newbie questions re. CUCM

[fran19422]

Hello, I am currently studying 640-461 CCNA Voice with a 2801 router and CME express. I have a few basic questions re. CUCM vs CME express please.

Someone has told me that most of the 640-461 CCNA Voice exam questions are based  around the full version of CUCM rather than CME express. Therefore, assuming it is more suitable to be learning on the full CUCM software I have the following questions:

1. What hardware platform do I need in order to run the full version of  CUCM, as I understand it does not operate from within IOS 15 on a 2800 series router like I am currently doing with CME express ? i.e. does it need to be located on a separate  server. Is that just a regular PC or specialized Cisco device?

3. How do you acquire CUCM full version software. With CME express  it just comes as part of the IOS 15 package, but with CUCM full version, do you have to buy that separately ?

Thanks for any clarification.

[Jonathan Schulenberg]

1. CUCM runs on RedHat Enterprise Linux and therefore uses standard x86 hardware including VMware Workstation as long as you have an Intel CPU and enough horsepower. Cisco documents the for-production rules on the DocWiki.
2. If you work for a partner you can order the NFR kit. Customers can order CM9.0-K9-LAB. There is no legal free download though I'm sure there are ways around this if you know where to look.

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