05-21-2010 12:28 PM - edited 03-19-2019 12:58 AM
I was wondering, we've an operational Callmanager 4.1 that has been running for quiet 4-5 years and never felt like we've to upgrade until recently that we're being pushed by Cisco to upgrade our applications\servers as their End-Of-Life has been announced and we'll be soon left out of support!
My question is from business perspective, what're the key features\benefits we'll get if we upgrade let's say to the latest version of UCM 7.X? How do you explain (in simple language) some critical enhancements\improvements that we'll get especially in terms of functionality, if we upgrade our Callmanager 4.x to UCM 7.0?
Thank you all!
Solved! Go to Solution.
05-21-2010 01:39 PM
Hi!
Here are some reasons why you should upgrade to a later version:
1. As you just mentioned EoS/EoL. Older versions might be hitting bugs which will not be fixed
by the developers 'cause usually they fix new bugs on later versions. Also the support you can
get from TAC will end on EoS.
2. CUCM 5.X through 8.X versions run on Linux, whether 4.X version used Windows. Linux is
an appliance model which is faster, more robust, provides more security and is not affected
by viruses. Besides the installation is easier and faster, you don't need to install first an OS
and then the CUCM. No need for Microsoft patches, CSA, anti virus, etc. The Linux OS and
CUCM SW come embedded so you just need one installation disk.
3. With newer CUCM versions, newer features are introduced. For example older 4.X versions
do not support SIP endpoint registration, if you want to use newer features you will need to
upgrade. There have been several features introduced on newer versions, you can check them
on the Release Notes:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/7_1_3/cucm-rel_notes-713.html
4. If you are using other UC product such as Unity, CUC, UCCX, CUPS probably you'll need to
upgrade them too in case you want a new feature too. UC products have a compatibility between
them... it's important to check if you upgrade your CUCM if other products will need and upgrade
too or viceversa.
Compatibiliy info between CUCM and other UC products can be found here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/compat/ccmcompmatr.html
5. Newer versions such as 8.0 which can run on VMware. This means you can install it on a blade
server along with other UC coresident applications. Check out the requirements at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/8_0_1/delta/vmware.html
6. Just like with the CUCM SW, phone firmwares are also updated for later CUCM versions.
7. With newer CUCM versions you can use newer phones. Suppose right now you are fine with
7940s and 7960s... but as they are EoS/EoL when you want to buy new phones, your CUCM 4.X will
probably not support them and you will need to upgrade.
HTH,
Tere Stevens
-----
Cisco Systems
Unified Communications PDI Team
www.cisco.com/go/pdihelpdesk
05-23-2010 03:55 AM
Hi,
Tere has given some great reasons. I will throw a few more into the pot.
1. Click to Call Widget
This is a free piece of software for Windows that enables Click to Call from many applications
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6882/ps9156/at_a_glance_c45-487474.pdf
Using it saves time and also helps avoid lazy people using their cellphones for every call just because their contacts are stored in it.
2. Cisco Mobility
Provides Single Number Reach (calls to deskphones can be extended to cellphones/home numbers etc.) and Dial via Office - these features are great if you have workers that travel. They do need Device License Units to enable though.
3. LDAP Integration
In CUCM 5 and later it becomes far easier to integrate with LDAP e.g. Active Directory. This allows the AD credentials to be used to validate login to UC applications.
4. Simplified upgrades
UCM 5 and later servers have two partitions. You can install an upgrade on the inactive partition during working hours and restart the server using the new partition during a maintenance window. Result is you spend far less time at weekends patching your systems compared to the CCM4.x where you have to patch Windows, SQL and CCM.
5. SmartPhone Integration.
If your company decision makers use iPhones then show them the product below - they will probably sign off the upgrade straight away
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps7271/data_sheet_c78-595424.html
One thing to be aware of is that the Cisco Attendant Console that ships with CCM4.1 is only supported for upgrades to UCM7 (not new installs) and support for it will be withdrawn in April 2012. There is no support for it at all in UCM 8. Cisco offer a range of Attendant Consoles for various business sizes that run on a separate Windows server (which sucks when UCM has moved to Linux) and which are a cost option.
Also note that you will need to provide an SFTP server to backup UCM to. This is not a big problem as there are various Windows apps around that provide this functionality some of which are free.
Overall I would definitely recommend the upgrade as the system is far nicer to work on and support. The number of extra menu options can be a little intimidating at first but a decent partner should be able to tell you what is relevant to your system and which can be ignored.
05-21-2010 01:39 PM
Hi!
Here are some reasons why you should upgrade to a later version:
1. As you just mentioned EoS/EoL. Older versions might be hitting bugs which will not be fixed
by the developers 'cause usually they fix new bugs on later versions. Also the support you can
get from TAC will end on EoS.
2. CUCM 5.X through 8.X versions run on Linux, whether 4.X version used Windows. Linux is
an appliance model which is faster, more robust, provides more security and is not affected
by viruses. Besides the installation is easier and faster, you don't need to install first an OS
and then the CUCM. No need for Microsoft patches, CSA, anti virus, etc. The Linux OS and
CUCM SW come embedded so you just need one installation disk.
3. With newer CUCM versions, newer features are introduced. For example older 4.X versions
do not support SIP endpoint registration, if you want to use newer features you will need to
upgrade. There have been several features introduced on newer versions, you can check them
on the Release Notes:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/7_1_3/cucm-rel_notes-713.html
4. If you are using other UC product such as Unity, CUC, UCCX, CUPS probably you'll need to
upgrade them too in case you want a new feature too. UC products have a compatibility between
them... it's important to check if you upgrade your CUCM if other products will need and upgrade
too or viceversa.
Compatibiliy info between CUCM and other UC products can be found here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/compat/ccmcompmatr.html
5. Newer versions such as 8.0 which can run on VMware. This means you can install it on a blade
server along with other UC coresident applications. Check out the requirements at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/8_0_1/delta/vmware.html
6. Just like with the CUCM SW, phone firmwares are also updated for later CUCM versions.
7. With newer CUCM versions you can use newer phones. Suppose right now you are fine with
7940s and 7960s... but as they are EoS/EoL when you want to buy new phones, your CUCM 4.X will
probably not support them and you will need to upgrade.
HTH,
Tere Stevens
-----
Cisco Systems
Unified Communications PDI Team
www.cisco.com/go/pdihelpdesk
05-23-2010 03:55 AM
Hi,
Tere has given some great reasons. I will throw a few more into the pot.
1. Click to Call Widget
This is a free piece of software for Windows that enables Click to Call from many applications
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6882/ps9156/at_a_glance_c45-487474.pdf
Using it saves time and also helps avoid lazy people using their cellphones for every call just because their contacts are stored in it.
2. Cisco Mobility
Provides Single Number Reach (calls to deskphones can be extended to cellphones/home numbers etc.) and Dial via Office - these features are great if you have workers that travel. They do need Device License Units to enable though.
3. LDAP Integration
In CUCM 5 and later it becomes far easier to integrate with LDAP e.g. Active Directory. This allows the AD credentials to be used to validate login to UC applications.
4. Simplified upgrades
UCM 5 and later servers have two partitions. You can install an upgrade on the inactive partition during working hours and restart the server using the new partition during a maintenance window. Result is you spend far less time at weekends patching your systems compared to the CCM4.x where you have to patch Windows, SQL and CCM.
5. SmartPhone Integration.
If your company decision makers use iPhones then show them the product below - they will probably sign off the upgrade straight away
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps7271/data_sheet_c78-595424.html
One thing to be aware of is that the Cisco Attendant Console that ships with CCM4.1 is only supported for upgrades to UCM7 (not new installs) and support for it will be withdrawn in April 2012. There is no support for it at all in UCM 8. Cisco offer a range of Attendant Consoles for various business sizes that run on a separate Windows server (which sucks when UCM has moved to Linux) and which are a cost option.
Also note that you will need to provide an SFTP server to backup UCM to. This is not a big problem as there are various Windows apps around that provide this functionality some of which are free.
Overall I would definitely recommend the upgrade as the system is far nicer to work on and support. The number of extra menu options can be a little intimidating at first but a decent partner should be able to tell you what is relevant to your system and which can be ignored.
05-25-2010 09:59 PM
James,
Is Cisco Mobile 8.0 for iPhone free ?
Thanks
D.
05-25-2010 10:19 PM
Based on this thread:
https://supportforums.cisco.com/message/3060828#3060828
Cisco mobile for iPhone is part of CUWL-Pro licensing package. There is also a license pack you can order: See the bottom of this doc:
Which implies it is not free from a licensing standpoint.
However, you can download it from the app store for free.
HTH.
Regards,
Bill
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05-25-2010 10:50 AM
Awesome! Thank you guys for great responses.I've got one more question:
Our callmanager 4.1 is running on a MCS-7825-H1 server platform. Cisco has announced that they'll officially put an end to it's support as of July 13,2010: http://www.builtforbroadband.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6790/ps5748/ps378/prod_end-of-life_notice0900aecd80456729.html
On the other hand, this server is listed under supported server platform for upgrading to even latest CUCM versions: http://www.ciscopowered.biz/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6790/ps5748/ps378/prod_brochure0900aecd8062a4f9.html
So now, what should we do? should we through this server (MCS-7825-H1 ) away and take the cost toward purchasing a new server and then roll over the upgrade (As I know new servers come preloaded with latest CUCM version) because nobody wants to replace the server again next year? We preferably do NOT want to invest on purchasing new hardware anymore especially considering the fact the this server is still capable enough for running latest CUCM version as Cisco has listed, BUT the fact that it's support will end in 1 year from now, is making it a really difficult decision to make whether or not we want to do the upgrade under current platform OR we've to purchase a new server. Any advice on this?
05-25-2010 11:32 AM
Hi!
I believe this will depend on a budget decision. However, you can install up to a 7.1.3 version on that server according to the matrix, but if the next year you want to go to an 8.X version the server will no longer be supported, only for a bridged upgrade as documented on the matrix and you will need to invest on new HW then.
"Supported only for "bridged upgrade" to migrate to newer hardware. In a bridged upgrade, you upgrade to the specified Cisco Unified Communications Manager version, make a backup of your software configuration via the Disaster Recovery System utility, reinstall the Cisco Unified Communications Manager version on new hardware, and restore your software configuration from backup. This server is not supported for any other use with Cisco Unified Communications Manager other than this "bridged upgrade" procedure."
Probably you can wait and invest later on a UCS B200 M1 Blade Server for running an 8.X version on VMware. Check this out and evaluate the pros and cons:
and
Regards,
Tere.
05-25-2010 02:45 PM
Hi Tere,
What would be our replacement server(s) options in case we want to upgrade and aslo replace our current MCS-7825-H1 server with a new one? We really don't need a high-end server (just a roughly 50 IP phones environment with a contact center express premium package 4.0(3) running on another MCS-7825-H1-CC1server) however we need something that we can rely on it for next 4-5 years preferably.
Also can you please provide me some thoughts regarding on how to upgrade our Contact Center (IPCC Express Premium 4.0(3))? Should we upgrade it along with Callmanager? If yes, what's the compatibility matrix between them?
Thank You!
05-25-2010 09:56 PM
I just recently migrated from CCM 4.1.3 to CUCM 7.1.3 and I am loving it. I agree with everyone's responses to this post.
Good luck to you !!
D.
05-26-2010 12:08 PM
Can you please explain a little bit on how you did "windows" to "Linux" upgrade? Did you purchase a new server preloaded with CUCM 7.1.3 OR installed it form DVD on the existing or new server and then restored from backup?
Thanks,
Ehsan
05-26-2010 06:57 AM
Hi Ehsan,
Just to add a couple of links for your IPCC compatibility
query
Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Cisco Unified CCX) Software and Hardware Compatibility Guide - For CRS 3.0(x), CRS 3.1(x), CRS 3.5(x), CRS 4.0(x), CRS 4.1(x), and CRS 4.5(x)
Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Cisco Unified CCX) Software and Hardware Compatibility Guide
Cheers!
Rob
Please support CSC Helps Haiti
05-26-2010 12:17 PM
Hi Ehsan,
The DMA tool export/import method works very well with new servers
You need to have a look at the following docs
Upgrading to Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 7.1(2) from 4.x Releases
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/upgrade/7_1_2/upgrd712.html
You will be using the Import Windows Data method;
(Windows upgrade)
This option allows you to import database information from a 4.x system by using a file that the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) tool produces.
Data Migration Assistant User Guide Release 7.1(2)
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/dma/7_1_2/dmaug712.html
Cheers!
Rob
05-26-2010 05:34 PM
Quick note to those upgrade 4.x to 7x, even if your server is supported be sure you meet the requirements on the Hard Drive size and RAM. You may have to purchase larger hard drives or additional ram to fully meet the requirements. You'll notice the (1)'s next to the servers in the server compatibility document.
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