In my last post, I had a great discussion with Doug Jones, AVP Product Management Collaboration at AT&T, highlighting the end-user benefits of Webex Go with AT&T. The key benefits are its ease of set-up, ease of use, and the ability to make almost any mobile device part of the Webex device ecosystem. In this third and final post of this series, I’ll discuss how Webex Go with AT&T gives IT administrators greater flexibility and control over their mobile users.
Creating a secure, yet user-friendly and inclusive communications environment continues to be a challenge for IT managers and their employers. Many businesses deal with overly complex telephony infrastructures: multiple user devices, complex dialing plans, disparate and multiple user applications, not to mention increased security threat management. With so much emphasis on security, digital transformation, customer service, data management, and running the day-to-day core business, IT teams could use a few breaks. Managing the new normal of hybrid work can also present challenges as devices proliferate. IT teams also struggle with employee preferences for their mobile devices. At times, the burden falls on IT to mandate mobile devices that not all users may want. And when users continue to use unauthorized devices, it leads to a rise of “shadow IT,” a concern cited by 77% of IT professionals according to a 2023 Entrust poll.
How Webex Go with AT&T helps companies and IT administrators
Webex Go with AT&T won’t solve every one of these challenges, but it’s bound to make device management easier, simplifying and extending policies to mobile devices, cutting redundant public switched telephone network (PSTN) costs, and helping to realize a more secure communications network. The solution supports both Android and iOS operating systems, so it’s much easier to provide employees with a device they prefer, rather than a mandated one.
Let’s start with calling and device management. Webex Go with AT&T incorporates Webex Control Hub, a centralized collaboration, calling, and device management system that is built-in to the Webex platform. It’s integrated with AT&T’s mobile provisioning and management system, which helps expedite mobile number authentication, add, remove, and activations, and provides a single support structure, both saving time and reducing – perhaps even eliminating – multi-provider support. It offers IT administrators an efficient way to manage mobile numbers, devices, and user permissions.
Of equal importance, Control Hub allows administrators to securely activate Webex Go with AT&T Cloud Voice on any authenticated AT&T CRU (company-paid) Mobile plan and helps monitor usage, extend corporate policies, and provide certain metric information. If you’re an IT professional at any level, it’s always a challenge to look for more time to tackle a myriad of priority projects. Why not look for a solution that takes many of your day-to-day tasks off your plate and allows you to manage your entire communications estate through a single interface, without having to go to multiple, separate platform portals?
The potential to reduce overall costs can be another important benefit. By shifting your frontline or mobile workers to a mobile-first solution, it’s possible to dramatically reduce fixed lines as well as future desktop phone replacement costs. This allows for a more agile communications network to administer and manage. In 2023, IDC estimated that organizations offering frontline workers access to tools such as collaboration, process automation, and mobility could see a revenue increase of up to 20% by 2024 and beyond.
Finally, but certainly not the least consideration, is a predictable and high-quality user experience for UC applications on cellular networks. During network congestion, choppy video or voice quality can result in user dissatisfaction, customer service issues, and loss of productivity. When Webex Go runs on the AT&T wireless network, it taps into VoLTE for crystal-clear voice, and Webex collaboration sessions and can run more smoothly even in congested network environments. Ultimately, by providing employees with a significantly better calling and meeting experience, IT staff could gain “superhero” status.
I sat down with Igor Glubochansky, AVP, B2B Product Management and Development, AT&T, to get his perspective.
DP: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, Igor. I have made it a point to ask first about excitement! What about the administration of our joint solution gets you most excited?
IG: We have engineered our solution for simplicity. It is almost a “first” in the collaboration space with a single interface for integrated mobility and collaboration. Flow-through provisioning with a single click really saves time for IT admins, so they can focus on supporting their business teams’ strategic goals, whether it is cost-savings, improved collaboration, compliance, or AI applications. I find that very promising for business customers.
DP: Are there any verticals or market segments you think could benefit most from the offer?
IG: AT&T Cloud Voice with Webex Go is designed for enterprises looking to get the most out of their investments in mobility and cloud communications. By seamlessly integrating AT&T Cloud Voice with Webex Go, enterprises in Manufacturing, Financial Services, Retail, and Public Sector can increase business efficiency, enhance customer service, and enhance the security and reliability of business communications. Businesses with tight IT staffing, or a large employee body with hybrid, mobile, and/or field workers can immediately benefit from this solution due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment.
DP: If I am new to Webex Go with AT&T, how would this work?
IG: With Webex Go, you can take your smartphone and AT&T phone number and extend it to your Webex Calling platform to securely make, receive, and transfer calls using AT&T’s fast, reliable 5G nationwide network. Businesses would often port their wireline phone numbers to AT&T business mobility, or switch from other mobile operators to AT&T, taking their communications and collaboration to the next level. With that, a more streamlined communications management process is critical, given the demands of IT staff, as AI and digital transformation consume a significant part of IT cycles.
DP: And what about an existing AT&T mobile business customer?
IG: Of course, the solution is available to new and existing AT&T mobile business customers. Between our partnership, along with Apple, we have developed great technology, and for a limited time, we are providing some interesting incentives.
DP: We have seen a lot of positive feedback from customers, as well as industry experts. Thanks for spending some time with me, for our partnership and for our continued success.
IG: Thanks, DP.
Webex Go with AT&T is available now, find out more here. If this blog series has already convinced you, contact us here.
Learn more:
- The Rise of Mobility – Part 1
- The Rise of Mobility – Part 2
- Webex Go with AT&T
- Get started with Webex Go with AT&T
- Schedule a live Webex Go with AT&T demo
- Why mobility is vital in the collaboration era
The post The Rise of Mobility: Empowering mobile collaboration from anywhere (Part 3) first appeared on Webex Blog.