Cisco Systems will offer IP telephony software similar
to its CallManager on routers to simplifying telecommunications at
smaller companies.
CallManager Express can be integrated directly into Cisco IOS
(Internetwork Operating System) on routers ranging from the Cisco
1700 Series to the Cisco 3600 Series.
An additional element, the Cisco Unity Express voicemail and
automated attendant system, requires a hardware module as well as
software. They can be used for a branch office telephony system
with Cisco IP phones.
The existing CallManager software, which runs on a server
instead of a router, was designed for use in large facilities
rather than sites with fewer than 100 employees, said Rick Moran,
vice-president of marketing for voice products at Cisco.
Some enterprises roll out IP telephony beginning with branches
because it is easier to deploy it first with smaller numbers of
employees, he said.
The latest software is intended for sites with 24 to 100
users.
CallManager Express provides IP telephony call processing
functions like those traditionally carried out by PBXs (private
branch exchanges) and key systems, including call pick-up from
another local extension, call forwarding, paging and intercom.
Along with Cisco Unity Express, it can provide a full IP
telephony system inside a router. Companies also can deploy a
variety of XML applications via Cisco IP phones.
The system is intended for "full-service" branches, which may
have their own voicemail systems and connections to the internet
and the public telephone network rather than getting all of those
functions through a corporate Wan to headquarters.
A Cisco branch router can be an all-in-one voice and data
platform for a full service branch. For example, it can be equipped
with a Wan interface such as a T-1, VPN support, a power switch for
IP phones, flash memory for telephone on-hold music and 100Mbps
Lan ports, in addition to the CallManager Express and Unity Express
features.
Integrating call processing into IOS makes it easier to manage,
which is important at branches because they often lack a full-time
IT staff. Like other features in IOS, it can be managed through
CiscoWorks and via Telnet.
Cisco expects most customers to deploy CallManager Express on
existing routers.
Pricing starts at $750 (£450) for 24 users and goes up to $2,800
(£1,679). Call Manager Express is available in English, French,
German, Italian and Spanish. Unity Express is available now in
English. A future version coming early next year will include the
other four languages as well as additional voice mail
functions.
List prices for Unity Express start at $2,995 including the
hardware module.
Both are available immediately worldwide.
Stephen Lawson writes for IDG News Service