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Exchanging real-time voice and video over IP has advanced from simply being being a savvy means to reduce phone carrier bills to an indispensable technology for collaboration and worker productivity. Converged IP communications, at one time limited to integrating Internet-based voice calls and faxing on one platform to take the place of traditional PBX systems, today encompasses VoIP and video, mobility, messaging, real-time presence, services, and more all in a cohesive environment that is manageable, scalable, secure, resilient, economical, and user friendly.

Cisco is the global leader in providing solutions required to support the modern paradigm of unified communications (UC). Cisco's UC architecture adds to the productivity of IT systems by slashing operational expenses; integrating rich media functions with familiar software applications to increase user output; facilitating collaboration among employees, partners, and suppliers to save time and improve business results; and streamlining the support of your converged voice and data environment.

Cisco's Unified Communications solutions include these main product areas:,

• Call Control Agents for managing rich media calls and sessions
• Communications Phones and Softphones to enhance end-user engagement
• UC Applications for easy access to presence, IM, voice and video, voice messages, desktop sharing, and conferencing
• IP Gateways for interfacing with public networks and telecommuters

Call and Session Processing Agents - Unified Communications Manager/CallManager
Cisco's call-processing agent is the heart of the Cisco IP telephony infrastructure and provides the versatility to implement a central call-processing model, a decentralized model, or a mix of the two. In a centralized approach, Unified Communications Manager (UC Manager or CUCM) expands enterprise phone capabilities to packet network devices such as VoIP handsets, media processing appliances, Voice over IP gateways, and mixed media programs across the network. Unified Communications Manager supports additional voice, video, and data functions such as unified messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative client communication networks.

The most recent version of Unified Communications Manager, previously known as CallManager, offers a wealth of improvements that speed up your return on investment by cutting management and maintenance expenses, increasing user productivity, enhancing collaboration, accommodating the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model of working, strengthening security, and allowing efficient utilization of IT infrastructure. Top new features include automatic dial-plan replication, streamlined certificate control, extended support for standards-based single sign-on (SSO) for managers and users, device-independent call recording, on-the-road connectivity without the need for VPN, a revamped self-provisioning interface that makes it simple for workers to set their options for all endpoints, and support for Transport Layer Security and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol for mobile clients.

In cases where you implement a centralized Cisco Unified Communications Manager cluster to control call processing for users at remote locations, administrators can help achieve non-stop call availability using Cisco SRST, a Cisco IOS Software image for Cisco routers. If a WAN link fails, Cisco SRST in the Cisco router offers basic Cisco UC Manager services until the link is returned. To learn about Progent's consulting support for Cisco ISR routers, see consulting services for Cisco Integrated Services routers.

For small business networks, branch offices, and retail deployments that do not need the complete functionality offered by Unified CM, Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, formerly named CallManager Express provides a budget-friendly PBX alternative that meets the needs of locations with as many as 450 workers. Since Unified Communications Manager Express Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CCX) is embedded in the IOS Software operating on a Cisco router, smaller organizations can rapidly implement a unified voice/data solution.

Cisco's BE6000 is a family of end-to-end solutions that offer fundamental unified communications features such as routing, IP gateway, premium voice/video, messaging, chat and real-time presence, conferencing, and paging support, enabling any end user to collaborate on any device from anywhere. All Business Edition 6000 versions are shipped preinstalled with a virtualization hypervisor and Unified Communications applications, making deployment quick and easy and reducing operating expenses for organizations with from 25 to 1000 employees. All solutions come preloaded with virtualization and UC applications. Organizations can simply activate collaboration software applications when their needs grow.

The small-scale Business Edition 6000S supports five preselected UC software applications preloaded on a single integrated 2921V router/IP gateway/virtualized E1600 M2 server platform and supports up to 150 users and 300 endpoint devices. The mid-market BE6000M supports 4 collaboration software application options enabled on a single virtualized Cisco C220 M4 server and can handle as many as 1000 workers, 1200 endpoint devices, and 100 contact center agents. The high-end BE6000S includes eight unified communications application options enabled on a single virtualized C220 M4 server and supports up to 1000 users, 2500 devices, and 100 contact center agents.

For additional details about Progent's expertise with Unified Communications Manager, visit Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) and Cisco CallManager planning, configuration, upgrades and troubleshooting.

IP Phones: IP Voice and IP Media Endpoints
An IP communications endpoint is an end-user instrument, either a hardware phone set or a soft phone program on a desktop or handheld computer. In the IP world, every IP handset or soft phone has an Ethernet connection. Voice over IP phones have all of the capabilities that an analog phone handset provides, but VoIP phones can also have additional functions such as being able to connect to the web or run collaboration software.

Unlike ordinary PBX technology, in a Cisco IP phone network you can perform virtually instantaneous moves, adds, and changes. All you do is move the IP handset to your new location, attach it to the Ethernet connection, and the handset announces itself with Cisco Unified Communications Manager. All client privileges and configurations are programmatically re-established, doing away with the expense and delay of sending technicians to rewire connections. Another useful feature is location independence, which enables you to sign into any Cisco VoIP device and get your personal phone extension and privileges.

Cisco offers a broad selection of Unified CM phones. Cisco's entry-level Small Business SPA 300 family are basic IP and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications phones that feature wide-band audio, compatibility with hosted IP phone systems or an IP private branch exchange, simple deployment and secure online installation, unobtrusive software upgrades, and browser-based configuration. The low-end SPA301 is a single-line VoIP endpoint with no screen or speakerphone function, a base dialer with one Ethernet port, and a wired handset with no a keypad. The SPA302D, designed solely for use with Cisco's SPA232D DECT ATA, is a multiline wireless DECT IP phone that offers 10-lines, a 176 x 220 color screen, and a dial pad with a speakerphone. Cisco's SPA303 is an economical three-line IP phone with dual switched Ethernet ports, a 128x64 monochrome graphical display and a speakerphone.

Cisco's SPA500 line IP phones are affordable endpoints that support both SIP and SPCP call control protocols, two Ethernet switch ports, speakerphones, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and conferencing support. Most models have a 128 x 64 monochrome screen display, The SPA501G VoIP phone supports eight lines and has eight soft keys but no hi-res screen. The SPA502G IP Phone supports a single line and has no programmable keys. The SPA504G has four lines and has four programmable keys. The SPA508G IP Phone supports eight lines and eight programmable keys. The SPA509G VoIP phone supports 12 lines and features 12 soft buttons. The SPA512G VoIP phone supports four lines, no soft buttons and supports 10/100/1000 Ethernet. The SPA514G IP Phone supports four lines, has programmable buttons, and supports Gigabit Ethernet. The high-end SPA525G2 IP Phone has a 320 x 240 color screen, supports five lines, and has five soft keys.

Cisco's IP Phones 3900 Series and IP Phones 6900 Series are specialty VoIP endpoints designed for occasional-use environments such as cafeterias, elevators, and conference centers. Cisco's 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 PoE. The simple Cisco Unified IP Phone 6901 is a single-line endpoint without a display and uses a hook switch for call transfer or conferencing.

The 7800 line of economical IP phones are VoIP desktop devices with backlit mono displays, four programmable buttons, 11 dedicated buttons, an integral Ethernet port with Power over Ethernet (PoE), and a speakerphone. The 7800 Series VoIP phones support only the SIP signaling protocol. All models in the 7800 line incorporate the same advanced speakers and microphones as Cisco's 8800 Series IP phones to deliver a state-of-the-art audio solution. Cisco's EnergyWise power-save technology, available on the higher end 7800 models, cuts after-hours energy usage by as much as 60 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 7811 is a single-line phone intended for common areas as well as for employees with infrequent voice communications needs. 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 handset. Cisco's IP Phone 7821 is a two-line VoIP endpoint with a 396 x 162 screen. The IP Phone 7841 is a four-line VoIP endpoint with a 396 x 162 screen and is the only model in the 7800 series that provides Gigabit Ethernet. The high-end IP Phone 7861 VoIP phone is a 16-line device intended for administrative staff, call center agents, and supervisors who have heavy voice communications needs.

Cisco Unified IP Phone 7900 Series are SIP and SCCP IP voice and video devices with a 320 x 240 color screen, an integral Gigabit Ethernet switch, Class 3 Power over Ethernet (PoE), 10 dedicated buttons and a speakerphone. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7945G is a two-line device and the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7965G features four lines. Both IP phones have a 5-inch display and four soft keys. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7975G device 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 family of SIP-only IP phones 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 pixel screen, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, four soft buttons and 12 dedicated keys. Cisco's IP Phone 8811 includes a mono screen and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet. Cisco's IP Phone 8841 features a WVGA color screen and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet. Cisco's IP Phone 8845 has a WVGA color display, 720p HD video, a tiltable camera, Bluetooth, Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet. The Cisco IP Phone 8851 features a WVGA color display and a USB connection with charging capability, supports Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice and Class 3 Power over Ethernet, and is offered in Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth models. Cisco's IP Phone 8861 includes a WVGA color display, Bluetooth, two USB connections 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 intended for professionals who are mobile within office, hospitality, health-care or other environments where IT management wants portable phones that offer more control, data security and ruggedness than is possible with the BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) style of mobile communications. Cisco's 8821 and 8812-EX wireless VoIP phones offer on-the-move onsite users the advantages of voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) communications in environments that support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi. Cisco's 8821 Wireless IP Phone includes a 2.4 inch color display, a durable case rated Mil-SPEC 810G to withstand dropping and compliant with IP67 for particulate and splash resistance, extended batteries, a built-in full-duplex speakerphone, and an integrated Bluetooth transceiver to support cordless headsets. The 8821-EX Wireless IP Phone adds anti-sparking protection for hazardous environments. The 8821-EX also features a shell fabricated out of yellow plastics, which makes the device easy to locate during a crisis. Find out about Progent's Cisco Wireless VoIP Phone integration and troubleshooting support.

Cisco's discontinued 9900 family of high-performance VoIP endpoints integrate high-quality voice with high-resolution color displays to offer a productive collaborative experience for managers and executives. Both IP phones in this line incorporate an SD 24-bit color screen, a Bluetooth 2.0 transceiver to support a wide choice of headsets, and an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port. Cisco's EnergyWise function is optional and can reduce off-work power use by as much as 90 percent. The IP Phone 9951 features a 5-inch screen and allows up to 2 Cisco IP Expansion Modules for expanding programmable line and function keys. The Cisco IP Phone 9971 features a 5.6-inch display, a built-in Wi-Fi radio for deployment with Voice-over-wireless LAN (VoWLAN) environments, and 4 soft-label touchscreen keys to access Cisco Unified Communications features. The 9971 allows up to 3 IP Expansion Modules for expanding programmable line and feature keys.

Unified Communications Applications
Within Cisco's Unified Communications architecture, IP voice, IP video, and other converged applications are physically independent from the call- and voice-processing mechanism, and they may be at any location within the system. A cohesive connectivity infrastructure offers a versatile platform for feature-rich applications and acts as a firm basis for downstream convergence-based software. Cisco works with leading technology companies to provide a broad range of IP telephony and video software applications and products. Cisco also supports the ability to create and manage specialized in-house programs.

Collaborative application software offered by Cisco and supported by Progent's consultants include:

Jabber
Cisco Jabber is a converge media client application that supports presence, IM, business-quality voice, video, voicemail, desktop sharing, and online conferencing capabilities for PCs, Macs, iPads and Android tablets plus iPhones, Android phones, and Blackberries. Jabber is an evolution and combination of the Cisco Unified Personal Communicator, Cisco Mobile, and Cisco WebEx Connect, with important improvements to video capabilities and desktop screen sharing, and expanding the team environment to additional platforms and devices. Jabber works in conjunction with Unified Communications Manager 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 online meetings.

Since Jabber is based on popular communication protocols, it can communicate with a broad range of third-party platforms. For example, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) allows Cisco Jabber users to exchange instant messaging and presence data with a variety of XMPP clients including as Adium for Mac, Sametime, and Microsoft Lync. Cisco Jabber capabilities are available from Microsoft Office programs including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft SharePoint. This broad platform compatibility maximizes output by providing a consistent user experience and accommodating the bring-your-own-device paradigm of networking. Progent offers the services of Microsoft-certified Exchange consultants and Microsoft SharePoint application developers who can assist you to integrate Jabber with Microsoft's popular collaboration products. Progent also offers expertise with Apple iPhone integration and Google Android smartphone integration to assist your organization to enhance the productivity of your BYOD ecosystem.

WebEX Meeting Center
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center enables online meetings for users with a browser or almost any PC or handheld device. Cisco WebEx is offered as SaaS through Cisco's WebEx Cloud. This makes it simple to roll out and expand, streamlines administration, eliminates high up-front expenditures, features maximum uptime and world-class data protection, and provides excellent performance. Key capabilities include support for sharing discrete content or an whole screen with remote attendees in real time, the ability to add rich media into your presentations including Microsoft PowerPoint and Flash videos, session recording plus editing and playback for training and demonstrations, single sign-on and integration with other Cisco collaboration applications such as Cisco Jabber and Cisco TelePresence, plus stringent data protection and encrypted connections with tight policy management.

WebEX Meeting Center runs on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux-powered desktops and permits mobile users to start, calendarize, and attend meetings on Android smartphones and tablets, Apple iPhones and iPads, BlackBerry handhelds, and Windows Phone. You can also initiate online conferences with a few clicks from Microsoft Office, Outlook, Lotus Notes, and a selection of IM solutions.

Cisco TelePresence Products for In-house Teleconferencing Infrastructure
For medium-size businesses and larger enterprises who want to create an on-premises or hybrid local/cloud solution for video conferencing, Cisco provides a portfolio of Cisco TelePresence platforms that deliver high-quality teleconferencing for participants with almost any IP endpoint at any location. Cisco TelePresence Server is an expandable teleconferencing bridge that works in conjunction with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to bring multiparty telepresence to converged deployments and can extend conferences to incorporate cloud-based Cisco WebEx Meeting Center users. Cisco TelePresence Conductor software simplifies the control of how video conferencing bandwidth and features are allotted for each attendee, allowing managers to specify the exact service level and experience needed for each user. Cisco TelePresence Content Server collects video conference presentations for real-time distribution as well as video on demand playback.

Cisco Unity Connection and Unity Express for Converged Voicemail
Cisco's Unity Connection, an integrated extension of Unified CM, is a converged voice messaging platform that promotes collaboration by providing a variety of options for retrieving voice messages within an environment that is simple to implement and manage. Unity Connection lets you read and manage voicemail messages from your Exchange inbox, web browser, Cisco Jabber, a Cisco Unified VoIP endpoint, an iPhone or other smartphone, or an iPad or tablet. Cisco Unity Connection also offers advanced speech-recognition capabilities for hands and eyes free operation and powerful Automated Attendant functions such as smart routing for inbound phone calls and easily customizable call-screening and message-notification settings. The Cisco Unity Connection system runs as a virtual machine that can be hosted on a Business Edition 6000 server or a Cisco SRE 910 router service module and can accommodate up to 20,000 mailboxes per server.

Cisco Unity Express (CUE), offered in certain Cisco ISR routers, offers cost-effective voicemail, integrated messaging, interactive voice response (IVR), and automated-attendant functions for small to medium businesses and corporate branch locations with as many as 500 voice mailboxes. Cisco Unity Express permits you to manage voicemail messages via a Cisco IP Phone screen, your web browser, or an email client. Cisco routers for which Cisco Unity Express is available as a network module or advanced integration module include Cisco's 1861, 2900, and 3900 families. Progent can provide certified configuration and troubleshooting services for Cisco routers.

Unified Contact Center
Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) works with Unified CM and desktop agent apps like Cisco Finesse to offer automatic call distribution (ACD) capabilities that allow an organization to connect customers with the proper sales or support person. Unified CCE features intelligent call routing, computer telephony integration (CTI), multiple channel customer contact management, call queuing, IVR and advanced enterprise-wide reporting to simplify the creation and administration of a modern customer contact center. Cisco products supporting UCCE's customer interaction management ecosystem include Cisco Unified IP Phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and Cisco LAN/WAN technology.

Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX or CCX) offers an out-of-the-box solution for building a customer contact center for mid-scale deployments that handle up to 400 agents. Several bundles are offered, as well as a selection of special options. Unified CCX integrates closely with Unified Communications Manager and offers intelligent call routing, contact interaction management, integrated reporting, IVR, and the ability to manage voice, email, web chat, and social media requests. Unified Contact Center Express comes with Finesse, a web-based desktop agent that needs no client installation. Optional advanced features include call-in-queue, expected-wait-time messages, and quality management.

Cisco Mobile Connect and Single Number Reach (SNR)
Mobile Connect, popularly known as Single Number Reach (SNR), allows users to be reached via one number that rings at the same time on their desktop VoIP Phone and their smartphone. Users can transfer active calls between their desktop VoIP phone and their mobile phone without disruption. Calls that are not answered can be transferred to a Unity or Unity Connection voicemail account. Users can create their own access lists that determine which calls get extended to different endpoints.

Cisco Prime Collaboration
Prime Collaboration provides an automated platform for first-time deployments as well as for follow-on moves, adds, changes, and deletions. An intuitive console provides a unified view of a user and the user's services. Cisco Prime Collaboration substantially accelerates site rollouts and reduces the time needed to implement future changes. Prime Collaboration in addition provides management analytics that show technology adoption and consumption rates, enabling administrators to make more efficient use of IT resources and further lower total cost of ownership.

Cisco Collaboration Gateways
Cisco's communications gateways permit Cisco Unified Communications networks to connect with public systems and with users working outside the firewall. Cisco's portfolio of communication gateways deliver UC support for all types of gateway and session-border-control deployments.

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

Expressway Converged Communication Gateway
Cisco's Expressway is a powerful unified communications and collaboration gateway that enables organizations to allow workers, suppliers, customers, or business partners who are working on different networks, collaboration applications, or endpoint equipment to access to Cisco Unified Communication features. The Expressway integrates with an enterprise Cisco CM system or Cisco Business Edition, or can be accessed through the cloud with Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution to help make collaboration more pervasive. Key capabilities of Cisco Expressway are:

• Mobile and Remote Access: Off-site users who have any Jabber-supported desktop or handheld computer or telecommuters with Cisco TelePresence endpoints have the convenience of single-sign-on plus TLS security and can connect to all their collaboration workloads (high-definition video, voice, data instant messaging, and presence) without the inconvenience a VPN connection. In addition, telecommuters have the ability to utilize their Cisco TelePresence endpoints without the need for a VPN, delivering a user experience at home identical to the office.
• Jabber Guest Support: Expressway is integral for enabling the Cisco Jabber Guest, which makes it possible for “guests” to communicate with your business simply and securely using lightweight web-browser and mobile video phone calls.
• Cisco Cloud Access: Cisco Expressway can act as a gateway that connects between onsite Cisco or third-party systems and the WebEx cloud. By supporting Cisco Collaboration Meeting Rooms (CMRs), Cisco Expressway offers a world-class, extensible teleconferencing environment that transparently integrates business-quality voice, HD video, and content sharing to anyone, at any location, using any device.
• Interoperability: If your organization already has third-party video systems, Expressway can help you to move easily to a Cisco solution whenever it makes business sense. Cisco Expressway provides video compatibility with industry standard H.323, H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC), or Session Initiation Protocol environments. Internetworking capabilities supported by Expressway include IPv4 to IPv6, H.323 to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Microsoft Lync H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC) to AVC/H.264.

• Cisco WebEx Cloud Connected Audio (CCA) for high-capacity SIP-media-connected audio conferencing
• Voice and Video recording
• SIP-based Call-center and interactive-voice-response applications
• Policy-led security evaluation of phone calls
• Business-to-business telepresence over SIP

Cisco's End-of-Life UC520, UC540 and UC560 VoIP Phone Systems
The legacy Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500) product line is a VoIP communications system for small businesses. UC500 packages deliver voice, data, voicemail, automated attendant, video, firewall, and WiFi functionality, run with older generation Cisco IP Voice phones, and support public switched telephone network connections.

All Cisco's UC500 series bundles include a compact switch with 8 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) interfaces and additional FXS and FXO ports, a firewall, and VPN. Built-in WiFi is an option. User capacity can be increased by connecting with Cisco Catalyst Express switches. Each UC500 model also comes with 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 include 4 foreign exchange stations and 4 FXO interfaces. The Cisco UC540 package supports 32 users and provides 8 FXO interfaces. The Cisco UC560 system allows 48 VoIP clients and 12 foreign exchange office interfaces.

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

How Progent Can Help You with Cisco IP Voice and IP Media Phones, CUCM, and Telepresence
Progent offers remote or onsite help from a certified CCIE Collaboration specialist to help you to plan, deploy, manage and troubleshoot converged communications environments based on Cisco Unified Communication technology in a centralized, distributed, or hybrid deployment. Progent's Cisco-certified engineers have extensive experience with Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager, VoIP phones and soft phones, Unified Communications applications such as Jabber and Unity Connection, Cisco's teleconferencing products, collaboration gateways, tools incorporated into Cisco switches and routers. Progent can also provide expertise with technologies like Cisco SRST, CUBE, H.323 gateways, CAC, VoIP trunks, PSTN, and AVVID. Progent's SIP integration experts can in addition assist you to build SIP infrastructure environments that include SIP-based IP voice phones and video phones, SIP trunks, and SIP management tools with Cisco Unified CM.

Progent's application programmers can create specialized IP telephony software that will enable your business to incorporate the telephony capabilities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager into your business operations for enhanced efficiency. Progent can analyze your existing network and Internet access infrastructure to determine whether your environment is optimized to accommodate high-quality IP voice and HD video, help you to select and install Cisco products that make sense for your current situation and downstream growth objectives, and interface your Cisco Unified Communications solution with products from other suppliers. Progent's CISSP-ISSAP certified network security consultants can assist you to develop, implement, and validate an enterprise-wide security plan for your converged communications solution. In addition, Progent can help your organization to deploy Cisco high-availability mechanisms such as Cisco Unified SRST to provide affordable call control backup in remote-branch and telecommuter environments, and Progent's disaster recovery and business continuity preparedness experts can help you create a sensible disaster recovery strategy to protect your vital communications system.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager/CallManager Migration Services
Releases of Cisco Unified CM lower than 8.6 and every version of its predecessor CallManager have reached end-of-life. Therefore Cisco Engineering will cease to enhance, fix, or test this older software. Security patches for this pivotal application will stop, which in some situations could cause compliance or legal liability issues.

Progent will continue to offer premier consulting and troubleshooting support for outdated editions of Cisco Unified Communications Manager and CallManager, but if you are still running a legacy edition of this critical software your organization should begin now to plan your migration. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants can assist your company to upgrade smoothly to the current version of Cisco Unified Communications Manager and can typically save customers up to 50% off consulting service expense compared to most IT service firms thanks to Progent's documented procedures and experience in this practice area. By following best practices, Progent can make sure your business realizes a fast return on your investment by helping you take full advantage of the enhanced features, reduced administrative and support costs, more productive collaboration capabilities, and stronger security offered by the current release of Unified Communications Manager.

Progent's upgrade services include return-on-investment analysis, project management, pilot testing, Cloud connectivity, setting up endpoint devices from Cisco and other suppliers, smartphone and tablet connectivity, data protection services, streamlined management, business continuity planning, network infrastructure design, training, and ongoing consulting and technical support. Progent also has put together ultra-affordable upgrade service bundles to keep your costs visible and under control.

To find out more information concerning Progent's engineering assistance for Cisco products, choose a topic:

• Overview of Cisco Network Support
• Fast and Affordable Remote Help from a CCIE Network Engineer
• Cisco Firepower Series Firewalls: Integration and Management Expertise
• Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Firewall with Cisco Firepower: Consulting and Troubleshooting Services
• ASA 5500 Firewalls Troubleshooting Assistance
• PIX 500 Series Firewall Management Services
• Cisco Routers Engineering Expertise
• Cisco Wireless Consulting Expertise
• Aironet APs Design Support
• Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Wireless Access Points Engineering Expertise
• Cisco Catalyst Wi-Fi 6/6E Wireless Access Points Planning, Deployment and Debugging Consulting
• Cisco Wireless Controllers Consultants
• Meraki Access Points Consulting Expertise
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM or Unified CM) and Cisco CallManager Consulting and Troubleshooting
• Cisco Jabber Configuration and Troubleshooting Services
• Catalyst Switches Deployment Expertise
• Nexus Switches Configuration and Maintenance Services
• Meraki Switches Support and Troubleshooting Services
• Cisco VPN Consulting Assistance
• SIP and CUBE Integration Solutions: SIP Trunking and Cisco CUBE Integration Consulting
• Design Solutions for Cisco-powered Datacenters
• Infrastructure Design Services for Service Providers
• Streamlined Management Technologies for Cisco Infrastructure