Using the Resource Library

In this section, you find an assortment of resources to help you learn more about Cisco Collaboration Systems.

System Release Documentation

The Cisco Collaboration Systems documentation provides a suite of interactive documentation that covers details of the system architecture, components, release notes, troubleshooting, and related information. You can access this documentation at the following URL:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​go/​unified-techinfo

The following system-level documents are produced for Cisco Collaboration Systems releases.

System Release Notes

These documents describe the tested functionality, and limitations and restrictions for each of the following Cisco Collaboration Systems Release 11.0(1) solutions:

Documentation Wiki

The Cisco documentation wiki (DocWiki) contains information on several Cisco product-related topics. The Cisco Collaboration Systems DocWiki currently includes topics for:

  • Unified Communications System Design: This topic includes information about Preferred Architectures (PA) and Cisco Solution Reference Network Designs (SRND) which provide design guidance, recommendations, and assistance for deploying Cisco Collaboration solutions.

  • Unified Communications System Implementation: This topic includes information on configuring system components, and provides detailed configuration examples based on tested deployment models. For recent configuration examples see Configuration Example and TechNotes.

  • Unified Communications System Operations: This topic includes information on the tasks you perform to maintain your system and keep it operating as trouble-free as possible. These tasks are broken down into two areas: one-time and infrequent tasks, and regular and scheduled tasks.

  • Unified Communications System Optimization: This topic includes information on the tasks you perform to optimize your system and keep it operating as trouble-free as possible.

  • Unified Communications System Troubleshooting: This topic includes information that assists you with isolating and resolving problems you may have with Cisco Collaboration Systems components. This topic offers sections for system troubleshooting methodology and commonly encountered problems.

  • Unified Communications Virtualization: This topic includes information on running Cisco Collaboration Systems applications on a virtual machine in a Unified Computing System (UCS) environment.

For all Cisco Collaboration Systems topics posted on the Cisco documentation wiki, see http:/​/​docwiki.cisco.com/​wiki/​Cisco_​Unified_​Communications.

Solution Reference Network Design

Solution Reference Network Design (SRND) documents provide guidelines, recommendations, and best practices for implementing collaboration network solutions. The SRNDs recommended for designing Cisco Collaboration Systems are available from the: Cisco Collaboration Solutions Design Guidance document or at http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​go/​srnd.

Tested Deployment and Site Models

Cisco Collaboration Systems Release testing is designed to test the hardware and software components that work together in a multisite distributed deployment. For these tests, several site models are created. Each site model is designed to test a specific set of features and interactions. For information about the components, configurations, and environment tested, see the following test bed descriptions:

Network Topology Diagrams

This topic provides topology resources that you can use to document network plans.

You can download zip files containing Microsoft Visio drawings of the logical and physical topologies.

Network Topology Diagrams for Contact Center

Table 1 Network Topology Diagrams for Contact Center

Description

Filename

Zip file includes logical and physical drawings in Test Bed.

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​c/​dam/​en/​us/​td/​docs/​voice_ip_comm/​uc_system/​V11-0-1/​TIS/​CC-UCCE110-Topology.zip (right-click to download zip)

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use the Back button to return to this window.

Unified CCE Test Bed components

CC-UCCE1101-Topology.vsd

Zip file includes logical and physical drawings in Test Bed.

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​c/​dam/​en/​us/​td/​docs/​voice_ip_comm/​uc_system/​V11-0-1/​TIS/​CC-UCCX110-Topology.zip (right-click to download zip)

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use the Back button to return to this window.

Unified CCX Test Bed components

CC-UCCX1101-Topology.vsd

Network Topology Diagrams for Collaboration

Table 2 Network Topology Diagrams for Collaboration

Description

Filename

Zip file includes the site model topology drawings.

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​c/​dam/​en/​us/​td/​docs/​voice_ip_comm/​uc_system/​V11-0-1/​TIS/​COL-CSR1101-Topology.zip

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use the Back button to return to this window.

Collaboration Site in Test Bed

COL-CSR1101-Topology.vsd

Component Resources

This topic contains two types of resources that provide descriptive information on each component in the Cisco Collaboration Systems Release.

Component Resources Documentation

Depending on your Cisco Collaboration Systems solution type, choose one of the following sets of component resources documentation.

Component Resources Documentation for Contact Center

For links to the product Release Notes and the main Support and Product Information pages for Cisco Collaboration Systems Contact Center components, go to Product Documentation.

Component Resources Documentation for Collaboration

For links to the product Release Notes and the main Support and Product Information pages on Cisco Collaboration Systems components, go to Product Documentation.

Configuration Command Files

To understand how various components were configured during Cisco Collaboration Systems testing, review the contents of the ZIP archives described in one of the following sections.

More system-level configuration examples are available on the Cisco DocWiki at: http:/​/​docwiki.cisco.com/​wiki/​Category:Unified_​Communications_​System_​Implementation and Configuration Examples and TechNotes.

Configuration Command Files for Contact Center

This table includes three ZIP files that you can download. Each ZIP file contains text files that contain the output from issuing a show running-config IOS command on various infrastructure components in the contact center test beds.

Table 3 Configuration Command Files for Contact Center

Description

Filename

Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) Test Bed Configuration Command Files

Note   

Some parameters, such as passwords, have been removed from the configuration files for security reasons.

CC-UCCE1101-Configs.zip (right-click to download zip)

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use your Back button to return to this window.

Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX) Test Bed Configuration Command Files

Note   

Some parameters, such as passwords, have been removed from the configuration files for security reasons.

CC-UCCX1101-Configs.zip (right-click to download zip)

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use your Back button to return to this window.

Configuration Command Files for Collaboration Systems

This table includes a ZIP file with sample Collaboration configurations that you can download. Each ZIP file contains text files that contain the output from issuing a show running-config IOS command on various components in the IP telephony tested deployments.

Table 4 Configuration Command Files for Collaboration

Description

Filename

Cisco Collaboration System Test Bed Configuration Command Files

Note   

Some parameters, such as passwords, have been removed from the configuration files for security reasons.

COL-CSR1101-Configs.zip (right-click to download zip)

Note   

If you click the link rather than right-click, the zip file may open in the secondary window but also replace the contents of this window. Use your Back button to return to this window.

System Compatibility Matrix

The Cisco Collaboration Systems Compatibility Matrix provides tables that identify the compatible software release versions for each product element in each release. For compatibility information prior to Collaboration Systems Release 10.5, refer to the Compatibility Tool.

Ordering Guides

Ordering guides for most Cisco Collaboration Systems products are available for Cisco partners, Cisco sales staff, and Cisco service providers.

End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Products

The end-of-sale (EOS) date is the last date to order the product through Cisco point-of-sale mechanisms. The product is no longer for sale. There is also an end-of-life (EOL) process that guides the final business operations associated with the product life cycle.

The EOL process consists of a series of technical and business milestones and activities that, once completed, make a product obsolete. After a product is EOL, the product is not sold, manufactured, improved, repaired, maintained, or supported.

For information about recommended replacements, see the comprehensive list of announcements at the following URL:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​products/​prod_​end_​of_​life.html

For information on specific products, choose a product from the following URL:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​products/​sw/​voicesw/​index.html

Then click the End-of-Life and End-of-Sale Notices link in the Product Literature section.

For an overview of the Products and Services EOL policy, see the information at the following URL:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​products/​products_​end-of-life_​policy.html

Cisco Unified Workspace Licensing

Cisco Unified Workspace Licensing is an easy, affordable program for procurement of a broad range of Cisco Collaboration Systems applications and services. Unified Workspace Licensing facilitates consistent deployment of multiple applications to all users in their workspaces and helps organizations maximize the potential of unified communications.

This program streamlines pricing, licensing, and deployment of Cisco Collaboration Systems solutions and enables organizations to implement a media-rich unified communications experience at a cost-effective user basis.

Service Offerings

Using the Cisco Lifecycle Services approach, Cisco Systems and its partners offer a broad portfolio of end-to-end services. These services are based on proven methodologies for deploying, operating, and optimizing Unified Communications solutions. Planning and design services, for example, can help you meet aggressive deployment schedules and minimize network disruption during implementation. Operate services reduce the risk of communications downtime with expert technical support. Optimize services enhance solution performance for operational excellence. Cisco and its partners offer a system-level service and support approach that can help you create and maintain a resilient, converged network that meets your business needs.

Cisco Unified Communications service offerings include:

  • Cisco Unified Communications Essential Operate Service, which provides 24-hour, 365-day-a-year access to Cisco Systems engineers and certified partners who are highly trained and have a deep understanding of Cisco Unified Communications products and technologies.

  • Cisco Unified Communications Select Operate Service, which provides a proactive support solution that combines 24-hour, 365-day-a-year access to technical support representatives plus a simple-to-install monitoring solution designed for Cisco Unified Communications.

  • Cisco Unified Communications SMB Network Operate & Optimize Service, is a partner-led service offering (designed specifically for the medium-sized businesses) that enables the delivery of affordable, ongoing, high-availability network support.

For more information, go to http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​products/​sw/​voicesw/​services.html

Cisco Technical Assistance Center

For all customers, partners, resellers, and distributors who hold valid Cisco service contracts, Cisco provides around-the-clock, award-winning technical support services, online and over the phone.

For Enterprises and Service Providers, the TAC Service Request Tool lets you describe the issue in your own words and attach files to the service request, and will route your service request to an appropriate engineer as fast as possible. You can also use this tool to update your service request. The tool will send an automatic alert to your Cisco TAC engineer when you submit an update.

For more information about creating a service request, or for information about phone support for Enterprises and Service Providers, including the contact numbers appropriate for your country, go to:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​web/​tsweb/​pdf/​cisco_​tools_​tsrt.pdf

For urgent situations regarding enterprise level products, use the Phone Support for Enterprises and Service Providers.

To make a service request, go to:

Support Cisco Worldwide Contacts

Cisco SMARTnet Service

Cisco SMARTnet Service is an award-winning technical support service that gives your IT staff direct, anytime access to Cisco engineers and extensive Cisco.com resources.

In addition to Cisco TAC phone support, Cisco SMARTnet Service includes unrestricted access to a range of online support resources, including the following:

  • Solve technical support issues online without opening a case

  • Quickly and easily access the latest security updates, patches, and fixes

  • Expand your expertise and skills with technical support, tips and advice from Cisco experts and other industry professionals

For more information about Cisco SMARTnet Service, go to:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​web/​services/​portfolio/​product-technical-support/​smartnet/​index.html

Cisco Unified Communications Software Subscription

Cisco Unified Communications Software Subscription increases business value by providing an economical and timely approach to upgrading to new Cisco technology. This approach optimizes return on investment (ROI) and reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) for Cisco Unified Communications Solutions. During the Cisco Unified Communications Software Subscription term, which can be 1, 2, 3, or 5 years, you can order major release software upgrades at no additional charge. Minor and maintenance release updates are a part of Cisco Unified Communications Essential Operate Service.

In addition to Cisco TAC phone support, Cisco SMARTnet Service includes unrestricted access to a range of online support resources, including the following:

  • Solve technical support issues online without opening a case

  • Quickly and easily access the latest security updates, patches, and fixes

  • Expand your expertise and skills with technical support, tips, and advice from Cisco experts and other industry professionals

For more information about Cisco Unified Communications Software Subscription, go to:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​products/​ps9158/​index.html

Career Certifications

Cisco offers the following levels of general IT certification:

  • The Associate level is the first step in general Cisco Certifications. It begins either with CCENT as an interim step to Associate level, or directly with CCNA for network operations or CCDA for network design. This level is the foundation level of networking certification.

  • The Professional level is the second level in general Cisco Certifications. It includes certifications such as CCNP, CCSP, CCDP, and CCIP each falling within a different certification path (or track) for meeting varying career needs. This level is an advanced level of certification that shows expertise with networking foundations.

  • The Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE®) certification is one of the highest technical networking certifications offered by Cisco.

  • The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is the highest level of technical networking certification offered by Cisco.

  • The Cisco Certified Architect certification is the highest level of accreditation achievable within the Cisco Certification program. It is the pinnacle for individuals wishing to show their formal validation of Cisco technologies and infrastructure architecture.

  • The Specialist designation certifies the expertise of experienced technical professionals, and those who have earned associate or professional-level Cisco Career Certifications. By earning specialist certifications, network professionals can enhance their core networking knowledge in technologies such as security, IP Communications, and wireless.

For more information about these Cisco Certifications, go to:

http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​web/​learning/​certifications/​index.html

Additional Sites and Services

Curriculum Planning Service offers a Cisco Technical Knowledge Library (TKL) and Curriculum Planning and Formal Training.

Cisco Unified Communications Services is a Cisco service offering that provides engineering expertise and best practices.

Cisco Collaboration Systems Demos

Tools are available to demonstrate the collaboration features of Cisco Collaboration Systems: