Cisco, a leading global technology company, offers a range of business telephony products designed to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large enterprise, understanding the pricing and features of Cisco’s telephony solutions can help you make informed decisions for your business. This guide provides a detailed review of Cisco’s business telephony products and their pricing structure to assist UK businesses in navigating their options.
Overview of Cisco’s business telephony products
Cisco offers a variety of telephony products, catering to different business requirements. These products range from basic IP phones to advanced unified communication solutions that integrate voice, video, messaging, and mobility. Below are some of the key products in Cisco’s business telephony portfolio:
- Cisco IP Phones: Cisco’s IP phones are known for their reliability and range of features. The models vary from basic phones for general office use to more advanced phones with video conferencing capabilities.
- Cisco Webex Calling: A cloud-based phone system that offers enterprise-grade calling features through Cisco’s Webex platform. Webex Calling is designed to be scalable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM): This is an on-premises or cloud-based call control platform that delivers reliable, secure, scalable, and manageable call processing for businesses. CUCM integrates with various other Cisco products to provide a comprehensive communication solution.
- Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000): A packaged solution that includes CUCM, voicemail, instant messaging, and other collaboration tools. It is ideal for businesses with up to 1,000 users.
- Cisco Jabber: A unified communications application that allows users to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and collaborate via desktop sharing. Jabber can be integrated with other Cisco telephony solutions for a seamless communication experience.
Cisco pricing list
| Product | Pricing Model | Estimated Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco IP Phones | Per unit | £80 – £600 | Price varies based on model and features (e.g., entry-level, mid-range, high-end). |
| Cisco Webex Calling | Per user per month (subscription) | £10 – £30 | Price depends on the package chosen (basic to advanced features). |
| Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) | Per user (licensing) | £100 – £500+ | Cost per user increases with additional features and larger deployments. |
| Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000) | Bundle pricing | £15,000 – £20,000+ | Includes essential components for up to 25 users; additional licenses and features increase cost. |
| Cisco Jabber | Per user per year | £50 – £100 | Price varies based on integration level and required features. |
Notes:
- Customisation and Integration Costs: Custom features and integration with existing systems may increase costs.
- Support and Maintenance: Optional support packages can add to the overall expense but provide additional services and coverage.
- Volume Discounts: Larger deployments may benefit from reduced per-user costs.
This table provides an estimated guide; actual pricing can vary depending on specific business needs, negotiations, and market conditions. For a precise quote, it’s recommended to contact a Cisco reseller or sales representative.
Pricing structure of Cisco telephony products
Cisco’s pricing for business telephony products varies depending on the product, the level of customisation, and the size of the deployment. Below is a general overview of the pricing structure for some of Cisco’s popular telephony solutions:
Cisco IP Phones:
- Entry-level models: Prices typically start around £80-£150 per unit. These models are suitable for general office use with essential features like call handling, conferencing, and voicemail.
- Mid-range models: Priced between £150-£300 per unit, these phones offer enhanced features such as HD audio, additional phone line buttons, and integrated video capabilities.
- High-end models: For advanced communication needs, prices range from £300 to £600 per unit. These phones include features like large colour screens, video conferencing, and support for multiple extensions.
Cisco Webex Calling:
- Subscription-based pricing: Webex Calling operates on a subscription model, with prices starting from approximately £10-£15 per user per month for the basic package. Advanced packages, which include additional features such as integrated Webex Meetings, can range from £20-£30 per user per month.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM):
- Licensing model: CUCM pricing is based on a per-user licensing model, with costs varying depending on the features and deployment size. Prices typically start from around £100 per user for the basic package. For larger deployments or more advanced features, the cost can increase significantly, potentially reaching several thousand pounds.
Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000):
- Bundle pricing: BE6000 is offered as a bundle, with pricing starting around £15,000-£20,000 for the base package. This includes essential components like CUCM, voicemail, and instant messaging for up to 25 users. Additional user licenses and features can be purchased as required, scaling the cost upwards.
Cisco Jabber:
- Per-user pricing: Jabber is also available on a per-user basis, with costs typically ranging from £50-£100 per user per year. The exact pricing depends on the level of integration with other Cisco products and the specific features required.
Factors influencing Cisco pricing
When considering Cisco telephony products, it’s important to understand the factors that can influence pricing:
- Deployment size: Larger deployments often benefit from volume discounts, but the initial investment can be significant.
- Customisation: Businesses that require custom features or integration with existing systems may incur additional costs.
- Support and maintenance: Cisco offers various support packages, from basic warranty coverage to advanced support options with 24/7 access and rapid response times. These packages can add to the overall cost but provide peace of mind and ensure minimal downtime.
- Cloud vs. on-premises: Cloud-based solutions like Webex Calling typically involve lower upfront costs but require ongoing subscription fees. On-premises solutions may have higher initial costs but lower ongoing expenses.
Conclusion – Cisco pricing review
Cisco’s business telephony products offer a range of features and pricing options to suit businesses of all sizes and needs.
Whether you’re looking for a basic IP phone system or a comprehensive unified communications platform, Cisco provides scalable solutions that can grow with your business. By understanding the pricing structure and factors that influence costs, UK businesses can make informed decisions that align with their communication needs and budget.
Investing in the right telephony system is a crucial step in enhancing business communication, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in today’s market. With Cisco’s robust offerings, your business can achieve these goals with confidence.
For more, visit the Cisco website or see our guide to the best business phone systems.
FAQ – Cisco pricing
Cisco pricing is influenced by several factors, including the size of the deployment, the level of customisation, and the choice between cloud-based or on-premises solutions. For example, a basic Cisco IP phone might start at £80, while more advanced models can go up to £600. Larger deployments of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) can see costs ranging from £100 to £500+ per user, depending on the features and scale.
Cisco pricing for cloud-based solutions, like Webex Calling, typically involves a subscription model, starting at £10 per user per month for basic services and going up to £30 for advanced features. On-premises solutions, such as the Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000), have higher upfront costs, ranging from £15,000 to £20,000+ for the base package, but may offer lower ongoing operational expenses.
The starting price for Cisco IP phones is approximately £80 for entry-level models. Mid-range models typically cost between £150 and £300, while high-end models with advanced features can range from £300 to £600.
Cisco pricing for the Business Edition 6000 (BE6000) is typically bundle-based. The base package, which includes essential components for up to 25 users, is priced between £15,000 and £20,000. Additional user licenses and features can increase the overall cost, depending on the specific needs of the business.
The cost per user for Cisco Jabber generally ranges from £50 to £100 per year. This pricing can vary based on the level of integration with other Cisco telephony solutions and the specific features required by the business.
Yes, Cisco pricing for larger deployments often includes volume discounts. For instance, while a small deployment might see costs around £100 per user for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), larger deployments with advanced features could reduce the per-user cost to £500 or more, depending on the scale and specific requirements.