Cisco nears Jabber integration with WebEx Connect

Cisco Systems is close to integrating the IM software back end and collaboration features it gained through its acquisition of Jabber into its SaaS WebEx Connect client, eWeek reports. Cisco also plans to add a status update function, similar to Twitter and Facebook updates, to the program for real-time collaboration.

WebEx Connect currently employs AOL's AIM back end for its instant messaging capabilities, but Cisco will replace this with Jabber's presence and messaging client sometime this summer or fall, according to the company. Cisco also plans to add email functionality to the offering by leveraging tech from another acquisition, PostPath, which it bought in 2008. The addition of real-time updates, an advanced IM client, and email could let WebEx compete with Microsoft Exchange and Outlook. 

For more:
- see the eWeek article here 

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