Cisco launches Webex for Defense for the pentagon

Cisco announced the launch of Webex for Defense, a version of its collaboration platform built specifically for the Pentagon.

Webex for Defense is an all-in-one cloud-based collaboration service that provides DoD users with the same calling, messaging, and meeting capabilities and user experience available via Webex for Government.

It has received provisional authorisation from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to operate at DoD Impact Level 5 (IL5), which means it is authorised to work with the DoD's national security systems, higher sensitivity CUI, and mission-critical information across all workloads.

The new tool integrates with Cisco’s full Webex portfolio of devices, allowing users to connect securely from phone, desktop, or video.

“A full set of admin and end-user controls enables seamless, secure collaboration with internal and external users as well as DoD partners, and ensures that sensitive data never leaks and information is kept private,” said Javed Khan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Collaboration.

Webex for Defense is also built upon the Cisco Unified Communications Manager and its feature set, including local survivability.

He also claimed that thanks to Cisco’s “mature development methodology and transparent privacy posture” Webex’s security advantage “goes above and beyond the specification of DoD IL5”

Among the products included in the Webex for Defense offering are:

CallManager, a UC platform for IP telephony, video, instant messaging, and presence

Jabber - Providing instant messaging, voice and video calls, desktop sharing, and presence for mobile users, Cisco shared on the Webex for Defense product page

Meeting Server - Allows users to join a meeting with any Cisco Collaboration endpoint, Jabber client, Meeting Server web app, or third-party devices, Cisco shared on the Cisco Meeting Server webpage

CEO Chuck Robbins said that the company’s collaboration business is “incredibly essential to our customers”. He revealed that the company has added 800 new features and devices since September and said the platform would power the future of hybrid work.

Additionally, Webex for Defense integrates with the Webex portfolio of phone, desktop, and video devices, and admins can manage users, devices, and workspace with real-time analytics from Cisco’s Control Hub