As of 2021, Cisco has announced the discontinuation of its Jabber platform. Jabber was a widely used collaboration tool that provided various functionalities such as group chat, softphone capabilities, screen and desktop sharing, screen capture, video conferencing, and standard chat functionalities. However, despite this announcement, it is important to note that many organizations and individuals still continue to use Jabber.
While Cisco’s decision to discontinue Jabber may have led some users to explore alternative collaboration tools, Jabber still remains in use for several reasons:
1. Legacy Systems: Many organizations have heavily invested in Cisco’s collaboration infrastructure, including Jabber, and have integrated it into their daily workflows. These organizations may have a significant number of users and systems relying on Jabber, making it challenging to migrate to an alternative platform immediately.
2. Familiarity and User Adoption: Jabber has been in the market for several years and has gained a significant user base. Users have become accustomed to its interface, features, and functionalities, which may make it difficult for them to transition to a new platform. Additionally, organizations may have invested in training their employees on how to effectively use Jabber, further increasing user adoption and resistance to change.
3. Integration with Other Cisco Products: Cisco offers a wide range of collaboration and communication tools, and Jabber integrates seamlessly with these products. For organizations that have already invested in other Cisco solutions such as Webex Meetings or Webex Teams, Jabber provides a cohesive experience by allowing users to access these tools within the same platform.
4. Security and Compliance: Some organizations may have specific security and compliance requirements that are met by Jabber. These organizations may have implemented specific policies and configurations within Jabber to ensure data protection and compliance with industry regulations. Migrating to a new platform would require careful consideration and validation to ensure that these requirements are still met.
5. Cost Considerations: Moving to a new collaboration platform often involves significant costs, including licensing, infrastructure, training, and potential disruption to workflows. For organizations with tight budgets or limited resources, the decision to continue using Jabber may be driven by financial considerations.
It is worth mentioning that while Jabber continues to be used by many organizations, Cisco’s decision to discontinue the platform indicates a shift in their strategic direction. Cisco has been focusing on enhancing and promoting their Webex suite of collaboration tools, including Webex Teams and Webex Meetings, as their primary collaboration offerings.
While Cisco has announced the discontinuation of Jabber, the platform is still widely used by organizations and individuals due to various reasons such as legacy systems, familiarity, integration with other Cisco products, security and compliance requirements, and cost considerations. However, it is important for users and organizations relying on Jabber to evaluate their long-term collaboration strategy and consider alternative solutions that align with their evolving needs and Cisco’s strategic direction.