Go where you need to go. Communicate from Microsoft Office: Access Cisco Jabber directly from Microsoft Office applications. Easily click to initiate chat, voice or video calls, or multiple conferences.

Available for the devices:

Android

iPhone and iPad

Mac

Windows

Team Messaging Mode

Team Messaging Mode for Cisco Jabber improves the way you connect and get things done in small teams. This new deployment option provides a core set of Webex Teams messaging features from the cloud while maintaining your on-premises calling services.

Now you have:

persistent one-to-one team chats and spaces,
a new presence experience,
advanced file sharing capabilities, and
a powerful way to search your Jabber application, while maintaining advanced calling features.

We use the extensible Webex platform to integrate with our existing solutions and deliver unique combined experiences. Our IT administrators can now provide new cloud solutions while continuing to leverage their local managed calling services. Customers will also have the added benefit of native interoperability between Jabber “team messaging” Team Messaging Mode and Webex Teams, as they leverage the same cloud platform. This can reduce the burden on your organization if you are moving from Jabber to Team. Unlike other vendors, we are focused on productive user workflows through cloud evolution. As you move your message to the cloud, your organization will also benefit from the enhanced security provided by the Webex platform. Team Messaging Mode includes end-to-end encryption for all messages and files sent. It has a secure search that keeps search terms and results protected, and provides blocking and moderation controls for your spaces. See the new features included in the “team messaging” Team Messaging Mode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3LrdkFbdiA#action=share

Active controls

Our goal is to provide an excellent meeting experience, no matter how you join a meeting. We continue to move toward that goal with active controls for Jabber users. The new controls give you:

more control over your meetings with a meeting list,
participant controls,
custom layouts, and
a new shared experience.

These new features are available for Cisco Meeting Server customers, and we will continue to roll them out to other meeting types in future releases. Meeting Server users now have the basic functionality they need to host and use Jabber as their primary meeting client. Here’s a quick look at the active controls within Jabber:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jJretq049A#action=share

Additional Jabber 12.5 Features

Simplified configuration process: no more manual editing and uploading of the Jabber XML configuration file. You can now manage configurations via the Unified Communications Manager web interface. In the new interface, you can assign configurations to a group of users or device types.
Cisco Headset Management: The Jabber application will now automatically incorporate updated firmware to your Cisco headsets to easily keep them up to date.
Media routing optimization: Jabber 12.5 now supports SIP ICE. ICE provides media routing optimization.
Updated user experience: Jabber continues to have a modern design and user experience. In Jabber 12.5 we are launching an updated design and better alignment with the rest of the Cisco Collaboration portfolio.

For existing Jabber users, upgrade your software to 12.5 or visit the app store for your mobile device.

New CISCO Jabber features with Jabber 12.5