In today’s modern work, businesses are looking for secure, streamlined access to essential applications and resources across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments. The integration of Webex with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) and Microsoft 365 (M365) delivers a comprehensive collaboration framework for today’s hybrid workplace.
The integrations between Cisco Collaboration and Microsoft Identity and device management
All Cisco Collaboration products and services are deeply integrated with Microsoft’s identity and device management solutions.
On-premise Cisco Collaboration products, such as Cisco Unified Communication Manager, Cisco Unity Connections, and Cisco Expressway, integrate with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication using Single Sign-On, which can be found in the Enterprise Application Catalogue. From an identity provisioning perspective, they leverage the Webex cloud to become the bridge for on-premises user CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations.
Cisco’s cloud collaboration services utilize Microsoft Graph APIs to create a unique integration that automatically configures all the necessary components from Microsoft Entra ID, enabling seamless collaboration without any manual configuration in the Microsoft portal.
The integration doesn’t stop there. Each Cisco product features specific integrations with Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365 (M365), and Microsoft Intune, allowing customers to fully utilize both vendors’ platforms without the need for manual and complex configurations that would otherwise require extensive training for their IT staff.
Examples of these integrations include:
- Workspaces Directory Sync
- Microsoft Teams integration for Webex Calling
- Microsoft Teams integration for Webex Meetings
- ECM (Enterprise Content Manager) integration with OneDrive/SharePoint
- Microsoft 365 Groups for Webex Teams
- Webex integration with Exchange Online
- Jabber integration into Microsoft Teams
- Webex Meeting Scheduler for Outlook
- Webex Social Login
- Webex for Intune
- Webex Video Integration for Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Devices as Microsoft Teams Rooms
Advantages for Webex and Microsoft customers
- Enhanced Collaboration: Users enjoy a streamlined experience thanks to the robust integration of Cisco’s communication tools with Microsoft’s extensive productivity and identity suite, enabling world-class collaboration experience across various platforms.
- Increased Security: Through the integration with Microsoft Entra ID, alongside Cisco and Microsoft 365 services, secure and authenticated access is ensured, aligning with organizational policies.
- Unified Management: Centralized management of user identities, access rights, and collaboration tools through a single interface simplifies administrative processes for IT departments.
- Flexibility and Choice: Organizations have the freedom to choose from a range of vendors, allowing them to select the collaboration and productivity tools that best meet their unique requirements.
- Scalability: The integrated approach scales effortlessly with organizational growth, seamlessly incorporating new users and services.
- Compliance: With centralized identity management and access controls, organizations can more easily adhere to compliance requirements concerning data protection and privacy.
Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 (M365) enable Cisco Collaboration to deliver a unified identity solution that bridges various collaboration workloads, ensuring organizational consistency and reliable identification of customer users, regardless of their connection origin or the devices they use.
For more details, please visit “Cisco’s Collaboration with Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365” technical paper.
More from Webex and Microsoft:
- Bringing the Powers of Cisco to Microsoft Teams Rooms
- More choice and flexibility: Cisco Board Pro Certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms
- More choice and flexibility: Microsoft Teams Rooms for Cisco devices, now available in beta
The post Webex and Microsoft: The most extensive integration in collaboration first appeared on Webex Blog.