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Sending real-time voice and video over Internet Protocol (VoIP and Video over IP) has progressed from simply being being a savvy means to cut phone bills to being a strategic tool for productive collaboration. Unified IP communications, once limited to combining Internet-based voice calls and faxing on a single platform in order to take the place of traditional PBX equipment, today includes rich media, mobility, chat, real-time presence, services, and more in a centralized environment that is easy to manage, extensible, secure, fault-tolerant, economical, and intuitive.

Cisco is the leader in supplying solutions for supporting the current paradigm of unified communications (UC). Cisco's UC solution adds to the efficiency of IT systems by slashing operating expenses; combining rich media functions with familiar software programs to increase user output; supporting teamwork among workers, partners, and vendors to save time and enhance business results; and simplifying the management of your converged voice and data ecosystem.

Cisco's UC technology cover these important product categories:,

• Call Control Platforms for managing rich media calls and sessions
• IP Phones and Softphones to optimize worker productivity
• UC Applications for easy access to presence, IM, voice and video, voice messages, desktop sharing, and voice/video conferencing
• Communications Gateways for providing connectivity with outside networks and remote users

Call and Session Processing Software - Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)
The call-processing agent is the centerpiece of Cisco's IP telephony solution and provides the versatility to implement a central call-processing model, a decentralized model, or a combination of the two. In a centralized approach, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UC Manager or CUCM) extends enterprise phone features to packet products such as VoIP phones, media processing appliances, VoIP gateways, and multimedia programs across the IT environment. Unified Communications Manager enables extra voice, video, and data functions including unified messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative client interaction networks.

The latest release of Unified CM, previously named Cisco CallManager, offers a wealth of improvements that speed up your return on investment by cutting administrative and support expenses, improving user productivity, enhancing collaboration, supporting the BYOD style of computing, fortifying security, and making efficient utilization of IT resources. Headline new features include automatic dial-plan replication, simplified certificate control, extended support for standards-based single sign-on (SSO) for managers and users, hardware-independent call recording, on-the-road access without the need for VPN tunneling, a revamped self-care interface that makes it simple for workers to manage their preferences for all devices, and support for Transport Layer Security for mobile users.

When you deploy a central Unified Communications Manager cluster to manage call processing for customers at remote locations, IT managers can help achieve non-stop call availability using Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony, an IOS Software image for Cisco routers. If a Wide Area Network connection fails, Cisco SRST in the Cisco router provides basic UC Manager services until the link is returned. For information about Progent's consulting support services for Cisco ISR routers, refer to consulting and troubleshooting support services for Cisco routers.

For small business networks, branch locations, and retail deployments that do not require the complete functionality available from Unified CM, Unified Communications Manager Express, previously known as CallManager Express offers a cost-effective PBX alternative that meets the needs of locations with up to 450 workers. Because Unified Communications Manager Express Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CCX) is embedded in the IOS Software running on a Cisco ISR router, smaller offices can quickly set up a converged voice/data environment.

The Cisco BE6000 is a line of complete platforms that offer fundamental unified communications features including routing, IP gateway, premium voice and video, messaging, IM and presence, teleconferencing, and paging support, enabling any user to collaborate on any device from anywhere. All systems come packaged preloaded with virtualization and Unified Communications applications software, making deployment quick and easy and reducing operating expenses for organizations with from 25 to 1000 workers. All systems are delivered preconfigured with a virtualization hypervisor and UC applications. You can simply activate UC applications as their needs dictate.

The office-in-a-box Business Edition 6000S includes five standard unified communications applications installed on one combination router/IP gateway/virtualized E1600 M2 blade server platform and can handle as many as 150 users and 300 devices. The medium-scale BE6000M supports 4 collaboration application options activated on a virtualized C220 M4 server and can handle a maximum capacity of 1000 workers, 1200 devices, and 100 contact center agents. The top-of-the-line Business Edition 6000H Supports 8 UC software application options activated on a single virtualized Cisco C220 M4 server platform and supports up to 1000 users, 2500 endpoint devices, and 100 contact center agents.

For more details about Progent's expertise with Unified Communications Manager (CallManager), see Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM) and CallManager planning, configuration, migration and technical support.

IP Phones: VoIP and IP Video Endpoints
A collaboration endpoint is an end-user device, and can be a physical phone or a soft phone program on a desktop or handheld computer. In the Internet Protocol world, each IP endpoint is Ethernet connected. Voice over IP phones have all of the features that an analog phone has, but Voice over IP phones can also offer extra functions including the ability to connect to the web or host collaboration applications.

Unlike conventional PBX technology, in a Cisco IP communications network you can perform virtually instantaneous moves, additions, and modifications. You merely move the VoIP handset to its new location, plug it into the Ethernet connection, and the device announces itself with Cisco Unified Communications Manager. All client rights and configurations are programmatically re-established, eliminating the cost and hassle of sending technicians to rewire connections. An additional helpful feature is location independence, which enables you to sign into any Cisco IP phone and receive your own phone extension and privileges.

Cisco provides a broad range of VoIP phones. The low-cost Small Business SPA 300 family are basic IP and DECT phones that feature wide-band voice, compatibility with hosted IP telephony systems or an IP private branch exchange (PBX), simple installation and safe online installation, unobtrusive software updates, and browser-based set up. The value-priced SPA301 is a single-line VoIP phone with no screen or speakerphone, a base dialer with a single Ethernet port, and a wired handset without keys. The SPA302D, intended solely for use with the Cisco SPA232D DECT Analog Telephone Adapter, is a multiline wireless Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications handset that offers 10-lines, a 176 x 220 color display, and a dial pad with a speakerphone. The SPA303 is an economical three-line SIP-based phone with dual switched ports, a 128x64 monochrome graphical display and a speaker.

The SPA500 family VoIP phones are low-cost devices with support for both SIP and SPCP call control protocols, two switch ports, speakerphones, Power over Ethernet, and voice conferencing capability. Most models have a 128 x 64 monochrome screen display, The SPA501G VoIP phone supports eight lines and has eight programmable buttons but no LCD display. The SPA502G IP Phone supports a single line and has no programmable keys. The SPA504G has four lines and has four programmable buttons. The SPA508G IP Phone supports eight lines and eight programmable keys. The SPA509G VoIP phone supports 12 lines and has 12 soft keys. The SPA512G IP Phone supports four lines, no programmable keys and supports 1xGb Ethernet. The SPA514G VoIP phone supports four lines, has soft buttons, and supports 1xGb Ethernet. The top-of-the-line SPA525G2 IP Phone has a 320 x 240 color screen, supports five lines, and has five soft keys.

Cisco's Unified IP Phones 3900 Series and IP Phones 6900 Series are specialty VoIP devices intended for infrequent-use settings like lobbies, elevators, and conference facilities. The Unified SIP Phone 3905 features VoIP phone features a 128 x 32 pixel mono non-backlit screen, a 10/100 Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, and Power over Ethernet. The bare-bones Cisco Unified IP Phone 6901 is a single-line device with no screen and uses a hook switch for transferring a call or joining a conference.

Cisco's 7800 line of value-priced IP phones are VoIP endpoints featuring backlit mono displays, four programmable buttons, 11 dedicated keys, an integral Ethernet port with Class 1 Power over Ethernet, and an integral speakerphone. The 7800 Series support only the SIP call control protocol. All devices in Cisco's 7800 family incorporate the same high-fidelity speakers and microphones as Cisco's 8800 Series IP phones to deliver a state-of-the-art audio solution. Cisco's EnergyWise power-save feature, offered on the advanced 7800 models, reduces off-hours energy consumption by as much as 60 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 7811 is a single-line VoIP phone intended for common locations as well as for employees with occasional-to-light voice communications needs. The IP 7811 comes with a 3.28-inch 384 x 106 display and a narrow-band speakerphone. Wideband audio is offered through an optional wideband handset. Cisco's IP Phone 7821 is a dual-line VoIP phone with a 396 x 162 screen. The IP Phone 7841 is a four-line phone with a 396 x 162 display and is the only device in the 7800 series to support 1xGb Ethernet. The top-of-the-line IP Phone 7861 is a 16-line endpoint intended for administrative staff, call center personnel, and managers who have significant voice communications needs.

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7900 Series are dual-protocol (SIP/SCCP) IP voice and video devices with a 320 x 240 color display, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, Class 3 Power over Ethernet, 10 fixed-feature keys and a speakerphone. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7945G is a dual-line device and the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7965G includes four lines. Both VoIP phones have a 5-inch display and four programmable keys. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7975G device is an eight-line media phone with a 5.6-inch touch screen and five soft buttons.

Cisco's IP Phone 8800 Series is a family of SIP-only IP phones that features desktop units, a conference IP phone, and mobile wireless IP Phones. The desktop units are five-line IP phones featuring a 5-inch 800 x 480 pixel display, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, four programmable keys and 12 fixed-feature buttons. Cisco's IP Phone 8811 features a monochrome display and supports Class 2 PoE. The Cisco IP Phone 8841 has a WVGA color display and supports Class 2 PoE. 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 PoE. The Cisco IP Phone 8851 features a WVGA color screen and a USB connection with charging capability, supports Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice and Class 3 Power over Ethernet, and is available in Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth versions. Cisco's IP Phone 8861 has a WVGA color screen, Bluetooth, dual USB ports with charging capability, and supports Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Class 4 Power over Ethernet. 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 Power over Ethernet.

Cisco's wireless VoIP phones are hardened wireless devices designed for professionals who are mobile within office, warehouse, retail or other venues where IT management wants portable phones that offer more control, data security and durability than is possible with the Bring-Your-Own-Device style of mobile collaboration. Cisco's 8821 and 8812-EX wireless IP phones provide on-the-move on-premises users the advantages of voice over wireless LAN technology in environments with 802.11x Wi-Fi. The 8821 Wireless IP Phone features a 2.4 inch color display, a durable case rated Mil-SPEC 810G for shock resistance and IP67 for dust and splash resistance, long-life batteries, a speakerphone, and a Bluetooth radio to support wireless headsets. The 8821-EX Wireless VoIP Phone adds anti-sparking protection for use in potentially combustible environments. Cisco's 8821-EX also features a case made out of yellow plastics, which makes the device easy to find during an emergency. Find out about Progent's Wireless IP Phone integration consultants.

Cisco's legacy 9900 line of advanced VoIP phones combine high-quality voice with high-resolution color screens to deliver a productive collaborative UC experience for knowledge professionals and executives. Both IP phones in the 9900 family include an SD 640x480 pixel color display, a Bluetooth radio to work with a broad selection of headsets, and an integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch. The Cisco EnergyWise power-save feature is offered as an option and can lower off-work power consumption by 90 percent. The IP Phone 9951 features a 5-inch display and supports up to 2 IP Expansion Modules for adding programmable line and function keys. The Cisco IP Phone 9971 features a 5.6-inch display, an integrated 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi transceiver for connecting to Voice-over-wireless LAN (VoWLAN) networks, and 4 soft-label programmable touchscreen keys to invoke Cisco Unified Communications functions. The 9971 supports up to 3 Cisco IP Color Key Expansion Modules for adding scalability to programmable line and feature keys.

Unified Communications Applications
Within Cisco's Unified Communications architecture, IP voice, video, and other UC applications are physically separate from the call-processing and voice-processing infrastructure, and they may reside at any location within the system. A single connectivity framework provides an open platform for powerful applications and provides a firm foundation for downstream convergence-based applications. Cisco cooperates with third-party technology vendors to provide a wide selection of IP voice and video software applications and devices. Cisco also enables the capability to develop and administer customized in-house programs.

Collaborative application software available from Cisco and supported by Progent include:

Cisco Jabber
Jabber is a UC application that provides presence, instant messaging, business-quality voice, video, voice messaging, screen sharing, and real-time conferencing capabilities for Windows PCs, Macs, Apple and Android tablets as well as iPhones, Android phones, and Blackberries. Cisco Jabber is an evolution and integration of the Cisco Unified Personal Communicator soft phone application, Cisco Mobile, and WebEx Connect, with important improvements in the areas of HD video capabilities and desktop sharing, and extending the team experience to additional operating systems and devices. Jabber operates with Unified CM for call and session management, Cisco Unified Presence for instant messaging and presence, Cisco Unity Connection for voice messaging and programmable attendant, and WebEX Meeting for conferencing.

Because Cisco Jabber is based on key industry standards, it can communicate with a wide selection of non-Cisco products. As an example, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol allows Cisco Jabber users to exchange instant messaging and presence information with a variety of XMPP clients such as Adium, IBM Sametime, and Microsoft Lync and Office Communications Server. Cisco Jabber capabilities are available from Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint. This cross-platform support optimizes productivity by delivering a common user environment and accommodating the bring-your-own-device model of computing. Progent can provide the expertise of Microsoft-certified Exchange consultants and Microsoft SharePoint programmers who can help you to take advantage of Jabber with Microsoft's popular collaboration platforms. Progent also offers expertise with iPhone integration and Android smartphone integration and management to assist you to increase the business value of your BYOD ecosystem.

Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center enables web meetings for users with a browser or virtually any desktop or mobile computer. Cisco WebEx Meeting Center is delivered as software as a service via Cisco's WebEx Cloud. This makes it easy to deploy and expand, streamlines management, avoids high initial investment, features maximum uptime and enterprise-grade security, and delivers consistently high throughput. Key features include support for sharing specific content or an whole screen with online attendees in real time, the ability to add multimedia into presentations including Microsoft PowerPoint and Flash videos, network-based recording plus editing and playback for training, single sign-on (SSO) and integration with other Cisco collaboration products like Cisco Jabber and Cisco TelePresence, plus stringent data protection and encrypted access with tight policy control.

Cisco WebEx Meeting Center runs on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux desktops and allows mobile workers to start, calendarize, and take part in conferences on Android devices, Apple iPhones and iPads, BlackBerry handhelds, and Microsoft Windows Phone. You can also initiate web conferences instantly from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, and a selection of instant messaging solutions.

Cisco TelePresence Portfolio for On-premises Video Conferencing Environments
For midsize organizations and enterprises who wish to build an in-house or hybrid on-premises/cloud solution for video conferencing, Cisco offers a portfolio of Cisco TelePresence products that deliver high-quality teleconferencing for attendees with virtually any IP endpoint at any site. Cisco TelePresence Server is a scalable video conferencing bridge that runs with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to bring multiparty telepresence to UC deployments and can expand conferences to support cloud-connected Cisco WebEx Meeting Center users. Cisco TelePresence Conductor software simplifies management of the way teleconferencing bandwidth and features are rationed for every individual attendee, allowing administrators to specify the exact service level and user experience needed for each user. Cisco TelePresence Content Server captures video conference presentations for real-time distribution and on-demand playback.

Cisco's Unity Connection and Unity Express for Unified Voicemail
Cisco's Unity Connection, an integrated extension of Unified CM, is a unified voicemail system that accelerates teamwork by providing flexible set of alternatives for accessing calls and messages within an environment that is easy to implement and administer. Cisco Unity Connection lets you access and manage voicemail messages from your email inbox, browser, Cisco Jabber messaging integration platform, a Cisco Unified VoIP Phone, an iPhone or other smartphone, or a tablet. Unity Connection also offers sophisticated speech-recognition capabilities for hands and eyes free management and powerful Automated Attendant functions that include smart routing for inbound calls and custom call-screening and message-notification options. The Unity Connection platform operates as a virtual machine that can reside on a BE6000 server or a Cisco SRE 910 router service module and can support up to 20,000 mailboxes on each server.

Unity Express (CUE), available in select Cisco ISR routers, provides affordable voicemail, unified messaging, IVR, and greeting services for small to medium businesses and enterprise satellite offices with up to 500 workers. Cisco Unity Express allows users to access and manage voicemail messages using a Cisco IP Phone display, a browser, or your email system. Integrated Services Routers for which Unity Express is available as a network module or advanced integration module include Cisco's 2800, 2900, 3800, and 3900 families. Progent offers certified deployment and support services for ISR routers.

Cisco Unified Contact Center
Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) works with Cisco Unified CM and agent desktop applications like Cisco Finesse to offer automatic call distribution capabilities that allow an organization to connect customers with the appropriate sales or support person. UCCE features intelligent call routing, computer telephony integration, support for multichannel contact management, network-wide call queuing, interactive voice response and consolidated company-wide reporting to streamline the creation and management of a modern customer contact center. Cisco products incorporated in UCCE's customer interaction management ecosystem include Unified IP Phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and Cisco network infrastructure.

Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX or CCX) provides an out-of-the-box solution for creating a customer contact center for mid-scale deployments that handle as many as 400 agents. Multiple bundles are offered, plus a selection of special options. Cisco Unified CCX works with Cisco Unified CM and offers smart call routing, contact interaction management, integrated reporting, interactive voice response, and the ability to manage voice, email, chat, and social media inquiries. Unified CCX includes Finesse, a browser-based desktop agent that needs no client software setup. Special options include call-in-queue, expected-wait-time messages, and workforce quality management.

Cisco Mobile Connect and Single Number Reach (SNR)
Mobile Connect, popularly referred to as Single Number Reach, allows users to be called via a single phone number that rings simultaneously on their desktop VoIP Phone and their smartphone. Users can switch live conversations between their desktop IP phone and their smartphone without disruption. Calls that are not answered can be transferred to a Cisco Unity or Unity Connection voicemail account. Users can create personal access lists that determine which calls get extended to alternate endpoints.

Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning
Cisco Prime Collaboration provides an automated process for first-time deployments and for “day 2” moves, additions, changes, and deletions. A user-friendly interface provides a unified look at a subscriber and the user's services. Cisco Prime Collaboration substantially speeds up site rollouts and minimizes the effort required to implement future changes. Prime Collaboration in addition offers advanced analytics including application adoption and usage rates, enabling administrators to optimize resources and further reduce total cost of ownership.

Cisco Communications Gateways
Cisco's communications gateways permit Cisco Unified Communications environments to communicate with other networks and with clients operating beyond the corporate firewall. Cisco's line of gateways deliver unified communications support for a wide variety of gateway as well as session-border-control applications.

Collaboration gateways offered by Cisco and supported by Progent include:

Expressway Collaboration Gateway
Cisco's Expressway is an advanced unified communications and collaboration gatekeeper that allows organizations to allow employees, vendors, customers and prospects, or business partners who are working on various outside network environments, workgroup applications, or endpoint equipment to connect to Cisco Unified Communication functions. The Expressway gateway integrates with an enterprise Cisco Communications Manager system or Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000), or can be run through the cloud with Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution to help make collaboration more pervasive. Key features of Expressway are include:

• Mobile and Remote Access: Remote users who have any Jabber-compatible desktop or handheld computer or telecommuters with Cisco TelePresence endpoints have the convenience of single-sign-on as well as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and are able to access all their Jabber applications (high-definition video, business-quality voice, content instant messaging, and realtime presence) without requiring the inconvenience starting a VPN. In addition, telecommuters have the ability to use their Cisco TelePresence endpoints without a VPN tunnel, providing a user experience at home that is the same as the corporate office.
• Jabber Guest Support: Expressway is integral for enabling Cisco's Jabber Guest, which makes it possible for “guests” to interact with your organization easily and safely via lightweight web-browser and mobile video calls.
• Cisco Cloud Connectivity: Cisco Expressway can act as a gateway that creates a path between onsite Cisco or third-party collaboration solutions and the WebEx cloud. By supporting Cisco Collaboration Meeting Rooms, Expressway deliver an advanced, extensible teleconferencing environment that transparently combines business-quality voice, video, and content sharing to any client, anywhere, on any device.
• Interoperability: If your company currently has non-Cisco video systems, Expressway can help you to move efficiently to a Cisco solution whenever it makes business sense. Cisco Expressway offers video compatibility with industry standard H.323, H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC), or SIP environments. Gateway standards allowed by Expressway include IPv4 to IPv6, H.323 to SIP, and Microsoft Lync 2013 H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC) to H.264/AVC.

• Cisco WebEx Cloud Connected Audio (CCA) for SIP-media-connected conferencing
• Voice/Video recording
• SIP-based Call-center and IVR solutions
• Policy-based evaluation of voice calls
• Business-to-business telepresence over SIP

Cisco's Legacy UC520, UC540 and UC560 VoIP Phone Systems
The legacy Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500) Series is a VoIP communications appliance and software package for small organizations. UC500 packages provide voice, data, voicemail, automated attendant, IP video, security, and WiFi capabilities, run with older generation Cisco IP Voice endpoints, and support various PSTN interfaces.

All Cisco's UC500 packages include a desktop switch appliance with 8 Power-over-Ethernet ports plus additional foreign exchange stations (FXS) and FXO ports, a firewall, and VPN support. Integrated WiFi is an option. VoIP user capacity can be expanded by connecting with Cisco Catalyst Express companion switches. Every UC500 model also comes with software licenses for Cisco Unified Communications Manager for VoIP call processing as well as Cisco Unity Express for voice messaging and automated attendant. The Cisco UC520 system supports 8 to 16 VoIP users and incorporate 4 foreign exchange stations and 4 FXO interfaces. The Cisco UC540 system supports 24 to 32 clients and provides 8 FXO interfaces. The Cisco UC560 system allows 48 VoIP clients and 12 FXO interfaces.

Progent's Cisco-certified VoIP experts can assist you to support your legacy UC500 VoIP gateway or plan and implement a smooth upgrade to a current IP telephony and voicemail solution like the Cisco cloud-managed Business Edition 4000.

How Progent Can Assist You with Cisco IP Voice and IP Media Phones, CUCM, and Video Conferencing
Progent offers remote or onsite help from a certified CCIE Collaboration consultant to help you to plan, install, manage and repair unified communications environments that incorporate Cisco Unified Communication technology in a centralized, distributed, or hybrid deployment. Progent's Cisco-certified engineers have extensive experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager, IP voice and video phones and other endpoints, Unified Communications applications like Cisco Jabber and WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco's teleconferencing technologies, collaboration gatekeepers, tools built into Cisco switches and routers. Progent can also provide support for technologies like Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony, CUBE, SIP gateways, CAC, VoIP trunks, various signaling protocols, and AVVID. Progent's SIP infrastructure experts can also help you to build SIP connectivity environments that include SIP VoIP phones and media endpoints, SIP trunks, SIP conferencing and SIP management tools via Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

Progent's application developers can build specialized unified communications applications that will enable your business to integrate the telephony capabilities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager into your company processes for increased productivity. Progent can revue your current network and Internet access architecture to make sure your system is optimized to support high-quality IP voice and HD video, assist you to choose and install Cisco hardware and software appropriate for your present needs and future growth goals, and integrate your Cisco Unified Communications solution with products from other suppliers. Progent's CISSP-ISSAP certified data security and compliance consultants can assist you to create, implement, and validate a comprehensive security and compliance strategy for your unified communications ecosystem. Also, Progent can help your organization to deploy Cisco fault-tolerant technologies such as Cisco Unified Survivable Remote Site Telephony to provide cost-effective call control redundancy in remote-branch and home-office sites, and Progent's disaster recovery and business continuity planning consultants can help you create a viable disaster recovery strategy to protect your crucial communications system.

Unified Communications Manager/CallManager Migration Services
Releases of Cisco Unified Communications Manager 8.6 before 8.6 and every release of its predecessor CallManager have arrived at end-of-life. This means Cisco will cease to enhance, fix, or test this older software. Security updates for this business-critical product will stop, which in certain situations may cause regulatory compliance or even potential liability issues.

Progent continues to offer world-class support for outdated editions of Cisco Unified CM and Cisco CallManager, but in case you are now running a legacy release of this critical application your organization should begin immediately to prepare for your upgrade. Progent's collaboration consultants can assist your company to migrate efficiently to the current version of Cisco Unified CM and can routinely save clients as much as 50% off consulting fees versus most computer service firms because of Progent's documented procedures and hands-on experience in this practice area. By adhering to leading practices, Progent can ensure that your business realizes a quick return on your investment by showing you how to benefit fully from the new and improved feature set, lower administrative and support costs, more engaging collaboration capabilities, and stronger data protection provided by the newest release of Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

Progent's upgrade services include return-on-investment assessment, project management or co-management, pilot testing and validation, Cloud integration, setting up collaboration endpoints from Cisco and third-party providers, smartphone and tablet connectivity, security and compliance consulting, streamlined management, disaster recovery/business continuity planning, network infrastructure design, training for IT staff and end users, and ongoing consulting services and technical support. Progent also has put together fixed-priced upgrade packages to keep your costs predictable and under control.

To see additional details about Progent's professional support for Cisco networking products, choose a topic:

• Introduction to Progent's Cisco Consulting Services
• Timely Online Help from a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Engineer
• Cisco Firepower Firewalls: Configuration and Management Expertise
• ASA 5500-X Firewalls with Cisco Firepower Services: Integration and Troubleshooting Services
• ASA 5500 Series Firewall Engineering Expertise
• Cisco PIX Series Firewall Upgrade. Migration Help
• Cisco Routers Engineering Services
• Cisco Wireless Deployment Expertise
• Aironet Wireless APs Engineering Services
• Cisco Small Business WiFi Access Points Consulting Help
• Cisco Catalyst Wi-Fi 6 APs Planning, Configuration and Debugging Services
• Cisco WiFi Controllers Consultants
• Cisco Meraki Wireless APs Design Help
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM or Unified CM) and Cisco CallManager Consulting and Technical Support
• Cisco Jabber Deployment Services
• Catalyst Switches Deployment Services
• Nexus Switches Support and Troubleshooting Services
• Meraki Switches Deployment Services
• Cisco VPN and Security Integration Services
• SIP and CUBE Integration Solutions: SIP Trunking and CUBE Integration Expertise
• Design Expertise for Cisco-powered Datacenters
• Data Center Design Services for Internet Service Providers
• Remote Network Management Techniques for Cisco-based Infrastructure