Overview
What is Webex?
Webex is a cloud-based collaboration service, with several robust features including:
- Video conferencing and online meetings, including point-to-point impromptu video calls as well as regularly scheduled mid-scale meetings.
- A personal meeting room for every user.
- Team meetings and chat spaces, file sharing, and white boarding.
- Online events and webinars with up to 3,000 attendees, or a stream for up to 40,000 viewers. Additionally, streams can be sent to YouTube, Facebook, and other services which support RTMP streaming.
- Integration with external applications such as Canvas and Blackboard, allowing classes to be run online or in hybrid mode.
- Unlimited Cloud storage for recordings.
- Downloadable recordings, with captions, that can be imported into Mediasite.
- End to end encryption to keep your information secure.
- Integration with Outlook calendaring for scheduling of meetings.
With the Webex app installed, it is possible to stay connected from any device. Webex will run on Windows Desktop, Linux, Android, Mac, and iOS, although some features may differ across operating systems.
A web-based interface will also allow you to join from several web browsers; however, it has fewer features available than the app and is not recommended.
Details
Getting started with Webex
If you are accessing Webex for the first time, please see the article How to activate your Webex account.
Please note that if you are new to the Rensselaer community, your account may need to be created prior to being available to you.
Install the Webex App on PC, Mac, or Linux
The Webex desktop app allows you to start and join meetings quickly and easily from the meeting list within the app, without needing to go to your calendar or the website. It will also allow you add a Webex meeting directly into Microsoft Outlook. It can automatically detect nearby video devices, allowing you to share your desktop on a video device or call it when joining a meeting.
The app also offers spaces for team collaboration, with group messaging, file sharing, whiteboarding, and other collaborative tools. Meetings can be started at any time by clicking a button within the group or can be scheduled ahead of time.
Install the Webex App on a Mobile Device
Using your mobile device app store, search for the “Webex” business app by Cisco, or open the links below in the browser on your mobile device. The app is free to install and will require logging in using your RCSID and Duo multi-factor authentication. Once installed and authenticated, you will be able to access messaging, calling, and meetings on the go.
Please note: If you have utilized Webex in the past on your mobile device, Multimedia Services recommends uninstalling any prior Webex apps from your device, then installing the singular new Webex app as above. Over the years, Cisco has provided several different apps for Webex, and it is best to remove any older ones.
Install the Webex Scheduler
The Webex Scheduler is an app which integrates Exchange 365 and Webex in order to allow Webex scheduling via Outlook on Mac, PC, and the web interface for Outlook 365. The tool appears when a meeting is being scheduled, allowing Webex to be added to that meeting. To install the Webex Scheduler, please see the article Using the Webex Scheduler with Outlook and Exchange Online.
Where can I find help?
Training
Group Webex training sessions are periodically offered and will be announced by MorningMail. If you would like to schedule a session specifically for yourself or your group, please request one using the form Request Individual or Special Group Training.
Cisco provides Official Webex training videos, e-learning courses, and live online training at the Webex Learning Center.
Multimedia Services provides self-service documentation on both the overall Webex Online Meeting & Conferencing system as well as information on Using Webex in Your LMS Course.
Known Issues
If you are experiencing an issue with Webex, please check the list of known issues to see if it is a documented issue and if there is a recommended workaround.
Security & Privacy
As a user of Webex you understand and agree to abide by RPI’s Cyber Citizenship Policy.
Refer to the Information Classification Policy for instruction on how institutional data that is classified as Confidential can be used in Webex.
Scheduled Maintenance
Periodic preventive maintenance is scheduled as needed by Cisco and is done during “off” hours in order to minimize the impact on system utilization.
However, scheduled and unscheduled interruptions to service, while rare, do occasionally happen. Cisco provides a status page where the current Webex status information is listed.
Last Reviewed: 25-Oct-2022
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.