The retirement of Cisco TMS is now a planning priority for enterprise video teams. For many organizations, the platform has managed meeting rooms, devices, and calls for years. Its end of life creates more than a software replacement task. It forces a wider review of collaboration strategy.
In a recent UC Today discussion, Kristian McCann spoke with Giles Adams, CEO at VQ Communications. The discussion focused on practical migration choices. It also challenged the view that cloud is always the next step.
Adams said many customers feel pressure from the change. “In some cases there’s a sense of panic,” he explains. That reaction is understandable. TMS often sits deep inside daily video workflows. Replacing it can affect support teams, compliance processes, and user experience.
However, the market has moved beyond traditional video management. Cloud platforms now offer faster updates, broad integrations, and easier scaling. Tools such as Cisco Control Hub can suit many modern environments. They can also reduce local infrastructure demands.
Yet the cloud path does not fit every organization. Some sectors face strict data rules. Others need complete control over meeting infrastructure. Adams noted that “there could be security reasons why they can’t access cloud-based services.”
These concerns have grown as global risk has changed. Enterprises now examine where systems run and who controls data. Adams added: “People are considering that cloud is at risk… data centers are now legitimate military targets.”
As a result, IT leaders need a measured approach. The best answer may include cloud services, local systems, or a hybrid model. Regulated industries may prefer on-premises or air-gapped deployments. These setups isolate key systems from external networks.
VQ Communications aims to serve that gap. Adams described its approach as “a modern version of some of the basic functionality that TMS delivered.” The company also adds analytics, automation, and stronger visibility. These features help teams manage devices with fewer manual tasks.
Importantly, the replacement should improve operations. Adams said, “Nobody wants to replace one piece of software that just does the basics.” Modern platforms should show device health, enforce policies, and flag problems early.
For example, templates can apply settings across many rooms. A team could mute devices by default. That simple rule can reduce accidental audio exposure. It also improves meeting privacy without extra user effort.
The TMS sunset therefore creates a strategic opening. Organizations can reassess resilience, security, and room performance. They can also simplify management for hybrid work demands.
Adams offered clear guidance for teams starting the process. “Go out and do a little bit of research… what are my options here?” That advice fits the moment. The right migration depends on risk, compliance, and operational needs.
