Call Manager v5.0

[Burgal]

Anyone have info on what's new in call manager 5.0? We're in the budget stage for a new ccm installation and it's currently being quoted at 4.1. I hear 5.0 is around the corner, and can be installed on open hardware under a closed kernal redhat. But that's all I know.

I also hear that later, 5.0 will be available for windows too.

Any word?

 

[jneiberger]

I have been told that 5.0 is linux-only and that the features will be mostly similar to 4.1. CM v5.1 will include a Windows release and there will be feature parity with the linux version. V5.1 will be based on 4.2, as I understand it.

 

[Burgal]

So what's the point in upping the version, if they're making them on par with the 4.x line?

 

[jneiberger]

You'll have to ask your Cisco rep about that one. It's my understanding that 5.0 on linux will be substantially similar to 4.1 on Windows. The linux version is being developed on 4.1 code and they're too busy getting it ready for release to also add all the new 4.2 features.

That's just my understanding. I may be wrong.

 

[Burgal]

The only thing that is bad for me is timing. This project will be installed just before 5.0 is released, or too soon after. We'll have to use an MCS server, instead of something different like a Dell server... We'll have to pay the premium on cisco rebranded hardware....

 

[jneiberger]

You can't use a Dell server anyway if you want it to be supported by Cisco. There is no Dell server supported by Cisco. Even the linux version has to be installed on Cisco-approved hardware. You can't just install it on any box you feel like and then expect it to be supported.

 

[Burgal]

Ah.

I was under a different impression from my Rep. Saying that 5.0 was open to any hardware.

Oh well....

 

[jneiberger]

You're Cisco rep told you that? Was this a sales rep or a sales engineer?

 

[Burgal]

It was actually a Telco Sales Engineer

 

[jneiberger]

Well, then, that sales engineer is misinformed. Cisco can't support every possible hardware variation. In fact, they're moving toward an appliance model that will make the underlying OS transparent to the user. That OS will be Linux but you won't ever have to see the OS.

 

[Burgal]

True, I heard that part, that it runs on linux, but you'd never know.

 

[MMMUSA]

I believe the model Cisco are following is what they call "appliance model" basically loading everything on a server before you get it, you have a menu to order from on ordering. So for example you could get Callmanager, with Unity and meetingplace express all on one server. This is on Linux only for now.

I guess this helps in the massive amount of hardware related faults that must take place.

They will be supporting windows going forward but I imagine that will phase out as Microsoft are heading into this space.

 

[jfrelin]

The Linux versions (Appliance Versions) of Call Manager 5.x and now Meetingplace Express, etc. have a new linux bootdisk that verifies the hardware you are installing it on. It is very strict on memory, hardware, platform, etc. If it is not a cisco approved server, it will not go past the initial discovery phase.

 

[Burgal]

Good to know.

I'm getting an HP DL320 now, and that's supported with 4.1

 

[ADB100]

Remember the platform MUST match the specification EXACTLY as listed on CCO due to the automated install (DriveImage based).

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/voiceapp/ps378/prod_brochure_list.html

I know this isn't strictly true but try getting support from Cisco if the hardware doesn't match....

HTH

Andy

 

[Burgal]

Yes, my telco is providing an HP DL320 listed on the HP section of the list that you sent me. They haven't let me know WHICH of those configurations I'm getting, but one of those. sigh.