"Webex Calling" is a cloud-based Unified Communication Service marketed by Cisco that is used at CWRU to provide softphones for the University. This article documents the Webex Calling Migration Project.
About Webex Calling
CWRU UTech is offering a software-based phone service (softphone) called Webex Calling. This service allows CWRU faculty and staff to make and receive phone calls using their University provided phone numbers from any location. All that is required is to have the Webex app installed on the PC and/or mobile device.
Campus-wide Webex Calling Migration
CWRU UTech will begin to migrate all existing phone users to Webex Calling in the upcoming months. Phone users will be migrated from the legacy Cisco Unified CallManager platform to Webex Calling. The intention is to replace the traditional desk phones (Cisco IP Phones) with the Webex software that will be installed on your computer or mobile device.
Desk Phone Option
The preferred method of making and receiving calls in Webex Calling is by using the Webex app software. However, there might be a need for a physical desk phone (e.g. a Receptionist phone or a lab phone). In such cases, UTech can accommodate the needs by installing a physical desk phone (Cisco IP Phone) for the department. Depending on the phone model, a department can reuse an existing desk phone, or purchase a new compatible phone.
Webex Calling Migration Process
Here are the important milestones for a success migration:
- Consultation:
- A UTech staff member will contact you or your department to schedule a preliminary meeting. The department will be presented with a spreadsheet containing the department phone numbers.
- The department verifies the information and decides whether to keep or to disconnect the numbers.
- UTech staff verifies the department's response to ensure the phone numbers are ready for Webex Calling Migration.
- Before the migration:
- Phone users will be asked to check and clear their existing voicemail box for any old voicemail messages via https://um.case.edu or by dialing 216-754-3800 (more info).
- Phone users are encouraged to review the "Getting Started with Webex App" guide
- A new voicemail box is included in Webex Calling. Your old voicemail box in the legacy Cisco CallManager platform will be deleted.
- On the day of the migration:
- The phone numbers will not be available during the migration. The typical migration for a phone number takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
- You or your department will be notified when the migration is completed.
- Review the "Getting Started with Webex App" guide and install the Webex app onto your computer or mobile device.
Ready to Migrate?
If you or your department are ready to migrate to Webex Calling and wish to move up in the migration schedule, please submit a Webex Calling Migration Request Form.
Webex Calling Migration F.A.Q.
Will UTech provide headset for Webex app use?
Headsets will not be provided. The same arrangement for Zoom meetings can be used for the Webex app. Please check with your department administrator regarding headset purchase.
Is there a cost difference between my existing phone services versus the new Webex Calling service?
There is no cost difference for a phone number between the legacy Cisco CallManager platform and Webex Calling. As of March 2025, the cost per line per month is $23.50.
Can I keep my desk phone (Cisco IP Phone)?
Maybe. The Webex Calling service is supported for newer Cisco IP Phones such as the Cisco 6800 Series, 7800 Series, and 8800 Series.
Where can I dispose my old desk phone?
After the Webex Calling Migration is completed, the old Cisco IP Phone (model 79xx) can be e-wasted. You can follow the University Guideline for Recycling or drop off the old phones at the UTech CARE Center where they will be properly e-wasted. DO NOT throw them into regular trash cans.
Will my old voicemail messages be moved to the new Webex Calling voicemail system?
No. Your old voicemail messages will not be transferred to the new voicemail system. If you have voicemail messages in the old voicemail system that you want to save, you will need to review and download the old voicemail messages from https://um.case.edu. Your old voicemail box will be deleted once your office number is migrated to Webex Calling. Note that your old voicemail messages may already be available to you in your email, if you chose to have them delivered via email.
What if I have multiple phone numbers on my desk phone today?
Only the Webex desktop app or certain desk phones support multiple lines. Since Webex Calling is a separate phone system, all phone numbers on the desk phone must be migrated over to Webex at the same time.
What if I share a phone number with my colleague like a lab phone or a departmental phone number?
In order to achieve the best Webex Calling experience, it is recommend that each Webex calling user have his or her own phone number. However, it is possible share a phone number among different Webex calling users. Please create a helpdesk ticket with the telephone office for further assistance.