CME v3.4 to v7.x

[j-shearer]

Greetings -

Currently I have a 2821 is running CME v3.4(0) and has a CUE running v2.0.1 (very old). The IOS currently deployed on the router is version 12.4(4)T1. I have the necessary CompactFlash space for upgrading and I know that I will have to upgrade the IOS, the CME software as well as the CUE software. I am a little confused as to where to begin. I know that I will haveto upgrade the IOS first but then should I perform a CME upgrade then a CUE upgrade or vice-versa. Also, I am asssuming that I cannot go directly to CME/CUE version7.x so I am also assuming that I will have to perform the upgrade in steps. If this is the case, then what are the interim versions of software that are recommended?

Any information, input, advice, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thx

Joe

[Brandon Buffin · Accepted solution]

Joe,

     When you upgrade the IOS, the CME version gets upgraded as well. However, the CME GUI files do not get automatically upgraded. You will need to download these from www.cisco.com/go/software and copy over manually.

Take a look at the following admin guide for the steps to upgrade CME and install the GUI files.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucme/admin/configuration/guide/cmeinstl.html#wp1005061

and this guide for upgrading CUE.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/unity_exp/rel7_0/install/Install.html

Also, take a look at the following compatibility information.

Cisco Unity Express Compatibility Matrix

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/unity_exp/compatibility/cuecomp.htm

Cisco Unified CME 7.0(1) Supported Firmware, Platforms, Memory, and Voice Products

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucme/requirements/guide/cme701spc.htm

A simple overview of the steps required is:

1. Upgrade the IOS version (CME gets upgraded at this time and is operational after reboot).

2. Copy over the new GUI files (This step is only necessary if you use the GUI for administration).

3. Upgrade CUE.

Hope this helps.

Brandon

[Kshitij Singhi · Accepted solution]

Hi Joe,

Like Brandon said, IOS upgrade = CME upgrade without the GUI files/phone loads.

As far as your question about a step upgrade goes, it is not required.

IOS/CME can be upgraded to the latest without any hassles. As long as you have the DRAM and flash for the new IOS, you should be good to go.

Since the IOS version is pretty old, I would strongly recommend a phone load upgrade as well. Be careful not to go directly to version 8-5-3 on some of the phones since these are digitially signed. Go to an interim release (8-4-4 has usually worked for me) and then go to 8-5-3).

For the CUE, you should be able to do a clean/boot helper install to version 7.0.x of the CUE. The documenation can be found on the cisco.com website by looking for the CUE install and upgrade guides. The latest version of CUE is 7.1.x but this requires CSL licenses which means that you need to go through a licensing portal/purchase licenses for using the CUE.

If using an AIM-CUE, make sure that you have 1 GB of flash before doing the upgrade (can be checked via "show software licenses" in the CUE module. If the voicemail capacity shows 840 minutes, you should be OK).

Path that I usually take:

1. IOS upgrade.

2. CME GUI files

3. Phone loads.

4. CUE upgrade.

My 2 cents....

[j-shearer]

Thank you both for the insightful responses.  You have both definitely pointed me in the right direction.

Joe