Cisco Network Consulting and Support

Sending live voice and video over Internet Protocol has progressed from simply being being a shrewd technique to save money on phone carrier bills to a required technology for collaboration and worker productivity. Unified communications, once limited to integrating Internet-based voice and faxes on the same platform in order to take the place of expensive PBX systems, now encompasses rich media, mobility, chat, real-time presence, collaboration services, and much more within a centralized environment that is easy to manage, scalable, protected, fault-tolerant, cost-effective, and user friendly.

Cisco is the leader in providing the hardware and software infrastructure required to support the modern model of unified communications (UC). Cisco's unified communications solution adds to the productivity of information systems by slashing operational expenses; combining multiple collaboration functions with popular software programs to improve worker output; supporting collaboration among workers, associates, and vendors to save time and enhance business results; and streamlining the administration of your converged voice and data infrastructure.

Cisco's UC solutions address several important product categories:,

• Call Control Platforms for controlling calls and sessions
• Collaboration Phones and Softphones to optimize end-user engagement
• UC Applications for integrated access to presence, IM, voice and video, voice messages, white boarding, and conferencing
• Communications Gateways for interfacing with outside networks and remote users

Call and Session Control Agents - Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)
Cisco's call-processing agent is the heart of the Cisco IP collaboration system and provides the versatility to deploy a centralized call-processing model, a decentralized model, or a combination of both. In a centralized approach, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UC Manager or CUCM) expands enterprise telephony features to packet telephony devices such as IP handsets, media management appliances, Voice over IP gateways, and mixed media programs throughout the IT environment. Unified Communications Manager enables extra multimedia services such as unified messaging, multimedia conferencing, and group-based client communication networks.

The latest version of Unified CM, formerly branded CallManager, offers a wealth of improvements that accelerate your return on investment by cutting management and support costs, improving worker output, enhancing collaboration, supporting the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) style of working, strengthening data protection, and allowing efficient use of IT resources. Headline new features include automatic dial-plan replication, simplified certificate management, extended support for standards-based single sign-on (SSO) for managers and end users, device-independent call recording, on-the-road access without requiring VPN tunneling, a revamped self-provisioning interface that makes it simple for end users to specify their options and preferences for all of their devices, and support for Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol for mobile clients.

In cases where you implement a central Cisco Unified Communications Manager cluster to control voice processing for customers at distributed locations, IT managers can help achieve non-stop call operation through Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony (SRST), an IOS Software image for routers. If a WAN connection breaks, Cisco SRST in the Cisco router provides core UC Manager services until the link is returned. To learn about Progent's consulting services for Cisco routers, see consulting and troubleshooting support for Cisco Integrated Services routers.

For small business networks, branch offices, and retail environments that do not require the full feature set available from Unified CM, Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, previously known as CallManager Express provides a budget-friendly solution that handles the requirements of locations with up to 450 workers. Because Unified Communications Manager Express Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CCX) is embedded in the IOS Software operating on a Cisco ISR router, smaller offices can quickly set up a unified voice and data solution.

Cisco's Business Edition 6000 is a family of one-stop solutions that provide essential unified communications capabilities such as routing, gateway, high definition voice and video, messaging, instant messaging and presence, voice and video conferencing, and paging services, allowing any user to collaborate on any endpoint from any site. All BE6000 versions come preloaded with virtualization and collaboration applications software, making deployment quick and simple and cutting operating expenses for organizations with as many as 1000 employees. All BE6000 systems are shipped preloaded with virtualization and collaboration applications. You can instantly activate collaboration software applications whenever their requirements dictate.

The office-in-a-box BE6000S supports five preselected collaboration applications preloaded on one combination ISR router/IP gateway/virtualized E1600 M2 server device and can handle as many as 150 users and 300 devices. The mid-market Business Edition 6000M includes 4 UC application options enabled on a single virtualized Cisco C220 M4 server and supports a maximum capacity of 1000 workers, 1200 devices, and 100 contact center agents. The top-of-the-line BE6000S includes eight collaboration software application options activated on a virtualized C220 M4 server and has the ability to support up to 1000 workers, 2500 devices, and 100 contact center agents.

For more information about Progent's support for Unified Communications Manager (CallManager), see Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager planning, configuration, migration and troubleshooting.

IP Phones: VoIP and IP Media Endpoints
A collaboration endpoint is an end-user device, and can be a hardware phone or a software phone application that runs on a PC or handheld computer. In the Internet Protocol world, every IP phone is Ethernet connected. VoIP phones have all of the functions that an analog phone handset has, but Voice over IP phones can also offer additional functions such as being able to connect to websites or run productivity-enhancing software.

Unlike ordinary PBX technology, in a Cisco IP phone network you can perform virtually instantaneous moves, additions, and modifications. You simply take the VoIP handset to its new spot, attach it to the Ethernet jack, and the handset announces itself with Cisco Unified Communications Manager. All client rights and configurations are automatically re-established, doing away with the expense and hassle of dispatching technicians to wiring closets. An additional useful feature is location independence, which enables you to log into any Cisco IP device and receive your personal phone extension and rights.

Cisco provides a wide range of VoIP phones. The low-cost Small Business SPA 300 Series are basic IP and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications screenless or monochrome phones that feature wide-band voice, compatibility with hosted IP telephony systems or an IP private branch exchange, simple deployment and highly secure online installation, in-service software updates, and web-based configuration. The low-end SPA301 is a single-line VoIP endpoint with no screen or speakerphone, a base dialer that has one Ethernet port, and a corded handset with no keys. The SPA302D, designed exclusively for operation with the Cisco SPA232D DECT Analog Telephone Adapter, is a multiline cordless Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) handset that offers 10-lines, a TFT 176 x 220 color screen, and a dial pad with a speakerphone. The SPA303 is an economical 3-line IP phone with dual Ethernet ports, a 128x64 monochrome graphical display and a speaker.

Cisco's SPA500 family IP phones are affordable devices with support for SIP and SPCP signaling protocols, two integral Ethernet switch ports, speakerphones, built-in web servers, Power over Ethernet, and voice conferencing support. Most versions have a 128 x 64 pixel mono screen display, The SPA501G IP Phone supports eight lines and has eight programmable buttons but no hi-res screen. The SPA502G has a single line and has no soft keys. The SPA504G has four lines and has four soft buttons. The SPA508G has eight lines and eight soft buttons. The SPA509G supports 12 lines and features 12 soft buttons. The SPA512G VoIP phone supports four lines, no soft buttons and supports Gigabit Ethernet. The SPA514G supports four lines, has soft keys, and supports 10/100/1000 Ethernet. The top-of-the-line SPA525G2 includes a 320 x 240 color screen, supports five lines, and includes five programmable keys.

Cisco's IP Phones 3900 Series and IP Phones 6900 Series are specialty IP voice endpoints intended for infrequent-use settings like cafeterias, hallways, and conference facilities. The Unified SIP Phone 3905 features VoIP phone features a 128 x 32 pixel mono non-backlit display, a 10/100 Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, and Power over Ethernet. The bare-bones Cisco Unified IP Phone 6901 is a one-line device without a screen and requires a hook switch for call transfer or joining a conference.

Cisco's 7800 Series of value-priced IP phones are VoIP endpoints with backlit mono screens, four programmable buttons, 11 fixed-feature keys, an Ethernet switch with Class 1 Power over Ethernet (PoE), and a speakerphone. Cisco's 7800 Series support only the SIP call control protocol. All devices in the 7800 Series incorporate the same high-fidelity speakers and microphones as Cisco's 8800 Series IP phones to provide a state-of-the-art audio experience. Cisco's EnergyWise power-save technology, offered on the higher end 7800 models, reduces off-hours energy consumption by as much as 60 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 7811 is a single-line VoIP phone designed for common areas as well as for employees with infrequent voice communications requirements. The IP 7811 comes with a 3.28-inch 384 x 106 screen and a narrow-band speakerphone. Wideband audio is available via an optional wideband handset. Cisco's IP Phone 7821 is a dual-line VoIP endpoint with a 396 x 162 screen. The IP Phone 7841 is a four-line VoIP phone with a 396 x 162 display and is the only model in the 7800 line that provides 1xGb Ethernet. The high-end IP Phone 7861 VoIP phone is a 16-line endpoint targeted for administrative staff, call center agents, and managers who have significant voice communications needs.

Cisco Unified IP Phone 7900 Series are SIP and SCCP IP voice and video devices with a 320 x 240 pixel color display, an integral 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch, Class 3 Power over Ethernet (PoE), 10 dedicated keys and a speakerphone. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7945G is a two-line device and the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7965G supports four lines. Both VoIP phones include a 5-inch screen and four programmable buttons. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7975G unit is an eight-line media phone with a 5.6-inch touch screen and five programmable keys.

Cisco's IP Phone 8800 Series is a portfolio of SIP-only endpoints that includes desktop units, a conference IP phone, and wireless IP Phones. The desktop units are five-line IP phones with a 5-inch 800 x 480 screen, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, four soft keys and 12 fixed-feature buttons. Cisco's IP Phone 8811 features a monochrome display and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet (PoE). The Cisco IP Phone 8841 has a WVGA color screen and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet. Cisco's IP Phone 8845 has a WVGA color display, 720p HD video, an adjustable camera, Bluetooth, Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet. The Cisco IP Phone 8851 features a WVGA color screen and one USB connection with charging capability, supports Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice and Class 3 PoE, and is offered in Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth models. The Cisco IP Phone 8861 has a WVGA color screen, Bluetooth, dual USB connections with charging capability, and supports Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, Wi-Fi, and Class 4 PoE. The Cisco IP Phone 8865 includes a WVGA color screen, 720p HD video, an adjustable camera, Bluetooth, two USB connections with charging capability, and supports Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, Wi-Fi, and Class 4 PoE.

Cisco's wireless IP phones are industrial-grade Wi-Fi handsets intended for professionals who are mobile within office, hospitality, health-care or other environments where IT management requires user endpoints that offer more control, data security and durability than is possible with the BYOD style of workplace communications. Cisco's 8821 and 8812-EX wireless IP phones offer on-the-move on-premises users the benefits of voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) communications in workplaces that support 802.11x Wi-Fi infrastructure. Cisco's 8821 Wireless IP Phone includes a 2.4 inch color screen, a durable shell rated Mil-SPEC 810G to withstand dropping and compliant with IP67 for dust and moisture resistance, extended batteries, a speakerphone, and a Bluetooth transceiver to support cordless headsets. The 8821-EX Wireless IP Phone adds protection against sparking for use in hazardous environments. The 8821-EX also features a case composed of industry-standard yellow plastics, which makes the 8821-EX easier to locate during a crisis. Learn about Progent's Wireless VoIP Phone integration support.

Cisco's legacy 9900 line of advanced VoIP phones combine high-quality voice with business-grade color video to provide a rich multimedia UC experience for knowledge professionals and executives. The two IP phones in this line have a Standard Definition VGA color display, a Bluetooth 2.0 radio to work with a wide selection of headsets, and a built-in 1 GE Ethernet switch. Cisco's EnergyWise function is optional and can lower off-hour energy consumption by up to 90 percent. The IP Phone 9951 features a 5-inch screen and supports up to 2 Cisco IP Expansion Modules for adding scalability to customizable line and feature keys. The IP Phone 9971 features a 5.6-inch screen, an integrated Wi-Fi radio for deployment with Voice-over-WLAN networks, and 4 programmable touchscreen keys to access Cisco UC functions. The 9971 VoIP phone supports up to 3 Cisco IP Expansion Modules for expanding programmable line and feature keys.

Cisco Unified Communications Application Software
Within Cisco's Unified Communications platform, IP voice, IP video, and other UC applications are physically separate from the call- and voice-processing infrastructure, and they may be anywhere within the system. A single connectivity infrastructure provides a versatile platform for powerful applications and acts as a solid foundation for future convergence-based software. Cisco cooperates with third-party technology vendors to offer a wide selection of IP telephony and video software applications and products. Cisco also enables the ability to develop and manage customized in-house programs.

Collaborative application software offered by Cisco and supported by Progent include:

Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is a UC application that supports presence, IM, voice, HD video, voice messaging, screen sharing, and real-time conferencing capabilities for Windows PCs, Macs, iPads and Android tablets and smartphones. Cisco Jabber is a rebranding and integration of the Unified Personal Communicator soft phone application, Cisco Mobile, and WebEx Connect, with important enhancements in the areas of video features and screen sharing, and extending the collaboration environment to additional platforms and endpoint hardware. Jabber works in conjunction with Unified CM for call control, Cisco Unified Presence for instant messaging and presence, Cisco Unity Connection for voicemail and automated attendant, and WebEX Meeting for conferencing.

Because Cisco Jabber utilizes key communication protocols, it can communicate with a broad selection of third-party platforms. As an example, XMPP enables Cisco Jabber to exchange instant messaging and presence information with various XMPP clients including as Adium, Sametime, and Microsoft Lync and Office Communications Server. Cisco Jabber collaboration features are available from Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft SharePoint. This extensive platform support maximizes productivity by providing a common user environment and accommodating the BYOD model of computing. Progent can provide the expertise of certified Exchange consultants and Microsoft SharePoint application developers who can assist you to take advantage of Jabber with Microsoft's popular collaboration products. Progent also can provide help with Apple iPhone and iPad integration and Google Android smartphone and tablet integration to help you to increase the business value of your BYOD environment.

WebEX Meeting Center
WebEX Meeting Center provides web conferencing for users with a web browser or almost any PC or mobile device. Cisco WebEx is delivered as software as a service via Cisco's WebEx Cloud. This makes it simple to roll out and expand, reduces the cost of administration, avoids high up-front expenditures, features maximum uptime and enterprise-class security, and delivers excellent performance. Key features include support for sharing specific content or an whole screen display with remote participants in real time, the capability to embed rich media into presentations including Microsoft PowerPoint and Flash videos, session recording plus editing and playback for future reference and training, single sign-on and integration with other Cisco collaboration applications like Jabber and Cisco TelePresence, plus stringent data privacy and encrypted connections with strict policy management.

WebEX Meeting Center runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linux-powered PCs and permits mobile workers to start, calendarize, and attend meetings on Android smartphones and tablets, Apple iPhones and iPads, BlackBerry handhelds, and Windows Phone. Users can also launch web conferences with a few clicks from Microsoft Office, Outlook, Notes, and a variety of IM solutions.

Cisco TelePresence Portfolio for On-premises Teleconferencing Infrastructure
For medium-size organizations and larger enterprises who want to build an in-house or hybrid on-premises/cloud environment for video conferencing, Cisco offers a selection of Cisco TelePresence software and equipment that enable high-definition teleconferencing for users with almost any endpoint device at any site. Cisco TelePresence Server is an expandable teleconferencing bridge that works with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to bring multiparty telepresence to unified communications environments and can expand conferences to incorporate cloud-connected WebEx Meeting Center users. Cisco TelePresence Conductor software simplifies management of the way conferencing bandwidth and features should be allotted for each participant, enabling administrators to define the exact service level and experience required for each user. Cisco TelePresence Content Server collects video and presentations for live distribution and on-demand playback.

Cisco Unity Connection Platform and Unity Express for Unified Voice Messaging
The Cisco Unity Connection, an integrated extension of Unified Communications Manager, is a unified voice messaging system that facilitates teamwork by providing flexible set of alternatives for retrieving calls and messages within an environment that is simple to implement and maintain. Cisco Unity Connection allows you to read and manage your voice messages from your email inbox, web browser, Cisco Jabber messaging integration platform, a Cisco Unified IP endpoint, a smartphone, or an iPad or tablet. Cisco Unity Connection also offers sophisticated voice-recognition features for hands-free management and extensive Automated Attendant functions such as intelligent routing for incoming phone calls and easily customizable call-screening and message-notification settings. The Unity Connection system operates as a fully virtualized system that can reside on a Business Edition 6000 server or a Cisco Services Ready Engine 910 router service module and can accommodate up to 20,000 voice mailboxes per server.

Unity Express (CUE), available in certain Cisco ISR routers, provides cost-effective voicemail, integrated messaging, interactive voice response, and greeting functions for small to mid-size businesses and corporate branch offices with as many as 500 workers. Unity Express allows you to manage voicemail messages via a Cisco IP Phone display, a browser, or your email system. ISR Routers for which Cisco Unity Express is offered as a network module or advanced integration module include Cisco's 2800, 2900, 3800, and 3900 Series. Progent offers comprehensive configuration and support services for Cisco routers.

Cisco Unified Contact Center
Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) works with CUCM and desktop agent apps like Cisco Finesse to provide automatic call distribution capabilities that allow an organization to match customers with the right sales or support person. Unified CCE or UCCE offers smart call distribution, computer telephony integration, multiple channel customer contact management, call queuing, IVR and advanced company-wide reporting to simplify the creation and administration of a modern customer contact center. Cisco platforms supporting UCCE's customer contact management ecosystem include Unified IP Phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and Cisco network infrastructure.

Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX) offers an out-of-the-box solution for creating a customer interaction management center for mid-scale deployments that support as many as 400 agents. Multiple bundles are offered, plus a variety of optional enhancements. Unified CCX integrates with Cisco CUCM and offers intelligent call routing, contact management, integrated reporting, interactive voice response, and management of voice, email, web chat, and social media requests. Unified Contact Center Express comes with Cisco Finesse, a browser-based customizable desktop agent that needs no client installation. Optional enhancements include call-in-queue, projected-wait-time messages, and productivity optimization with workforce and quality management.

Cisco Mobile Connect for Single Number Reach (SNR)
Mobile Connect, popularly referred to as Single Number Reach (SNR), allows users to be reached via a single phone number that rings simultaneously on their Cisco IP Phone and their mobile phone. Users can switch live conversations between their desktop IP phone and their mobile phone seamlessly. Calls that are not answered can be redirected to a Cisco Unity or Unity Connection voicemail account. Users can create personal access lists that determine which calls get extended to different phones.

Cisco Prime Collaboration
Cisco Prime Collaboration offers an automated platform for initial installs and for follow-on moves, adds, changes, and deletions. A user-friendly interface delivers a single look at a subscriber and the subscriber's services. Prime Collaboration Provisioning significantly accelerates site installations and reduces the effort required for ongoing updates. Prime Collaboration in addition offers advanced analytics including application adoption and usage rates, allowing administrators to optimize resources and further reduce total cost of ownership.

Cisco Communications Gateways
Cisco's communications gateways allow Cisco Unified Communications deployments to communicate with other networks and with users working beyond the corporate firewall. Cisco's line of gateways deliver UC support for all types of gateway as well as session-border-control deployments.

Communications gateways offered by Cisco and supported by Progent's certified consultants include:

Cisco Expressway Communication Gateway
Cisco's Expressway is an advanced unified communications and collaboration gatekeeper that allows organizations to provide team members, vendors, consumers, or business partners who are using various outside networks, workgroup applications, or endpoint equipment to access to Cisco Unified Communication features. Cisco's Expressway gateway works with an enterprise Cisco Communications Manager deployment or Cisco Business Edition, or can be accessed via the cloud with Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution to help make collaboration more universal. Key capabilities of Expressway are are:

• Mobile and Off-site Connectivity: Off-site users who have any Jabber-supported desktop or handheld computer or teleworkers with Cisco TelePresence endpoints have the benefit of single-sign-on plus Transport Layer Security (TLS) and are able to access all their Jabber workloads (high-definition video, business-quality voice, data IM, and presence) without requiring the inconvenience establishing a VPN. Also, teleworkers have the ability to utilize their Cisco TelePresence endpoints without a VPN, providing a user experience at home identical to the office.
• Cisco Jabber Guest Support: Expressway is required for supporting the Cisco Jabber Guest, which allows “guests” to communicate with your organization easily and securely via lightweight browser and mobile video phone calls.
• Cisco Cloud Connectivity: Expressway can act as a gateway that connects between onsite Cisco or non-Cisco collaboration solutions and the WebEx cloud. By offering support for Cisco Collaboration Meeting Rooms (CMRs), Expressway offers a world-class, extensible teleconferencing environment that transparently combines high-quality voice, video, and content sharing to anyone, at any location, on any endpoint.
• Interoperability: In case your company currently has non-Cisco video technology, Expressway can help you to migrate easily to Cisco products when you choose. Cisco Expressway provides video compatibility with industry standard H.323, H.264 Scalable Video Coding, or Session Initiation Protocol systems. Gateway capabilities allowed by Cisco Expressway include IPv4 to IPv6, H.323 to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Microsoft Lync 2013 H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC) to AVC/H.264.

• Cisco WebEx Cloud Connected Audio (CCA) for high-capacity SIP-media-connected conferencing
• Voice and Video recording
• SIP-based Call-center and interactive-voice-response (IVR) solutions
• Policy-based evaluation of phone calls
• B2B telepresence over SIP

Cisco's End-of-Life UC520, UC540 and UC560 VoIP Gateways
The end-of-life Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500) product line is a VoIP gateway system for small businesses. UC500 packages provide voice, data, voicemail, auto attendant, IP video, security, and wireless functionality, work with older generation Cisco VoIP phones, and support various PSTN connections.

All of Cisco's UC500 packages include a desktop switch with 8 Power-over-Ethernet interfaces and additional FXS and FXO interfaces, a firewall, and VPN. Integrated WiFi is optional. VoIP user capacity can be increased by connecting with Cisco Catalyst Express companion switches. Each UC500 model also includes software licenses for Cisco Unified Communications Manager for VoIP call processing and Cisco Unity Express for voice messaging and automated attendant. The Cisco UC520 system supports 8 to 16 users and incorporate 4 FXS and 4 FXO ports. The Cisco UC540 package allows 32 clients and has 8 foreign exchange office ports. The Cisco UC560 package allows 48 VoIP clients and 12 foreign exchange office ports.

Progent's seasoned VoIP consultants can assist you to maintain your legacy UC500 VoIP system or plan and carry out an efficient upgrade to a current VoIP solution such as the Cisco cloud-managed Business Edition 4000.

How Progent Can Assist You with Cisco VoIP and IP Media Phones, Cisco Unified CM, and Telepresence
Progent can provide remote or on-premises help from a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Collaboration consultant to assist you to design, install, administer and troubleshoot converged communications environments based on Cisco Unified Communication technology in a centralized, cloud-based, or hybrid deployment. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants have extensive backgrounds integrating Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager, IP voice and video phones and other endpoints, Unified Communications applications such as Cisco Jabber and WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco's immersive telepresence technologies, collaboration gatekeepers, tools built into Cisco Catalyst switches and routers. Progent can also provide support for technologies like Cisco SRST, CUBE, H.323 gateways, CAC, VoIP trunks, PSTN, and Cisco's architecture for voice, video and integrated data. Progent's SIP integration experts can also help you to create SIP infrastructure solutions that incorporate SIP IP voice phones and media endpoints, SIP-based CUBE trunks, SIP conferencing and SIP management tools via Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

Progent's custom application programmers can create specialized unified communications applications that will help your organization to integrate the features of Cisco Unified Communications Manager into your company operations for increased productivity. Progent can analyze your current network and Internet connectivity infrastructure to make sure your system is configured to accommodate high-quality IP voice and HD video, help you to choose and deploy Cisco hardware and software appropriate for your current needs and downstream growth strategy, and integrate your Cisco collaborative communications solution with technology from other vendors. Progent's CISSP-ISSAP certified network security consultants can assist you to develop, carry out, and validate a comprehensive security and compliance plan for your converged communications ecosystem. Also, Progent can assist your organization to deploy Cisco high-availability mechanisms such as Cisco Unified Survivable Remote Site Telephony to provide affordable call control redundancy in remote-branch and telecommuter environments, and Progent's disaster recovery and business continuity planning consultants can help you develop a viable disaster recovery strategy to protect your crucial communications system.

Unified Communications Manager/CallManager Upgrade Services
Releases of Cisco Unified CM lower than 8.6 and all versions of its predecessor CallManager have reached end-of-life. Therefore Cisco will cease to enhance, fix, or validate this older software. Security patches for this business-critical product will stop, which in certain situations could cause compliance or even potential liability issues.

Progent will continue to offer expert support for end-of-life editions of Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager, but in case your company is still running an out-of-dated release of this essential application you should start now to prepare for your migration. Progent's Cisco-certified consulting professionals can assist you to upgrade smoothly to the latest version of Unified CM and can typically save clients up to 50% off consulting service costs versus most IT service firms because of Progent's documented procedures and experience in this practice area. By adhering to leading practices, Progent can ensure that your organization gets a quick return on your IT investment by helping you take full advantage of the new and improved features, reduced administrative and support costs, more productive collaboration, and tighter security provided by the latest release of Cisco Unified CM.

Progent's upgrade services include return-on-investment analysis, project management or co-management, pilot testing and validation, Cloud connectivity, configuring endpoint devices from Cisco and other suppliers, mobile connectivity, security and compliance services, management automation, disaster recovery planning, network infrastructure design, staff and user training, and ongoing consulting services and technical support. Progent also has put together fixed-priced upgrade service bundles to keep your costs predictable and under control.

To see additional details concerning Progent's professional expertise for Cisco networking products, select a subject:

• Introduction to Cisco Support
• Fast and Affordable Online Support from a Cisco CCIE Engineer
• Cisco Firepower Series Firewalls: Integration and Management Expertise
• ASA 5500-X Firewall with Cisco Firepower Services: Configuration and Management Services
• ASA 5500 Firewall Engineering Support
• PIX 500 Firewall Maintenance Help
• Cisco Routers Consulting Expertise
• Cisco Wireless Network Design Help
• Aironet Access Points Engineering Help
• Cisco Small Business Wireless APs Deployment Expertise
• Cisco Catalyst Wi-Fi 6/6E Access Points Planning, Configuration and Troubleshooting Services
• Cisco Wireless Controllers Consultants
• Meraki Wireless Access Points Engineering Services
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM or Unified CM) and Cisco CallManager Consulting and Troubleshooting
• Cisco Jabber Configuration and Troubleshooting Services
• Cisco Catalyst Switches Deployment Services
• Nexus Switches Deployment Expertise
• Meraki Switches Consulting and Support Expertise
• Cisco Security and VPN Engineering Expertise
• SIP and CUBE Infrastructure Solutions: SIP Trunking and Cisco CUBE Integration Expertise
• Cisco Duo MFA Two-factor Authentication (2FA) Services for Remote Workers
• Design Solutions for Cisco-powered Datacenters and Colocation Centers
• Network Design Expertise for Internet Service Providers
• Centralized Cloud-based and Hybrid Management Techniques for Cisco Environments