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Exchanging live voice and video over IP has evolved from simply being being a smart technique to cut phone bills to a strategic tool for productive collaboration. Unified IP communications, once restricted to managing Internet-based voice and faxes on a single system in order to take the place of traditional PBX systems, now includes voice and video, mobility, messaging, real-time presence, services, and more all within a centralized environment that is manageable, scalable, highly secure, resilient, cost-effective, and intuitive.

Cisco is the global leader in providing the hardware and software infrastructure for supporting the modern paradigm of unified communications (UC). Cisco's unified communications architecture adds to the productivity of IT systems by slashing operational expenses; integrating multiple collaboration features with popular software programs to increase worker output; facilitating teamwork among employees, associates, and vendors to save effort and improve business outcomes; and simplifying the support of your communications environment.

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

• Call Control Agents for managing calls and sessions
• IP Phones and Softphones to enhance worker productivity
• UC Software Applications for easy access to presence, IM, voice and video, phone messages, desktop sharing, and voice/video conferencing
• IP Gateways for providing connectivity with public networks and remote users

Call and Session Control Software - Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)
The call-processing agent is the heart of Cisco's IP Communications solution and gives you the versatility to implement a central call-processing design, a decentralized model, or a mix of both. In a centralized deployment, Unified Communications Manager (UC Manager or CUCM) expands corporate phone capabilities to packet telephony devices such as IP phones, media management appliances, VoIP gateways, and multimedia applications across the IT environment. Cisco Unified Communications Manager enables extra voice, video, and data functions including unified messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative client interaction networks.

The most recent version of Unified CM, previously named CallManager, includes a wealth of improvements that expedite ROI by lowering administrative and support costs, improving user output, facilitating teamwork, accommodating the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model of computing, strengthening data protection, and allowing efficient utilization of network resources. Headline innovations include automatic dial-plan replication, simplified certificate control, expanded support for standards-based single sign-on for administrators and users, hardware-agnostic call recording, mobile access with no need for VPN tunneling, a revamped self-provisioning utility that makes it simple for workers to install their options for all of their endpoint devices, and support for Transport Layer Security for mobile users.

When you deploy a centralized Unified Communications Manager cluster to control call processing for users at remote sites, IT managers can help achieve non-stop phone availability through Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony (SRST), a Cisco IOS Software image for routers. If a Wide Area Network link breaks, Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony in the router offers core Cisco UC Manager functions until the connection is restored. For information about Progent's consulting services for Cisco routers, see consulting support services for Cisco Integrated Services routers.

For small business networks, branch locations, and retail deployments that do not require the complete feature set offered by Unified CM, Unified Communications Manager Express, previously known as CallManager Express offers a cost-effective PBX alternative that meets the requirements of sites with as many as 450 users. Since Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CCX) is built into the IOS Software operating on a Cisco router, smaller offices can quickly set up a unified voice and data environment.

Cisco's Business Edition 6000 is a family of all-in-one solutions that provide fundamental unified communications features such as routing, IP gateway, premium voice and video, messaging, chat and real-time presence, voice and video conferencing, and paging support, allowing any end user to connect on any endpoint device from anywhere. All systems are delivered preinstalled with a virtualization hypervisor and Unified Communications applications, making deployment quick and easy and reducing cost of ownership for companies with up to 1000 workers. All systems come preconfigured with a virtualization hypervisor and collaboration applications software. Organizations can instantly enable UC applications as their needs grow.

The entry-level BE6000S supports five preselected unified communications software applications installed on a single combination 2921V router/gateway/virtualized E1600 M2 server device and supports as many as 150 workers and 300 devices. The mid-market BE6000M supports 4 unified communications application options activated on a single virtualized Cisco UCS C220 M4 server and supports up to 1000 users, 1200 endpoint devices, and 100 contact center agents. The top-of-the-line BE6000S includes eight unified communications application options activated on a single virtualized C220 M4 server and has the ability to support as many as 1000 users, 2500 devices, and 100 contact center agents.

For additional details about Progent's expertise with Unified Communications Manager (CallManager), see Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM) and Cisco CallManager design, integration, upgrades and technical support.

Cisco IP Phones: IP Voice and IP Media Phones
An IP communications endpoint is an end-user instrument, and can be a hardware handset or a software phone application that runs on a desktop or handheld computer. In the Internet Protocol world, each VoIP handset or soft phone has an Ethernet connection. IP phones offer all of the functions that an analog telephone provides, but VoIP phones can also offer additional features such as being able to connect to websites or host collaboration software.

In contrast to conventional PBX systems, in a Cisco IP phone environment you can implement almost instantaneous relocations, adds, and changes. You simply take the IP handset to its new location, attach it to an Ethernet connection, and the handset announces itself with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (formerly CallManager). All user privileges and configurations are programmatically replicated, eliminating the cost and delay of sending support personnel to rewire connections. An additional efficient feature is location independence, which enables you to log into any Cisco VoIP device and get your personal phone number and rights.

Cisco offers a broad range of VoIP phones. The low-cost SPA 300 family are no-frills IP and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications phones offering high-quality voice, compatibility with hosted IP telephony environments or an IP private branch exchange, easy installation and safe online provisioning, transparent software updates, and browser-based configuration. The value-priced SPA301 is a one-line VoIP phone with no screen or speakerphone function, a base dialer with a single Ethernet connector, and a corded handset with no a keypad. The SPA302D, designed solely for operation with the Cisco SPA232D Multi-Line DECT Analog Telephone Adapter, is a multiline cordless DECT IP phone that offers 10-lines, a 176 x 220 pixel color screen, and a dial pad with a speakerphone. The SPA303 is an economical 3-line SIP-based phone with two switched Ethernet ports, a 128x64 mono display and a speakerphone.

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

Cisco's Unified IP Phones 3900 Series and IP Phones 6900 Series are specialty IP voice endpoints intended for occasional-use settings such as cafeterias, hallways, and conference centers. The Unified SIP Phone 3905 IP Phone features a 128 x 32 monochrome screen, an integrated Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, and PoE. The bare-bones Cisco Unified IP Phone 6901 is a one-line device with no screen and uses a hook switch for call transfer and conferencing.

The 7800 family of economical IP phones are VoIP desktop devices with backlit monochrome displays, four programmable keys, 11 dedicated buttons, an Ethernet port with Power over Ethernet (PoE), and a speakerphone. Cisco's 7800 Series VoIP phones support only the SIP signaling protocol. All models in the 7800 line feature the same advanced speakers and microphones as Cisco's 8800 Series IP phones to deliver a best-in-class audio solution. Cisco's EnergyWise power-save feature, offered on the advanced 7800 units, cuts after-hours energy consumption by up to 60 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 7811 is a one-line phone designed for common locations 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 through an optional 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 endpoint with a 396 x 162 screen and is the only unit in the 7800 line to support Gigabit Ethernet. The top-of-the-line IP Phone 7861 VoIP phone is a 16-line endpoint intended for administrators, call center personnel, and supervisors who have significant call needs.

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

Cisco's IP Phone 8800 Series is a line of SIP-based IP phones that features desktop devices, a conference IP phone, and mobile wireless IP Phones. The desktop units are five-line IP phones featuring a 5-inch 800 x 480 screen, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, four programmable buttons and 12 dedicated keys. The Cisco IP Phone 8811 includes a monochrome screen and supports Class 2 PoE. The Cisco IP Phone 8841 has a WVGA color screen 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 Power over Ethernet. The Cisco IP Phone 8851 features a WVGA color screen and a USB port 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 screen, Bluetooth, two 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 display, 720p HD video, a tiltable camera, Bluetooth, dual USB connections with charging capability, and supports Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Class 4 Power over Ethernet.

Cisco's wireless IP phones are hardened wireless devices designed for professionals who are on the move within office, warehouse, retail or other environments where IT management wants portable phones that offer more control, security and durability than is possible with the BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) style of mobile collaboration. Cisco's 8821 and 8812-EX wireless VoIP phones offer on-the-move on-premises workers the benefits of voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) communications in environments that support 802.11x Wi-Fi infrastructure. Cisco's 8821 Wireless IP Phone includes a 2.4 inch color display, a rugged shell rated Mil-SPEC 810G for shock resistance and IP67 for dust and moisture resistance, long-life batteries, a full-duplex speakerphone, and an integrated Bluetooth transceiver for hands-free operation with cordless headsets. Cisco's 8821-EX Wireless IP Phone adds protection against sparking for potentially combustible environments. The 8821-EX also has a shell made out of yellow plastics, which makes it easier to locate during a crisis. Learn about Progent's Cisco Wireless IP Phone integration consulting.

Cisco's discontinued 9900 family of powerful VoIP endpoints mix high-definition voice with business-grade color video to provide a rich multimedia experience for knowledge professionals and executives. The two IP phones in the 9900 line include an SD 640x480 pixel color display, a Bluetooth radio to support a broad choice of headsets, and a built-in 1 GE Ethernet port. The Cisco EnergyWise function is offered as an option and can cut off-work power use by 90 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 9951 features a 5-inch screen and supports up to 2 IP Expansion Modules for adding programmable line and function keys. The IP Phone 9971 features a 5.6-inch display, a built-in Wi-Fi radio for connecting to Voice-over-wireless LAN (VoWLAN) networks, and four soft-label programmable touchscreen keys to invoke Cisco Unified Communications features. The 9971 IP phone supports up to 3 Cisco IP Color Key Expansion Modules for adding customizable line and feature keys.

Unified Communications Application Software
Under Cisco's Unified Communications architecture, IP telephony, video, and other UC applications are isolated from the call/voice processing infrastructure, and they may be anywhere within the network. A cohesive connectivity framework offers an open environment for powerful applications and acts as a solid foundation for downstream convergence-based software. Cisco works with leading IT industry vendors to provide a broad range of IP voice and IP video applications and products. Cisco also enables the ability to create and administer specialized internal applications.

UC applications offered by Cisco and supported by Progent include:

Jabber
Jabber is a unified communications application that supports presence, instant messaging, business-quality voice, high-definition video, voicemail, screen sharing, and online conferencing capabilities for PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones. Jabber is an evolution and combination of the Unified Personal Communicator soft phone, Cisco Mobile, and WebEx Connect, with significant enhancements to HD video features and desktop screen sharing, and extending the collaboration environment to additional operating systems and endpoint hardware. Jabber operates in conjunction with Cisco Unified CM for call management, Cisco Unified Presence for IM and presence, Unity Connection for voicemail and automated attendant, and Cisco WebEx Meeting for conferencing.

Since Jabber is built around popular communication protocols, it can interoperate with a broad range of non-Cisco products. For instance, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) allows Jabber to trade IM and presence information with other XMPP clients including as Adium for Mac, Sametime, and Microsoft Lync. Cisco Jabber collaboration features are available from Microsoft Office applications such as Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint. This broad platform compatibility maximizes output by delivering a consistent end-user experience and fully enabling the BYOD model of computing. Progent can provide the services of Microsoft-certified Exchange consultants and Microsoft SharePoint experts who can help you to use Jabber with Microsoft's powerful collaboration products. Progent also offers help with iPhone integration and management and Android phone and tablet integration to assist your organization to enhance the productivity of your BYOD ecosystem.

Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center provides web and video conferencing for users with a browser or virtually any desktop or mobile computer. Cisco WebEx Meeting Center is delivered as SaaS via Cisco's WebEx Cloud. This makes it simple to deploy and scale, reduces the cost of administration, avoids heavy up-front expenditures, offers maximum uptime and enterprise-grade data protection, and provides excellent performance. Important capabilities include support for sharing specific content or an whole screen display with remote participants in real time, the ability to add multimedia into 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 products like Cisco Jabber and TelePresence, plus stringent data protection and encrypted connections with strict policy control.

WebEX Meeting Center runs on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux PCs and permits mobile users to launch, schedule, and take part in meetings on Google Android devices, Apple iPhones and iPads, BlackBerry phones, and Microsoft Windows Phone. Users can also launch online meetings with a few clicks from Microsoft Office, Outlook, Lotus Notes, and a selection of IM applications.

Cisco TelePresence Portfolio for On-premises Video Conferencing Ecosystems
For midsize businesses and enterprises who wish to build an on-premises or hybrid local/cloud environment for teleconferencing, Cisco offers a selection of Cisco TelePresence platforms that deliver high-quality and standards-based video conferencing for attendees with virtually any IP endpoint at any location. Cisco TelePresence Server is a scalable teleconferencing bridge that runs with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to provide multiparty video, audio and content sharing to unified communications environments and can extend conferences to include cloud-based Cisco WebEx Meeting Center participants. Cisco TelePresence Conductor software streamlines the control of how video conferencing bandwidth and features are allocated for each participant, enabling administrators to define the exact service level and user experience needed for each user. Cisco TelePresence Content Server collects video conference presentations for real-time distribution as well as video on demand (VOD) playback.

Cisco Unity Connection Platform and Unity Express for Unified Voicemail and Automated Attendant
The Cisco Unity Connection, an extension of Unified Communications Manager, is a unified voicemail platform that accelerates teamwork by offering flexible set of options for accessing voice messages within a framework that is easy to deploy and maintain. Cisco Unity Connection lets you access and manage voicemail from your email inbox, browser, Cisco Jabber, a Cisco Unified IP Phone, an iPhone or other smartphone, or an iPad or tablet. Cisco Unity Connection also offers advanced voice-recognition features for hands and eyes free operation and powerful Automated Attendant capabilities that include smart routing for inbound phone calls and custom call-filtering and message-alert options. The Unity Connection platform runs as a VM that can reside on a BE6000 server or a Cisco SRE 910 router blade service module and can support up to 20,000 voice mailboxes on each server.

Unity Express (CUE), offered in certain Cisco Integrated Services routers, offers affordable voicemail, integrated messaging, interactive voice response, and automated-attendant services for small to medium businesses (SMBs) and enterprise satellite locations with as many as 500 users. Cisco Unity Express allows users to manage voicemail messages using a Cisco IP Phone screen, a browser, or your email client. ISR Routers for which Unity Express is offered as a network module or advanced integration module include Cisco's 1861, 2900, 3800, and 3900 Series. Progent offers certified consulting and support services for all Integrated Services Routers.

Cisco Unified Contact Center
Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) integrates closely with Cisco Unified CM and desktop agent apps such as Cisco Finesse to offer automatic call distribution (ACD) capabilities that allow an organization to connect customers with the appropriate sales or support person. Unified CCE provides intelligent call routing, computer telephony integration, multichannel customer contact management, network call queuing, IVR and advanced enterprise-wide reporting to streamline the deployment and management of a large-scale contact center. Cisco products supporting UCCE's customer interaction management ecosystem include Unified IP Phones, Voice, and Cisco network infrastructure.

Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX) offers a packaged solution for building a customer contact center for branch or midmarket systems that support up to 400 agents. Multiple bundles are available, as well as a variety of special options. Cisco Unified CCX works with Unified CM and provides intelligent call routing, client management, reporting, IVR, and the ability to manage voice, email, web chat, and social media inquiries. Unified Contact Center Express comes with Finesse, a browser-based customizable desktop agent that needs no client-side software setup. Optional advanced features include conditional routing, expected-wait-time announcements, and productivity optimization with workforce and quality management.

Cisco Mobile Connect and Single Number Reach (SNR)
Mobile Connect, commonly referred to as Single Number Reach, allows users to be called from one number that rings at the same time on their desktop VoIP Phone and their smartphone. Users can transfer active conversations between their desktop VoIP phone and their cell phone without disruption. Calls that are not answered can be transferred to a Unity or Cisco Unity Connection voicemail account. Users can create personal access lists that determine which calls are directed to alternate phones.

Prime Collaboration
Cisco Prime Collaboration provides an automated platform for first-time deployments as well as for “day 2” moves, adds, changes, and deletions. A user-friendly interface provides a unified view of a user and the user's services. Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning substantially accelerates company-wide installations and reduces the time required for future updates. Prime Collaboration in addition offers management analytics that show application adoption and usage rates, enabling organizations to optimize resources and further lower TCO.

Cisco Communications Gateways
Cisco's communications gateways permit Cisco converged communications environments to connect with other systems and with clients working beyond the firewall. Cisco's line of gateways provide unified communications support for all types of gateway and session-border-control applications.

Collaboration gateways offered by Cisco and supported by Progent include:

Cisco Expressway Converged Communication Gateway
Cisco's Expressway is a powerful converged media gatekeeper that enables organizations to allow employees, suppliers, consumers, or partners who are working on different network environments, collaboration applications, or endpoint equipment to access to Cisco Unified Communication services. Cisco's Expressway gateway works in conjunction with an enterprise Cisco CM system or Cisco BE6000, or can be run via the cloud with Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS) to make collaboration more pervasive. Important features of Expressway are include:

• Mobile and Off-site Access: Off-site workers with any Jabber-supported desktop or handheld computer or teleworkers 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 collaboration applications (high-definition video, high-quality voice, rich content IM, and realtime presence) without requiring the extra step of a VPN. Also, teleworkers have the ability to utilize their Cisco TelePresence endpoints without a VPN tunnel, providing a user experience at home identical to the office.
• Jabber Guest Support: Cisco Expressway is required for enabling the Cisco Jabber Guest, which makes it possible for “guests” to communicate with your organization simply and securely via lightweight browser and mobile video calls.
• Cisco Cloud Access: Expressway can act as a gateway that creates a path between onsite Cisco or non-Cisco systems and Cisco's WebEx cloud. By supporting Cisco Collaboration Meeting Rooms, Cisco Expressway offers a world-class, scalable meeting environment that seamlessly integrates business-quality voice, video, and content sharing to any client, at any location, on any device.
• Interoperability: If your organization currently has non-Cisco video products, Cisco Expressway can help you to move easily to Cisco technology when it makes business sense. Cisco Expressway offers video compatibility with industry standard H.323, H.264 SVC, or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) systems. Interoperability standards allowed by Expressway include IPv4 to IPv6, H.323 to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Microsoft Lync 2013 H.264 Scalable Video Coding to MPEG-4/H.264 AVC.

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

Cisco's End-of-Life UC520, UC540 and UC560 VoIP Gateways
The end-of-life Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500) Series is a VoIP communications system for small organizations. UC500 packages deliver voice, data, voicemail, auto attendant, video, firewall, and wireless functionality, work with older Cisco VoIP endpoints, and support various public switched telephone network (PSTN) connections.

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

Progent's seasoned VoIP consultants can help you to maintain your legacy UC500 VoIP system or design and implement an efficient upgrade to a current IP telephony and voicemail system like the Cisco Business Edition 4000.

How Progent Can Help You with Cisco IP Voice and IP Media Phones, CUCM, and Telepresence
Progent can provide remote or on-premises help from a certified CCIE Collaboration consultant to assist you to plan, implement, manage and troubleshoot converged communications networks built on Cisco Unified Communication technology in a centralized, distributed, or hybrid environment. Progent's Cisco consultants have extensive experience integrating Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco CallManager, IP voice and video phones and soft phones, UC applications like Cisco Jabber and WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco's video conferencing products, communication gatekeepers, tools incorporated into Cisco switches and routers. Progent can also provide support for related technologies such as Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony, Cisco Unified Border Element, H.323 and H.264 gateways, Call Admission Control, VoIP trunks, various signaling protocols, and Cisco's AVVID architecture. Progent's SIP infrastructure consultants can also assist you to build SIP connectivity solutions that include SIP-based IP voice phones and media endpoints, SIP trunks, and SIP management tools with Cisco Unified CM.

Progent's custom application developers can build specialized unified communications software that will help your organization to integrate the telephony capabilities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager into your company operations for enhanced efficiency. Progent can revue your existing network and Internet access infrastructure to make sure your system is optimized to support high-quality IP voice and high-definition video, assist you to choose and integrate Cisco products appropriate for your current needs and downstream growth plans, and integrate your Cisco Unified Communications solution with technology from other vendors. Progent's CISSP-ISSAP certified network security consultants can assist you to develop, deploy, and validate an enterprise-wide security plan for your converged communications ecosystem. Also, Progent can help you to deploy Cisco fault-tolerant technologies like Cisco Unified Survivable Remote Site Telephony for affordable call control redundancy in branch office and telecommuter environments, and Progent's disaster recovery and business continuity preparedness consultants can help you create a sensible DR/BC strategy to protect your vital unified communications environment.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager/CallManager Upgrade Services
Versions of Unified Communications Manager 8.6 earlier than 8.6 and all versions of CallManager have arrived at end-of-life. Therefore Cisco will no longer develop, repair, or test the product software. Security patches for this business-critical product will stop, which in certain situations could create regulatory compliance or even potential liability issues.

Progent continues to provide expert support for end-of-life versions of Unified CM and CallManager, but in case your company is now running an out-of-dated version of this essential application your organization should start immediately to plan your upgrade. Progent's collaboration consultants can assist you to upgrade non-disruptively to the current version of Unified CM and can routinely save clients up to 50% off consulting service costs versus competing IT service companies because of Progent's documented procedures and hands-on experience in this practice area. By following best practices, Progent can make sure your organization sees a quick payback on your IT investment by helping you take full advantage of the new and improved feature set, reduced administrative and support costs, more productive collaboration capabilities, and tighter data protection offered by the newest version of Unified CM.

Progent's upgrade services include return-on-investment analysis, project management or co-management, system testing and validation, Cloud connectivity, setting up endpoint devices from Cisco and third-party vendors, smartphone and tablet connectivity, security and compliance services, streamlined management, disaster recovery/business continuity planning, network infrastructure design, training for IT staff and end users, and continuing consulting and technical support. Progent also has put together ultra-affordable migration packages to keep your costs visible and affordable.

To find out more details concerning Progent's consulting expertise for Cisco networking products, pick a topic:

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