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Why should I upgrade my Callmanager 4.x to a latest version?

Ehsan M.
Level 1
Level 1

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!

2 Accepted Solutions

Accepted Solutions

testeven
Cisco Employee
Cisco Employee

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

Regards, Tere. If you find this post helpful, please rate! :)

View solution in original post

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.

View solution in original post

12 Replies 12

testeven
Cisco Employee
Cisco Employee

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

Regards, Tere. If you find this post helpful, please rate! :)

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.

James,

Is Cisco Mobile 8.0 for iPhone free ?

Thanks

D.

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:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps7271/data_sheet_c78-595424.html

Which implies it is not free from a licensing standpoint.

However, you can download it from the app store for free.

HTH.


Regards,
Bill

Please remember to rate helpful posts.

HTH -Bill (b) http://ucguerrilla.com (t) @ucguerrilla

Please remember to rate helpful responses and identify

Ehsan M.
Level 1
Level 1

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?

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:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/8_0_1/delta/vmware.html#wp1050709

and

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/install/8_0_2/install/cmins802.html#wp494926

Regards,

Tere.

Regards, Tere. If you find this post helpful, please rate! :)

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!

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.

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

Rob Huffman
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame

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)

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cust_contact/contact_center/crs/express_compatibility/matrix/crsmatrxeol.pdf


Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Cisco Unified CCX) Software and Hardware Compatibility Guide

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cust_contact/contact_center/crs/express_compatibility/matrix/crscomtx.pdf

Cheers!

Rob

Please support CSC Helps Haiti

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-8895

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-8727

Rob Huffman
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame

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

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.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6790/ps5748/ps378/prod_brochure0900aecd8062a4f9.html

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