Exchanging real-time voice and video over IP has evolved from simply being being a shrewd means to save money on phone bills to an indispensable technology for competitive advantage. Converged communications, at one time restricted to integrating Internet-based voice and faxes on a single platform in order to take the place of traditional PBX systems, now encompasses VoIP and video, mobile communications, IM, real-time presence, services, and more all within a cohesive environment that is easy to manage, extensible, highly secure, fault-tolerant, economical, and intuitive.
Cisco is the leader in supplying the hardware and software infrastructure required to support the new paradigm of unified communications (UC). Cisco's unified communications architecture enhances the productivity of IT networks by slashing operating costs; integrating rich media features with popular software programs to improve user output; supporting teamwork among employees, partners, and vendors to save effort and enhance business results; and streamlining the support of your communications ecosystem.
Cisco's UC solutions cover these main product areas:,
Call and Session Processing Agents - Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)
Cisco's call-processing agent is the heart of Cisco's IP Communications solution and gives you the versatility to implement a centralized call-processing design, a decentralized model, or a combination of the two. In a centralized deployment, Unified Communications Manager (UC Manager or CUCM) expands enterprise telephony capabilities to packet products such as VoIP handsets, media processing products, Voice over IP gateways, and multimedia applications across the network. Unified Communications Manager enables additional voice, video, and data functions such as unified messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative client communication networks.
The most recent version of Cisco Unified Communications Manager, previously branded Cisco CallManager, offers a wealth of enhancements that speed up your return on investment by lowering administrative and support expenses, improving worker productivity, facilitating collaboration, supporting the bring-your-own-device model of computing, fortifying data protection, and making optimal utilization of network resources. Headline innovations include automatic dial-plan replication, streamlined certificate management, extended support for single sign-on for administrators and end users, device-agnostic call recording, mobile access with no need for VPN, a revamped self-care utility that makes it easy for end users to set their options for all of their endpoint devices, and support for Transport Layer Security and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol for mobile users.
When you deploy a centralized Unified Communications Manager cluster to control voice processing for users at remote sites, administrators can help ensure non-stop call operation through Cisco SRST, an IOS Software image for routers. If a Wide Area Network link fails, Cisco Survivable Remote Site Telephony incorporated in the Cisco router offers basic Cisco Unified Communications Manager services until the link is repaired. For information about Progent's consulting services for Cisco routers, see consulting services for Cisco ISR routers.
For small business networks, branch locations, and retail deployments that do not require the full functionality offered by Unified CM, Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, previously known as CallManager Express provides an economical solution that meets the requirements of sites with as many as 450 workers. Since Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CCX) is embedded in the Cisco IOS Software running on a Cisco router, smaller organizations can rapidly set up a converged voice and data solution.
The Cisco Business Edition 6000 is a family of complete solutions that provide fundamental collaboration features such as routing, gateway, premium voice and video, messaging, IM and presence, conferencing, and paging services, enabling any end user to collaborate on any device from anywhere. All Business Edition 6000 versions are delivered preinstalled with virtualization and Unified Communications applications, making implementation fast and easy and reducing cost of ownership for organizations with from 25 to 1000 workers. All BE6000 systems come packaged preinstalled with virtualization and UC applications. Organizations can instantly enable collaboration applications when their needs evolve.
The small-scale Business Edition 6000S includes five fixed UC applications preloaded on one integrated 2921V router/gateway/virtualized E1600 M2 blade server device and supports up to 150 workers and 300 devices. The mid-market BE6000M supports four unified communications application options activated on a virtualized Cisco C220 M4 server platform and can handle up to 1000 users, 1200 endpoint devices, and 100 contact center agents. The top-of-the-line Business Edition 6000H includes eight UC application options enabled on a virtualized Cisco C220 M4 server platform and can handle as many as 1000 users, 2500 endpoint devices, and 100 contact center agents.
For more details about Progent's expertise with Unified Communications Manager, visit Unified Communications Manager (CUCM or Unified CM) and CallManager design, integration, migration and technical support.
Cisco IP Phones: IP Voice and IP Video Phones
An IP communications endpoint is an end-user device, and can be a physical phone set or a soft phone program that runs on a PC or mobile computer. In the IP environment, each IP endpoint has an Ethernet connection. IP phones have all of the functions that an ordinary phone handset has, but Voice over IP phones often offer additional functions including the ability to access websites or run business applications.
In contrast to ordinary Private Branch Exchange technology, in a Cisco IP telephony network you can perform virtually instant relocations, adds, and changes. You merely move the IP phone to its new spot, plug it into an Ethernet connection, and the IP phone announces itself with Cisco Unified Communications Manager. All client rights and configurations are automatically replicated, doing away with the cost and hassle of dispatching technicians to wiring closets. Another efficient feature is location independence, which enables you to log into any Cisco VoIP device and get your own phone extension and privileges.
Cisco provides a broad range of VoIP handsets. The low-cost Small Business SPA 300 Series are no-frills IP and DECT devices offering wide-band voice, support for hosted Internet Protocol telephony environments or an IP PBX, easy installation and highly secure online provisioning, unobtrusive software upgrades, and web-based set up. The low-end SPA301 is a single-line VoIP phone with no screen or speakerphone function, a base dialer with one Ethernet connector, and a wired handset with no a keypad. The SPA302D, designed solely for use with the Cisco SPA232D Multi-Line DECT ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), is a multiline cordless Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) IP phone that offers 10-lines, a 176 x 220 color display, and a dial pad with a speakerphone. The SPA303 is an entry-level 3-line SIP-based IP phone with dual switched ports, a 128x64 monochrome graphical display and a speaker.
The SPA500 line VoIP phones are affordable endpoints that support SIP and SPCP signaling protocols, two switch ports, speakerphones, Power over Ethernet, and voice conferencing capability. Most versions have a 128 x 64 pixel monochrome screen display, The SPA501G VoIP phone supports eight lines and has eight programmable buttons but no LCD display. The SPA502G VoIP phone supports a single line and has no soft buttons. The SPA504G VoIP phone supports four lines and has four programmable buttons. The SPA508G has eight lines and eight programmable buttons. The SPA509G IP Phone supports 12 lines and features 12 programmable keys. The SPA512G has four lines, no programmable keys and supports Gigabit Ethernet. The SPA514G VoIP 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 programmable keys.
Cisco's IP Phones 3900 Series and IP Phones 6900 Series are specialty VoIP endpoints intended for infrequent-use environments such as lobbies, hallways, and conference facilities. Cisco's Unified SIP Phone 3905 features VoIP phone features a 128 x 32 pixel monochrome screen, a 10/100 Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, and PoE. The simple Cisco Unified IP Phone 6901 is a one-line device with no display and requires a hook switch for call transfer or joining a conference.
Cisco's 7800 family of value-priced IP phones are VoIP devices with backlit mono displays, four soft buttons, 11 fixed-feature keys, an Ethernet switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE), and a speakerphone. The 7800 Series support only the SIP call control protocol. All models in Cisco's 7800 family feature the same high-fidelity speakers and microphones as Cisco's 8800 Series IP phones to deliver a best-in-class audio solution. Cisco's EnergyWise power-save technology, available on the advanced 7800 units, reduces after-hours energy usage by as much as 60 percent. The Cisco IP Phone 7811 is a single-line phone intended for common areas and for workers with occasional-to-light voice communications requirements. The IP 7811 VoIP phone comes with a 3.28-inch 384 x 106 screen and a narrow-band speakerphone. Wideband audio is available through an optional wideband handset. Cisco's IP Phone 7821 is a dual-line VoIP endpoint with a 396 x 162 display. The IP Phone 7841 is a four-line VoIP phone with a 396 x 162 display and is the only device in the 7800 series that provides Gigabit Ethernet. The top-of-the-line IP Phone 7861 VoIP phone is a 16-line endpoint targeted for administrative staff, call center agents, and supervisors who have heavy voice communications needs.
The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7900 Series are SIP and SCCP IP voice and video endpoints with a 320 x 240 color screen, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, Class 3 Power over Ethernet (PoE), 10 dedicated buttons and a speakerphone. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7945G is a dual-line unit 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 IP voice and video phone featuring a 5.6-inch touch screen and five soft buttons.
Cisco's IP Phone 8800 Series is a family of SIP-based IP phones that features desktop units, a conference phone, and wireless IP Phones. The desktop models are five-line IP phones with a 5-inch 800 x 480 screen, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, a speakerphone, four programmable keys and 12 dedicated buttons. Cisco's IP Phone 8811 includes a mono display and supports Class 2 Power over Ethernet (PoE). Cisco's 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 one 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 has a WVGA color display, Bluetooth, two USB connections with charging capability, and supports Cisco Intelligent Proximity for Mobile Voice, Wi-Fi, and Class 4 PoE. The Cisco IP Phone 8865 has a WVGA color display, 720p HD video, an adjustable camera, 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.
Cisco's wireless IP phones are industrial-grade wireless handsets intended for workers who are on the move within office, warehouse, retail or other venues where management requires portable phones that provide more control, data security and durability than is possible with the BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) mode of mobile communications. Cisco's 8821 and 8812-EX wireless VoIP phones offer mobile on-premises workers the advantages of voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) technology in workplaces with 802.11x Wi-Fi infrastructure. Cisco's 8821 Wireless VoIP Phone includes a 2.4 inch color display, a rugged shell designed for shock resistance and IP67 for particulate and splash resistance, extended batteries, a full-duplex speakerphone, and a Bluetooth radio to support cordless headsets. Cisco's 8821-EX Wireless IP Phone adds spark suppression for potentially combustible work sites. The 8821-EX also features a shell fabricated out of yellow plastics, which makes the 8821-EX easier to find the event of a crisis. Find out about Progent's Cisco Wireless VoIP Phone integration consulting.
Cisco's discontinued 9900 line of powerful VoIP endpoints combine high-quality voice with business-grade color video to offer a rich collaborative communications solution for knowledge professionals and executives. The two IP phones in the 9900 family incorporate a Standard Definition 640x480 pixel color display, a Bluetooth radio to support a wide selection of headsets, and an integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet port. Cisco's EnergyWise function is offered as an option and can reduce off-hour power use by as much as 90 percent. The IP Phone 9951 features a 5-inch display and supports up to 2 IP Color Key Expansion Modules for adding programmable line and function keys. The Cisco IP Phone 9971 features a 5.6-inch screen, an integrated Wi-Fi radio for deployment with Voice-over-WLAN networks, and 4 soft-label touchscreen keys to access Cisco UC functions. The 9971 allows up to 3 IP Color Key Expansion Modules for expanding customizable line and function keys.
Cisco Unified Communications Application Software
Within Cisco's Unified Communications architecture, IP voice, video, and other converged applications are independent from the call- and voice-processing mechanism, and they may reside at any location within the network. A single network infrastructure provides an open platform for powerful applications and acts as a firm basis for downstream convergence-based applications. Cisco works with third-party IT industry vendors to provide a wide selection of IP telephony and IP video software applications and devices. Cisco also enables the ability to develop and manage customized in-house applications.
UC applications offered by Cisco and supported by Progent's consultants include:
Cisco Jabber
Jabber is a unified communications client application that provides presence, instant messaging, voice, HD video, voice messaging, screen sharing, and real-time conferencing features for Windows PCs, Macs, iPads and Android tablets plus smartphones. Cisco Jabber is a rebranding and integration of the Cisco Unified Personal Communicator, Cisco Mobile, and WebEx Connect, with important enhancements in the areas of video capabilities and desktop sharing, and expanding the team experience to more operating systems and endpoint hardware. Cisco Jabber operates with Unified Communications Manager for call and session management, Cisco Unified Presence for instant messaging and presence, Cisco Unity Connection for voice messaging and automated attendant, and WebEX Meeting for conferencing.
Because Jabber utilizes popular communication standards, it can interoperate with a wide range of non-Cisco products. For example, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol enables Cisco Jabber users to exchange IM and presence data with various XMPP clients including as Adium for Mac OS, Sametime, and Microsoft Lync. Jabber collaboration features are available from Microsoft Office programs including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft SharePoint. This broad platform compatibility optimizes output by delivering a common end-user environment and accommodating the BYOD paradigm of computing. Progent offers the expertise of certified Exchange and Outlook consultants and Microsoft SharePoint experts who can assist you to integrate Jabber with Microsoft's premier collaboration products. Progent also offers expertise with iPhone integration as well as Google Android phone and tablet integration to help your organization to increase the business value of your BYOD environment.
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center enables online conferencing for participants using a web browser or virtually any desktop or handheld device. Cisco WebEx is delivered as software as a service (SaaS) via Cisco's WebEx Cloud. This makes it easy to deploy and scale, reduces the cost of management, eliminates major initial expenditures, features maximum uptime and world-class data protection, and provides fast performance. Important features include support for sharing discrete content or an whole screen display with online participants in real time, the capability to add multimedia into your presentations including PowerPoint and Flash videos, session recording plus editing and playback for training and demonstrations, single sign-on (SSO) and integration with Cisco collaboration products such as Cisco Jabber and Cisco TelePresence, plus strong data privacy and encrypted connections with strict policy control.
WebEX Meeting Center works with Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs and allows mobile workers to initiate, calendarize, and attend conferences on Google Android devices, iPhones and iPads, BlackBerry handhelds, and Microsoft Windows Phone. Users can also initiate web conferences with a few clicks from Microsoft Office, Outlook, Notes, and a variety of instant messaging solutions.
Cisco TelePresence Portfolio for In-house Teleconferencing Infrastructure
For medium-size organizations and enterprises who want to create a local or hybrid local/cloud solution for teleconferencing, Cisco offers a portfolio of Cisco TelePresence products that enable high-definition video conferencing for participants with almost any IP endpoint at any location. Cisco TelePresence Server is an expandable teleconferencing bridge that works with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to bring multiparty telepresence to UC deployments and can expand meetings to incorporate cloud-connected WebEx Meeting Center users. Cisco TelePresence Conductor software simplifies the control of how teleconferencing bandwidth and features are allocated for each participant, allowing administrators to specify the exact service level and user experience needed for each user. Cisco TelePresence Content Server collects video and presentations for live distribution as well as video on demand playback.
Cisco Unity Connection Platform and Unity Express for Converged Voicemail
Cisco's Unity Connection, an integrated extension of Unified Communications Manager, is a converged voice messaging system that facilitates collaboration by providing flexible set of options for accessing calls and messages within an environment that is simple to deploy and administer. Cisco Unity Connection lets you access and manage your voice messages from your email inbox, web browser, Jabber, a Cisco Unified IP Phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. Cisco Unity Connection also offers sophisticated voice-recognition features for hands-free management and powerful Automated Attendant features that include intelligent routing for inbound calls and custom call-filtering and message-notification settings. The Unity Connection platform operates as a virtual machine that can be hosted on a BE6000 server or a Cisco SRE 910 router blade service module and can support as many as 20,000 voice mailboxes on each server.
Unity Express (CUE), offered in select Cisco ISR routers, offers cost-effective voicemail, unified messaging, IVR, and greeting functions for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) and enterprise branch locations with up to 500 voice mailboxes. Cisco Unity Express permits users to access and manage voicemail via a Cisco Unified IP Phone display, your web browser, or an email system. Integrated Services Routers for which Unity Express is available as a network module include Cisco's 1861, 2800, 2900, and 3900 families. Progent can provide certified consulting and support services for all ISR routers.
Unified Contact Center
Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE or UCCE) integrates with Cisco Unified CM and agent desktop apps such as Finesse to offer automatic call distribution features that allow an organization to match customers with the proper sales or support person. Unified CCE provides smart call routing, computer telephony integration (CTI), multiple channel customer contact management, call queuing, interactive voice response and consolidated company-wide reporting to simplify the creation and administration of a large-scale contact center. Cisco platforms incorporated in Unified CCE's client contact management ecosystem include Cisco Unified IP Phones, Voice, and Cisco LAN/WAN technology.
Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX) offers an out-of-the-box bundle for building a customer interaction management center for mid-scale systems that support up to 400 agents. Several packages are offered, plus a selection of special options. Cisco Unified CCX integrates with Cisco CUCM and provides smart call routing, client interaction management, integrated reporting, interactive voice response, and the ability to manage voice, email, chat, and social media inquiries. Cisco Unified Contact Center Express includes Finesse, a browser-based customizable desktop agent that requires no client software setup. Advanced options include conditional routing, expected-wait-time messages, and workforce quality management.
Cisco Mobile Connect and Single Number Reach
Mobile Connect, popularly referred to as Single Number Reach, makes it possible for users to be called from a single phone number that rings simultaneously on their Cisco VoIP Phone and their cell phone. Users can transfer active conversations between their desktop IP phone and their mobile phone seamlessly. 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 are extended to different phones.
Prime Collaboration
Cisco Prime Collaboration offers an automated platform for initial deployments as well as for “day 2” moves, adds, changes, and deletions. An intuitive console delivers a unified view of a user and the subscriber's services. Prime Collaboration Provisioning substantially speeds up site rollouts and minimizes the effort needed to implement future changes. Prime Collaboration in addition offers management analytics including application adoption and usage rates, enabling administrators to make more efficient use of resources and further lower TCO.
Cisco Collaboration Gateways
Cisco's communications gateways allow Cisco converged communications networks to connect with other networks and with clients working outside the firewall. Cisco's portfolio of communication gateways deliver UC support for all types of gateway and session-border-control applications.
Communications gateways available from Cisco and supported by Progent include:
Expressway Collaboration Gateway
Cisco's Expressway is an advanced converged media gateway that allows organizations to provide employees, vendors, customers, or partners who are working on various outside networks, collaboration applications, or endpoint equipment to access to Unified Communication functions. The Expressway collaboration gateway works in conjunction with an enterprise Cisco Communications Manager deployment or Cisco BE6000, or can be run through the cloud with Cisco HCS to help make productive collaboration more pervasive. Key capabilities of Expressway are are:
Cisco's End-of-Life UC520, UC540 and UC560 VoIP Gateways
The legacy Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500) product line is an all-in-one VoIP and unified communications appliance and software package for small organizations. UC500 models deliver voice, data, voicemail, auto attendant, video, security, and WiFi functionality, run with older generation Cisco VoIP endpoints, and support PSTN connections.
All Cisco's UC500 series bundles include a compact switch appliance with 8 Power-over-Ethernet interfaces plus additional foreign exchange stations (FXS) and FXO ports, a firewall, and VPN. Built-in WiFi is optional. User capacity can be increased by attaching Cisco Catalyst Express companion switches. Each UC500 model also includes licenses for Cisco Unified Communications Manager for VoIP call processing and Cisco Unity Express for voice messaging and automated attendant. The Cisco UC520 package supports 8 to 16 users and incorporate 4 FXS and 4 FXO interfaces. The Cisco UC540 package supports 32 clients and has 8 foreign exchange office ports. The Cisco UC560 package supports 48 VoIP clients and 12 FXO interfaces.
Progent's seasoned VoIP consultants can help you to support your legacy UC500 VoIP gateway or plan and carry out an efficient migration to a modern IP telephony and voicemail solution such as the Cisco cloud-managed Business Edition 4000.
How Progent Can Help You with Cisco VoIP and IP Media Phones, Cisco Unified CM, and Video Conferencing
Progent offers online or onsite access to a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Collaboration specialist to assist you to plan, install, administer and repair converged communications networks supported by Cisco Unified Communication technology in a centralized, cloud-based, or hybrid environment. Progent's Cisco engineers have extensive backgrounds integrating Unified Communications Manager and CallManager, VoIP phones and other endpoints, Unified Communications applications such as Jabber and WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco's immersive telepresence technologies, collaboration gatekeepers, tools incorporated into Cisco Catalyst switches and routers. Progent can also provide expertise with related technologies like Cisco SRST, Cisco Unified Border Element, H.323 gateways, CAC, IP voice trunks, PSTN, and Cisco's architecture for voice, video and integrated data. Progent's SIP infrastructure consultants can also help you to build SIP infrastructure environments that include SIP IP voice phones and media endpoints, SIP-based CUBE trunks, SIP conferencing and SIP administration tools via Cisco Unified Communications Manager.
Progent's application developers can create specialized unified communications applications that will enable your company to incorporate the telephony capabilities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager into your business operations for increased efficiency. Progent can revue your existing network and Internet access architecture to determine whether your system is optimized to support high-quality IP voice and HD video, assist you to select and integrate Cisco products appropriate for your present needs and downstream expansion strategy, and integrate your Cisco collaborative communications solution with technology from other suppliers. Progent's CISSP-ISSAP certified data security and compliance consultants can assist you to develop, implement, and test an enterprise-wide security plan for your converged communications solution. In addition, Progent can assist your organization to deploy Cisco fault-tolerant technologies like Cisco Unified SRST to provide affordable call control redundancy in remote-branch and home-office environments, and Progent's disaster recovery and business continuity planning consultants can help you create a viable DR/BC plan to ensure the availability of your crucial communications environment.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager/CallManager Migration Consulting
Versions of Unified CM lower than 8.6 and all releases of CallManager have reached end-of-life. Therefore Cisco Engineering will cease to enhance, repair, or validate the product software. Security patches for this pivotal product will stop, which in some situations could cause compliance or potential liability problems.
Progent will continue to offer expert support services for outdated releases of Unified CM and Cisco CallManager, but if your business is now running an out-of-dated version of this pivotal software you should begin now to plan your upgrade. Progent's Cisco-certified consulting professionals can help your company to upgrade non-disruptively to the current release of Cisco Unified CM and can typically save clients up to 50% off consulting service costs compared to competing computer service companies thanks to Progent's documented procedures and experience in this area. By adhering to best practices, Progent can make sure your organization gets a quick payback on your investment by showing you how to take full advantage of the enhanced feature set, reduced administrative and maintenance costs, more productive collaboration, and tighter data protection provided by the latest release of Unified CM.
Progent's migration consulting services include ROI assessment, project management, pilot testing, Cloud connectivity, configuring collaboration endpoints from Cisco and other providers, mobile integration, security and compliance services, management automation, disaster recovery/business continuity planning, network topology design, training, and ongoing consulting and troubleshooting. Progent also has put together fixed-priced migration packages to keep your costs visible and under control.
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