Cisco has introduced the replacement of Touch10 recently and it’s being shipped with new Webex room series models. You may be able to buy it separately as well.
It comes in 2 versions:
- Wall Mount
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/webex-room-series/datasheet-c78-744228.html - Table Stand
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/webex-room-series/datasheet-c78-744227.html
Dont forget about the compatibility
Hardware – I’ve had a situation where SX20 with Touch08 needed a Macro feature. The macro feature needs a CE version and touch08 doesn’t support beyond TC, so we were planning to buy a touch panel. Since Touch10 will be EOL soon, it’s obvious to think about buying a Webex room navigator instead, but seems the SX series isn’t supported.
Minimum software version – I’ve had a lower software version in device defaults on CUCM and when a new codec was configured and registered, the touch panel won’t come up. When I read the notes, I realized that it needs a minimum of CE9.14.3.
How to set up ?
This Youtube channel does a very good job of explaining it, so I won’t do double efforts. I highly recommend this channel.
Why does it matter ? Isnt it just new flashy version of old Touch 10 ?
Hmm, No and Yes.
Remember using Cisco IP Phone with Immersive endpoints (CTS, TX models ?) ? and Then Touch08 or remote? Then Touch 10? With each new version/model, not only Codec/endpoint functionality improved but also new user interface provided a more intuitive experience. Not just for users but for IT guys as well, the ability to do more with less mess.
Meeting solutions (or Web conferencing, whatever you want to call it) and endpoints, used to be just about having good audio/video quality. It’s still a very important factor, but good audio/video quality isn’t enough, now it’s about the whole experience.
- User trying to find available meeting room in a building (or the one, they already scheduled), then navigating to locate that meeting room.
- If it wasnt booked/reserved earlier then booking it ‘on the fly’ for their meeting.
- If it was booked by someone but no show, then releasing the booking after few minutes of start time.
- When someone is in meeting room, some kind of indicator outside the room so people dont peek through window (scary, when you are having that super secret meeting) to figure out if its in use.
- Using the same interface to join a meeting or to control other facilities in meeting room. Light, AC or to call a facility.
- Being able to use all those new conferencing feature from touch panel as well. Raise hands, manage the layout …. you know, the whole shebang.
- Meeting room / Table is big ? Want more of those touch panels so more people can control the experience ? Put more touch panel connected to each other.
- Want more custom apps, after call feedback survey or reporting a support ticket with just a click.
In fact, leveraging more from it when not joining a meeting. Example – Want to push that new announcement to whole building ? No more posters. Use a digital signage.
List goes on..
Deploying Meeting solutions/endpoints seprately/isolated than other solutions (Room booking, Digital signange, room controllers …) doesnt create a good experience (and it’s a mess to manage/support ). I think Cisco has that vision to create a complete experience, so with each new touch panel (and other peripherals/solutions) it’s filling all those gaps and making life easier (along with providing a good user experience).
Yes, it looks cool but not just the looks, it is Cool.
Note – As of today, I do not work for Cisco or any reseller. This post is only intended to share knowledge. If you find something is inaccurate or you want to add something (or have any feedback), please don’t hesitate to let me know, using the comment section, LinkedIn or feedback form on the home page.
Thank you.
