Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) vs. FreeConferenceCall.com

The Cisco Unified Communications Manager platform would be most suited for the below scenarios. 1. An organization with very restricted policies and compliance where can't move to cloud-based solutions for data security. They can install the CUCM on-premises. 2. An organization that is still on a legacy phone system could adopt CUCM to save costs and have better services.

I think that FreeConferenceCall.com is well suited for anyone, really. They do a great job at providing options for all types of scenarios-from basic phone calls to now offering the video conference. The only time I think that it might not be as advantageous to use is when there are only 2 people that are needing to connect-in that case it's just as easy to direct dial

Incentivized

• Customizability - The program allows for a lot of specific features and ways to use the program.
• Traditional - The system is a very traditional phone system, with everything you would expect and need from an enterprise phone system.
• Expandable - The system allows from a small amount of users to a large amount, with no upper limit.

Incentivized

• Clear calls, it is easy to hear no matter how many participants are on the call.
• Does not kick participants off, we have up to 40 people on the call and it works fine.
• Easy to remember, the phone number and code is the same so it is easy for staff to recall.
• No busy signals, we can always get through to set up call.

Incentivized

• CUCM is overly complex and requires a very capable engineer to maintain it. Similarly, implementing anything new requires a great deal of specialized knowledge of CUCM.
• CUCM is difficult to troubleshoot because of it's complexity.
• CUCM is expensive licensing and they nickel and dime you with a plethora of tiny little license charges for every little feature. They have the most convoluted licensing models, ever, for their CU products in general.

Incentivized

• Recently callers cannot get onto the call
• Users on the call get bumped off
• Non-transparent policy about why problems are occurring. If FreeConferenceCall.com can't reliably provide free service, just tell me that rather than blaming it on a law that changed and local carriers causing the problems. The real problem is that the law did recently change, which allowed companies like FreeConferenceCall.com to collect a revenue share for all calls placed through certain hubs--even free calls. This loophole was removed recently, and I believe the service issues I've been experiencing are being used to extort users to buy a paid service in order to receive trouble-free service.
• I found customer service representatives rude and dismissive

We have been using this product for 20+ years and will continue too. This is a great product and new features are always coming out.

Incentivized

It is so user friendly.

Incentivized

Although it's very easy to use, once you understand the concepts of IP telephony, as I said before, I think Cisco could have improved the management interface of the platform, adding modern technologies and the design language of the other platforms like DNA Center, etc. This interface hasn't had a substantial improvement for about 10 years

Incentivized

I am and have been extremely pleased with my use of this product.

Incentivized

CUCM is supported by most third-party vendors for related products, so it makes finding solutions to specific needs easy. Also Cisco TAC is very knowledgeable, and we have never run into a problem they have not been able to resolve. Usually they are resolved without the need to escalate tickers either.

Incentivized

I haven't had the need to call for any support at all yet for FreeConferenceCall.com. It has just worked splendidly for me. That being said, when I first downloaded it and got started using it there was a wizard which made every section and button very clear on what it does. It was easy to get started by following the wizard. I imagine then that their customer service will be just as good.

Incentivized

This was the first phone system we implemented that could span multiple locations. We were very satisfied once fully implemented

Incentivized

It's a no brainer!

Incentivized

The Cisco Call Manager application has been around for much longer than many of the competitors. As such, they have had plenty of time to resolve bugs and increase the feature set that comes natively with this solution. One of the biggest factors for us was the professional services/support that comes along with using any Cisco product.

Incentivized

FreeConferenceCall.com is much cheaper than Zoom overall and on a per-user count. We also believe the ease of use is more beneficial with FreeConferenceCall vs. Zoom. It is easier to set up than Zoom and offers quicker support. Being the admin of the call is also super easy.

Incentivized

• Return on Investment as one shot investment was made then only licensing contract renewing is needed.
• Virtualized environment and centralized administration tools.
• Money saving as a result on using features like TEHO.
• Business continuity assured on environments with SRST and Multi site Deployment with Distributed Call Processing.

Incentivized

• Saved time on having to meet sales reps in person.
• Goal setting and objectives are much clearer when being able to talk with someone when seeing them. Not having to correct mistakes or clarify things later on because things "weren't clear" isn't much of an issue when a video conference is used.
• Being able to utilize a free option is the ultimate ROI - it costs nothing!

Incentivized