• Current Advanced Unified Communications Specialized Partners
  The investment for a partner to 'maintain' or 'update' their existing Unified Communications lab has been ‘paused’ for partners who are preparing to recertify. This means that at the time of the partners' 'recertification', they will not be required to provide proof of compliance for their Unified Communications lab.
• New Advanced Unified Communications Specialized Partner candidates
  The Unified Communications lab investment will continue to be a requirement for those partner candidates who are applying for the Advanced Unified Communications specialization.

Cisco requires the purchase of an Advanced Unified Communications lab configuration for the purposes of customer fault replication, internal training, and proof-of-concept demonstrations. In order to provide flexible options in fulfilling the Advanced Unified Communications lab requirement, various product choices are accessible through the product category links below. You must have one product from each of the following product categories in your Advanced Unified Communications lab environment:

• View List of Product Options (PDF - 224 KB)

Product	Description
Cisco Unified CallManager	The most economical way to fill this recommendation is with the Cisco Unified CallManager software installed on an approved IBM or Compaq platform. The Cisco MCS platform is the most suitable for your lab environment.
Cisco Unified IP Phones	A minimum of four Cisco Unified IP Phone 7940, 7960, or 7970 models are recommended. These phones enable you to view the full display, the flexibility to manage multiple lines, and the ability to write custom Extensible Markup Language (XML) applications for the phone.
Cisco Voice Gateway	You may already have a voice gateway that fulfills this recommendation (see list of accepted gateways and additional components under the product category link).
Cisco Switch	You may already have a switch that is suitable (see product options). Experience with Cisco Discovery Protocol and proper installation of in line power is recommended.
Applications	Please install all Cisco voice applications in your lab as specified on the lab list. Some applications are available as Not For Resale (NFR) kits. These kits are available through an authorized Cisco Distributor.
Voicemail/Unified Messaging	Cisco Unity Unified Messaging is recommended with a dedicated server.

Verification of Advanced Unified Communications Lab List - New Partner Candidate

1. Partner: Complete the lab list and submit to Cisco Sponsor (System Engineer, CAM, etc.) for approval
2. Cisco Sponsor:
   
   1. Review the lab list and verify with the partner.
   2. Any questions on equivalants or substitutes should be validated through a Cisco SME in the field.
   3. Once validated, the Cisco sponsor uploads the list into the CSApp tool (below).
      NOTE: Previously partners were allowed to upload their own lab lists without validation by the Cisco Sponsor.

PLEASE NOTE :

1. New Cisco Advanced Unified Communications specialization partners must currently own this equipment, or at minimum have equipment on order. PO's are not adequate proof as they can be cancelled before products ship. These items are subject to spot check during their annual onsite audit.
2. Partners are allowed a 90 day grace period to use either the old list or the new after we've communicated the change to the field.

Cisco Sponsor Instructions for Uploading Unified Communications Lab List

1. Go to the Certification/Specialization Application
2. Search for company
   1. If you cannot locate the company, make sure you are assigned to the partner in the Channels Territory tool
3. Click on 'Administrative Tasks' tab
4. Click on 'Upload Documents'

Lab Submission Timeline

New Partners: Cisco Sponsor must submit list no later than 90 days from date partner submit s AUC or EUC application.

If you have any issues with the upload process, and have confirmed association to this partner in the Channels Territory Tool, you may open a case with the Partner Relationship Team. Select "CSApp" as the application when opening a case. This case number, starting with HDxxxxxxx, can be escalated to your Program Manager if not responded to in 72 hours.

Instructions for uploading verification of labs using invoices or serial numbers can be found at:

• Partner Lab List (XLS - 47KB)
  NOTE: There are two different Advanced Unified Communications lab options partners can choose between. Please work with your Cisco Channel team to determine the best option for your business model.
• Cisco SE Verification Form (DOC - 51.5KB)