Cisco Webex service offerings are being phased out at Mason to provide a more streamlined set of services. Alternate solutions are available including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Blackboard Collaborate. Webex services will be shut down on May 31, 2021.
Background and Approach
Phasing out Webex helps the university standardize and simplify its service offering and save money by reducing the number of tools supported and currently under contract.
To accomplish this goal, the approach will be to reduce usage over time and remove accounts as users stop using Webex tools.
Key Accomplishments
- Closed 98% of Webex Host Accounts; 379 accounts remain active as of April 1, 2021
- Reduced Webex Meeting usage by 96% from high in April 2020; only 1% of total on-line meetings in March 2021 were held via Webex (1600 of over 150,000 total Web meetings)
- Provided updated report of usage to technical points of contact in academic and administrative units detailing who is still using Webex that can be used for direct outreach (Early March / Updated April 1)
- Halted creation or reactivation of Webex hosts accounts effective January 4, 2021
Next Steps/Current Work
- Complete retirement of Webex Training and Events
- Provide direct outreach to those still hosting meetings via Webex reminding them of the closure and encouraging use of alternate tools. (Mid-April)
How to Prepare
Reminder
A Webex login is only required to HOST a meeting. You do NOT need an account to participate in Webex meetings.
Webex Support Updates Spring 2021
Effective February 1, 2021: Limited ITS Support for Webex software
- Assist with transition from Webex to alternate supported products
- Account access and management
Effective June 1, 2021: End of ITS Support for Webex software
If You Are Currently Using:
Try this alternative: | Things to note: | |
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Webex Meetings | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Webex Teams | ![]() |
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Webex Events | ![]() |
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Webex Training | ![]() |
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Join the Collaboration Collective
If you're looking to learn more about alternative tools, the Collaboration Collective is a team for faculty and staff collaboration technology users to communicate with their peers and discuss new features, best practices, and other topics of interest. Become a member of the Collaboration Collective by logging into Microsoft Teams, click Join or create a Team and search for Collaboration Collective or use Join a team with a code and enter code: pifyqb4.
Timeline
2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Task/Event | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Develop and Publish | ||||||||||||||||
Deactivate accounts not used in 120+ days | ||||||||||||||||
Deactivate host accounts not used in 60+ days | ||||||||||||||||
Limited creation/reactivation of accounts | ||||||||||||||||
Test and publish Zoom Classroom Alternative | ||||||||||||||||
Develop Webex Teams Transition Plan | ||||||||||||||||
Transition Events and Training to Zoom | ||||||||||||||||
Remove Webex Training and Event Licenses | ||||||||||||||||
Transition from Webex Meetings to other options | ||||||||||||||||
Transition from Webex Teams to MS Teams |
KEY:
Completed activity | |
Upcoming activity | |
Milestones/Deadlines |