Webex

Webex is Cisco's brand and software platform for business communications and collaboration. Its roots go back to WebEx Communications, Inc., founded in 1995 by Subrah Iyar and Min Zhu. The original company focused on delivering web-based meetings and collaboration over the internet, helping organizations conduct presentations, training, support sessions, and distributed business meetings without requiring participants to be in the same location. WebEx became a public company during the first generation of commercial software-as-a-service businesses. It completed an initial public offering in July 2000 and was traded on Nasdaq. During its independent period, the company expanded beyond online meetings. Its 2005 acquisition of Intranets.com added tools and customer relationships aimed at smaller businesses, including document sharing, discussion forums, calendaring, and related online collaboration functions. WebEx also pursued integration with other communications services, including a 2006 partnership with AOL that produced AIM Pro, a business-oriented version of AOL Instant Messenger with WebEx conferencing features. In 2006, the company announced Webex Connect, a platform intended to link collaboration functions with external business applications and communication services. Cisco agreed to acquire WebEx in May 2007 for approximately $3.2 billion. Following the acquisition, WebEx became part of Cisco's collaboration portfolio while retaining substantial brand recognition in online meetings. The original WebEx applications operated on the company's MediaTone platform and were supported by the Webex MediaTone Network, an infrastructure designed for delivering on-demand software services globally. Cisco later used Webex as the umbrella for a broader collaboration strategy. In 2014 it announced Project Squared, an effort that was rebranded Cisco Spark in 2015. In April 2018, Cisco integrated Spark into the Webex platform and renamed Spark products, including Spark Room Kit and Spark Board, as Webex Room Kit and Webex Board. This move consolidated meetings, messaging, calling, rooms, whiteboarding, and collaboration hardware under one brand. The Webex portfolio now includes Webex App, Webex Suite, Webex Meetings, Webex Messaging, Webex Calling, Webex Contact Center, and Webex Devices. These offerings address video conferencing, team messaging, enterprise telephony, contact-center operations, room systems, interactive collaboration, and hybrid-work requirements. Webex also supports integrations and programmable workflows, including customer-service and communications use cases associated with Webex Connect and Cisco's broader collaboration technologies. Webex experienced a major increase in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work, distance learning, and virtual events became widespread. Cisco reported that Webex handled 500 million meeting attendees and 25 billion meeting minutes during April 2020. Cisco launched Webex Classrooms in September 2020 for virtual homeroom and education scenarios, followed by an October 2021 portfolio update emphasizing artificial intelligence and hybrid meetings and events. Cisco subsequently expanded the platform through acquisitions such as BabbleLabs and IMImobile. In May 2024, Cisco and Tata Communications announced a partnership to launch Webex Calling in India. Webex remains an active Cisco brand serving enterprises, public-sector organizations, educational institutions, small and medium-sized businesses, and other organizations worldwide.

WebEx Communications was founded in 1995 by Subrah Iyar and Min Zhu to provide internet-based conferencing and collaboration services. Its business model anticipated the later software-as-a-service market: customers could use hosted communication tools through the web rather than install and operate all of the required infrastructure themselves. The service initially centered on online meetings, presentations, and shared business sessions. The company became publicly traded in July 2000, listing on Nasdaq. Its independent expansion included product development and acquisitions. In 2005, WebEx acquired Intranets.com, broadening its reach among small and midsize businesses and adding capabilities such as discussion forums, document sharing, and calendaring. In 2006, WebEx and AOL introduced AIM Pro, a business-oriented instant-messaging product with WebEx conferencing features. WebEx also announced Webex Connect, a proposed collaboration mashup platform designed to connect WebEx capabilities with external applications and communication channels. Cisco acquired WebEx in May 2007 for approximately $3.2 billion. At the time, WebEx applications were built on the MediaTone platform and delivered through the Webex MediaTone Network, a global infrastructure created for hosted, on-demand services. The acquisition gave Cisco a recognized software brand and a large web-conferencing customer base, complementing Cisco's existing networking, telephony, video, and enterprise-communications businesses. Cisco continued to develop collaboration products around the Webex name while also experimenting with new brands. In November 2014, it announced Project Squared, which became Cisco Spark in 2015. On April 18, 2018, Cisco announced that Cisco Spark would be combined with Webex. Spark products were renamed as Webex offerings, including the Spark Room Kit, which became Webex Room Kit, and Spark Board, which became Webex Board. This consolidation established Webex as the principal umbrella brand for Cisco's collaboration software and devices. The platform's role expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work, online education, and virtual events sharply increased demand for video meetings. Cisco reported that Webex recorded 500 million meeting attendees and 25 billion meeting minutes in April 2020. In September of that year, Cisco introduced Webex Classrooms for virtual homeroom experiences. In October 2021, Cisco announced an update focused on virtual and hybrid meetings and events, including artificial-intelligence features. Cisco has also expanded the platform through corporate development. BabbleLabs was acquired in 2020, while IMImobile was acquired in 2021 and associated with Cisco's Webex collaboration and communications-platform-as-a-service strategy. The resulting portfolio includes meetings, team messaging, cloud calling, contact-center services, collaboration devices, whiteboarding, and application-connected communication workflows. In May 2024, Cisco and Tata Communications announced a partnership to launch Webex Calling in India. Webex is currently operated as an active Cisco brand rather than as an independent public company.

1. 2024Webex Calling partnership announced for India

   Cisco and Tata Communications announce plans to launch Webex Calling in India.

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2. 2021IMImobile joins Cisco's collaboration portfolio

   Cisco completes the acquisition of IMImobile, adding communications-platform-as-a-service capabilities.

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3. 2020Webex usage surges during COVID-19

   Cisco reports 500 million attendees and 25 billion meeting minutes on Webex during April 2020.

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4. 2020Webex Classrooms launches

   Cisco introduces an education-focused service for virtual homeroom interactions.

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5. 2018Spark is integrated into Webex

   Cisco unifies Spark software and hardware with Webex and renames the associated products.

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6. 2015Project Squared becomes Cisco Spark

   Cisco rebrands its newer collaboration initiative as Cisco Spark.

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7. 2007Cisco completes WebEx acquisition

   Cisco acquires WebEx for approximately $3.2 billion.

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8. 2005Acquisition of Intranets.com

   The transaction expands WebEx's small-business reach and adds online collaboration functions.

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9. 2000Initial public offering

   WebEx completes its initial public offering and becomes listed on Nasdaq.

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10. 1995WebEx Communications is founded

    Subrah Iyar and Min Zhu establish WebEx Communications to develop hosted web-conferencing and online collaboration services.

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Enterprise-grade communication and collaboration platform spanning meetings, messaging, calling, contact centers, hybrid work, and collaboration hardware.

• Webex AppUnified collaboration application

  The Webex App brings together team messaging, spaces, calling, meetings, file and content sharing, and other collaboration functions in a common application. It represents Cisco's effort to provide a unified interface rather than separate tools for every communication mode.

• Webex SuiteCollaboration software suite

  Webex Suite is Cisco's broader subscription-oriented collection of collaboration capabilities. Depending on the plan and market, it can combine meetings, messaging, calling, webinars, events, polling, whiteboarding, and related enterprise collaboration functions.

• Webex MeetingsVideo conferencing1995

  Webex Meetings is the core online-meeting service descended from WebEx's original hosted-conferencing business. It supports scheduled and ad hoc meetings, participant video and audio, screen and content sharing, recording, chat, and administrative controls for organizations.

• Webex MessagingTeam messaging

  Webex Messaging provides persistent spaces and direct messaging for teams. It is designed to keep conversations, shared content, meeting activity, and collaboration histories associated with projects or groups rather than limiting communication to individual meeting sessions.

• Webex CallingCloud telephony

  Webex Calling provides cloud-based business telephony and related calling controls. It extends Cisco's collaboration offering from meetings and messaging into enterprise voice, with availability and market partnerships varying by country and regulatory environment.

• Webex Contact CenterContact-center as a service

  Webex Contact Center is Cisco's cloud contact-center offering for customer-service operations. It is intended to support agent interactions, routing, supervision, analytics, and communication across customer-engagement channels.

• Webex DevicesCollaboration hardware2018

  Webex Devices includes room systems, video endpoints, boards, and related collaboration hardware. The line includes products formerly associated with Cisco Spark, such as Webex Room Kit and Webex Board, and is designed for meeting rooms and hybrid-work environments.

• Webex ConnectWorkflow and communications platform2006

  Webex Connect was announced as a collaboration mashup platform capable of linking Webex communication functions with external applications, messaging services, and social channels. It represented an early attempt to extend web conferencing into programmable business workflows.

• Cisco SparkCollaboration platform2015

  Cisco Spark was the successor to Project Squared and included collaboration software and devices. In 2018, Cisco combined Spark with Webex and rebranded the related products, so Cisco Spark is no longer the principal standalone brand.

• 2024Expand Webex Calling in IndiaStrategy

  Cisco sought to expand cloud calling availability through a local communications and connectivity partner.

  What changed. Cisco and Tata Communications partnered to launch Webex Calling in India.

  Aftermath. The partnership extended Webex's cloud-telephony footprint in the Indian market.

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• 2021Acquire IMImobileM&A

  Cisco sought communications-platform-as-a-service capabilities for its collaboration and customer-engagement portfolio.

  What changed. Cisco acquired IMImobile and associated its capabilities with the Webex collaboration portfolio.

  Aftermath. The acquisition strengthened Cisco's ability to connect collaboration software with programmable customer communications.

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• 2020Launch Webex ClassroomsProduct launch

  The COVID-19 pandemic created widespread demand for online education and virtual classroom experiences.

  What changed. Cisco launched Webex Classrooms for virtual homeroom interactions.

  Aftermath. The launch extended Webex's target use cases into education and remote learning.

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• 2018Unify Cisco Spark under WebexStrategy

  Cisco had developed Spark as a separate collaboration identity but sought a clearer and broader platform brand.

  What changed. Cisco combined Spark with Webex and renamed Spark products, including Spark Room Kit and Spark Board, as Webex Room Kit and Webex Board.

  Aftermath. Webex became the principal umbrella for Cisco's meeting, messaging, room, board, and collaboration offerings.

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• 2007Cisco acquires WebExM&A

  Cisco wanted to strengthen its software and services position in enterprise collaboration and communications.

  What changed. Cisco acquired WebEx for approximately $3.2 billion.

  Aftermath. WebEx became part of Cisco's collaboration portfolio and continued as a major Cisco software brand.

  Acquisition value. Approximately $3.2 billion (2007 acquisition announcement)

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• 2005Acquire Intranets.comM&A

  WebEx sought stronger access to smaller businesses and broader online collaboration capabilities.

  What changed. WebEx acquired Intranets.com and incorporated its customer base and tools into the WebEx environment.

  Aftermath. The acquisition expanded WebEx beyond meetings into document sharing, discussion forums, calendaring, and related collaboration functions.

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• 2002Goldman Sachs research and IPO investigationControversy

  Regulators and state attorneys general investigated Goldman Sachs over alleged unfair investment research and initial-public-offering allocation practices during the 1999–2001 period. WebEx was among the companies referenced in the investigation. The described allegations concerned Goldman Sachs's conduct and did not establish that WebEx itself committed securities fraud.

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• 2024Cisco and Tata Communications bring Webex Calling to India

  Cisco and Tata Communications announced a partnership to launch Webex Calling services in India.

  Product launchOther
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• 2021Cisco acquires IMImobile

  Cisco acquired IMImobile to add communications-platform-as-a-service capabilities to its collaboration and customer-engagement activities.

  M&A
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• 2021Cisco introduces AI-focused Webex portfolio update

  Cisco announced updates intended to improve virtual and hybrid meetings and events through artificial-intelligence features.

  Product generationProduct launch
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• 2021Cisco updates Webex for hybrid meetings

  Cisco announced AI-oriented Webex enhancements intended to improve virtual and hybrid meetings and events.

  Product generationProduct launch
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• 2021Cisco expands Webex capabilities for hybrid work

  Cisco announced new Webex capabilities aimed at hybrid work, including meeting intelligence, inclusivity features, workplace experiences, and collaboration across different locations and devices.

  Product launch
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• 2020Cisco reports exceptional Webex usage during the pandemic

  Cisco reported 500 million Webex meeting attendees and 25 billion meeting minutes during April 2020 as remote work and virtual education expanded.

  Other
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• 2020Cisco launches Webex Classrooms

  Webex Classrooms was introduced for virtual homeroom and education-oriented online interaction.

  Product launch
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• 2020Cisco acquires BabbleLabs

  Cisco acquired BabbleLabs as part of efforts to strengthen artificial-intelligence capabilities in its collaboration portfolio.

  M&A
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• 2020Webex reports pandemic-era meeting growth

  Cisco reported 500 million Webex meeting attendees and 25 billion meeting minutes during April 2020.

  Other
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• 2018Cisco consolidates Spark products under Webex

  Cisco combined Cisco Spark with the Webex platform and renamed associated hardware and software products under the Webex brand.

  Product generation
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• 2018Cisco merges Spark into the Webex platform

  Cisco combined Cisco Spark with Webex and renamed Spark-related applications and devices under the Webex brand.

  Product generation
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• 2018Cisco introduces Webex as a broader collaboration portfolio

  Cisco repositioned its collaboration offerings under the Webex brand, connecting online meetings with calling, team messaging, devices, and other workplace collaboration capabilities.

  Product generation
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• 2015Cisco rebrands Project Squared as Cisco Spark

  The collaboration initiative was relaunched under the Cisco Spark name.

  Product launch
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• 2014Cisco announces Project Squared collaboration service

  Cisco announced Project Squared as an evolution of its collaboration software strategy; the initiative was later renamed Cisco Spark.

  Product launch
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• 2014Cisco announces Project Squared

  Cisco announced a new collaboration initiative that later became Cisco Spark and was subsequently integrated into the Webex brand.

  Product launch
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• 2007Cisco agrees to acquire WebEx

  Cisco announced the acquisition of WebEx for approximately $3.2 billion, bringing the web-conferencing business into Cisco's collaboration portfolio.

  M&A
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• 2007Cisco agrees to acquire WebEx Communications

  Cisco announced an agreement to acquire WebEx Communications, bringing the online meeting company and its hosted collaboration platform into Cisco.

  M&A
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• 2006WebEx and AOL launch AIM Pro for business users

  The companies introduced a business version of AOL Instant Messenger with WebEx conferencing and collaboration capabilities.

  Product launch
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• 2006WebEx and Raindance resolve patent litigation

  WebEx and Raindance Communications dismissed reciprocal patent-infringement actions, released past claims, exchanged patent licenses, and agreed to payments associated with the settlement.

  Lawsuit
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• 2006AOL and WebEx launch AIM Pro collaboration offering

  The companies introduced a business-oriented version of AOL's instant-messaging software with WebEx conferencing features.

  Product launch
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• 2006WebEx and Raindance settle patent litigation

  After reciprocal patent-infringement lawsuits filed in 2005, WebEx and Raindance dismissed their actions, released specified past claims, cross-licensed patents and agreed to associated payments.

  Lawsuit
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• 2005WebEx acquires Intranets.com

  The acquisition expanded WebEx's collaboration tools and provided greater access to small and midsize businesses.

  M&A
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• 2000WebEx Communications completes initial public offering

  WebEx became a publicly traded company on Nasdaq during the early expansion of commercial web-based software services.

  Other
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• 2000WebEx completes initial public offering

  WebEx Communications became a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ National Market in July 2000.

  Other
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1. Webex
2. Webex official website
3. Cisco corporate development: BabbleLabs
4. Cisco corporate development: IMImobile
5. Cisco expands Webex capabilities for hybrid work
6. Cisco introduces Webex as a broader collaboration portfolio
7. Cisco agrees to acquire WebEx Communications