Introducing Webex Calling: A New Softphone Experience Begins July 15

Beginning July 15, Tufts Technology Services (TTS) will begin rolling out Webex Calling, our next-generation softphone application for making and receiving business calls from your computer or mobile device.

Cisco Webex Calling provides a modern, cloud-based calling experience while maintaining the features you rely on today. During this initial rollout, Cisco Jabber will remain available and fully supported. Users will have time to become familiar with Webex Calling before Jabber is retired at a future date, which will be communicated well in advance.

Not the Webex You May Remember

If the name Webex sounds familiar, you may remember using Webex Meetings for video conferencing several years ago. That service was retired at Tufts when the university standardized on Microsoft Teams and Zoom for online meetings.

Webex Calling is different. It is not a video conferencing platform. Instead, it is the new application you'll use to make and receive telephone calls using your Tufts phone number, gradually replacing Cisco Jabber over time.

Think of it this way...

What is Webex Calling?

Webex Calling is Tufts' new cloud-based telephone (softphone) application. Whether you're working on campus, remotely, or traveling, you'll be able to use your Tufts phone number from virtually anywhere.

With Webex Calling, you can:

• Make and receive calls using your Tufts phone number
• Check voicemail and call history
• Transfer and forward calls
• Use your computer, headset, or mobile device for business calls
• Enjoy a modern, integrated calling experience

Transition from Jabber

For now, nothing is changing with your existing Jabber service.

• Cisco Jabber will continue to work during the transition period.
• You may begin using Webex Calling once your account has been enabled.
• There is no immediate deadline to stop using Jabber.
• TTS will communicate the Jabber retirement timeline well before it is discontinued.

We encourage you to begin exploring Webex Calling over the coming months while continuing to use Jabber as needed. During this time, we recommend you set up Webex Calling on your devices, adjust your settings, and set up your contact lists.

Using Webex Calling

Webex calling is available on both desktop and mobile devices.

Off-campus Access: Using Webex Calling off-campus on desktop and mobile devices, requires you to connect to the Tufts VPN using Cisco Secure Client. If you do not already have the Tufts VPN on your device, you will have to download it and configure it before using Webex calling.

On Desktop Devices

• Tufts owned and managed machines: The Webex calling application should already be installed. Go to your applications and look for Webex.
• Personal devices: Download the Webex Installers.

On Your Mobile Devices

Webex Calling is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Download Webex from your iOS or Android app store.

Learn More

Detailed setup instructions, installation guides, FAQs, and feature information are available on the Webex Calling Product Page and on the Webex Calling Online Guide.

These resources will walk you through:

• Installing Webex Calling
• Setting up your desktop and mobile devices
• Using common calling features
• Connecting with Cisco Secure Client for mobile access
• Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance getting started, please contact the TTS Service Desk by emailing it@tufts.edu or calling 617-626-3376.