Today, we are excited to announce the release of Jabber 12.5. Our goal is to "build bridges" and provide technology that works together and delivers a consistent experience, regardless of the device or application you use.  So, what's new in Jabber 12.5? We are introducing modern messaging features from the cloud with team messaging mode, and a significantly improved meeting experience with active controls.  Both of these new features help you leverage new and existing technologies to create amazing experiences for employees. We can't wait to hear what you think.

Team messaging mode (available for preview in Jabber 12.5)

Team messaging mode for Cisco Jabber enhances the way you connect and get things done in small teams. This new deployment option provides a core set of Webex Teams messaging features from the cloud while keeping your calling services on-premises. You now have persistent one-to-one chats and team spaces, a new presence experience, advanced file sharing capabilities, and a powerful way to search in your Jabber application -all while keeping the advanced calling features that you know and love.

Team messaging mode not only provides a new team workflow in your Jabber environment, but also illustrates our commitment to customers. We use the extensible Webex platform to integrate with our existing solutions and deliver unique blended experiences. Our IT administrators can now provide new, cloud-delivered solutions while continuing to leverage their on-premises or partner managed calling services. Customers will also have the added benefit of native interoperability between Jabber team messaging mode and Webex Teams, as they leverage the same cloud platform. This can reduce the burden on your organization if you are transitioning from Jabber to Teams. No forced migrations, no user islands. Unlike other vendors, we are focused on productive user workflows through a cloud evolution.

As you move your messaging to the cloud, your organization will also benefit from the enhanced security provided by the Webex platform. Team messaging mode includes end-to-end encryption for all messages and files sent. It has a secure search that keeps search terms and results protected, and provides lock and moderation controls for your spaces.

See the new features, included in team messaging mode:

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Active controls

Our goal is to provide an excellent and consistent meeting experience no matter how you join a meeting. We continue to move towards that goal with active controls for Jabber users. The new controls give you more control over your meetings with a meeting roster, participant controls, customized layouts, and a new share experience.

These new features are available for Cisco Meeting Server customers, and we will continue to roll them out to other meeting types in coming releases. Meeting Server users now have the core functionality they need to host and use Jabber as their primary meeting client.

Here is a quick look at active controls within Jabber:

Additional Jabber 12.5 Features

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• Simplified Configuration Process: No more manual Jabber XML configuration file editing and uploading. You can now manage configurations using the Unified Communications Manager web interface. In the new interface, you can assign configurations to a group of users or device types.
• Cisco Headset Management:The Jabber application will now automatically push updated firmware to your Cisco headsets to keep them up to date easily.
• Media Routing Optimization:Jabber 12.5 now supports SIP ICE. ICE provides Media Routing Optimization, and remote users no longer need to "hair-pin" media through the expressway.
• Updated User Experience:Jabber continues to have a modern design and user experience. In Jabber 12.5 we are releasing an updated design and better alignment with the rest of the Cisco Collaboration portfolio.

For existing Jabber users, update your software to 12.5 or visit the app store for your mobile device. If you are not a current Jabber user, ask your IT staff to see if this tool is available to you.