For more than 20 years, Solutel has worked alongside Cisco CallManager. In August 2024 Solutel says Goodbye! to its CallManager and Hello! to Webex Calling.

This change marks an evolution in cloud communication solutions, adapted to the demands of modern enterprises. Cisco CallManager, now known as Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), has evolved significantly since its initial launch, adapting to new technologies and needs in business communication and giving way to Webex Calling.

Evolution to Webex Calling

1. The Early Years (1997-2000): The Birth of Cisco CallManager

• Cisco CallManager was launched in 1997 as an IP call management platform for handling voice communications over IP networks, revolutionizing enterprise communications by migrating from analog telephony systems to voice over IP (VoIP).
• At this time, Cisco CallManager was designed primarily to provide basic voice services and some limited conferencing and call routing capabilities.

2. First Advanced Functionalities (2000-2006)

• Cisco began integrating advanced management capabilities, voice messaging and instant messaging services.
• In 2003, with version 4.x, Cisco CallManager added support for more devices and scalability capabilities, making it easier to deploy in larger enterprises.
• Integration with Cisco Unity for voice mail and Cisco IP Contact Center (IPCC) for contact centers, enabling more advanced call center management.

3. Name Change and Capacity Expansion (2006-2008)

• In 2006, Cisco rebranded CallManager as Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), reflecting its expansion into a unified communications (UC) solution.
• CUCM 5.0 introduced a new Linux-based platform (instead of Windows), providing a more secure, robust and scalable system.
• It added support for video, which was an important advance in the integration of videoconferencing into the same voice platform.

4. Evolution towards UC and Collaboration (2008-2015)

• Starting with CUCM 7.x and 8.x, Cisco expanded the capabilities of CUCM to integrate voice, video, instant messaging and presence communications into a single solution.
• CUCM 8.x brought improvements in scalability, redundancy capabilities and support for SIP Trunking, which facilitated integration with VoIP service providers.
• With CUCM 9.x and 10.x, Cisco added collaboration tools, improved interoperability with other communication systems, and added support for mobility (such as voice calls from mobile devices).

5. From Cisco Collaboration to the Cloud: Integration and Collaboration (2015-2020)

• In releases such as CUCM 11.x and 12.x, Cisco began to support integration with cloud solutions, such as Cisco Webex, enabling hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments.
• Introduction of features such as Cisco Spark Hybrid Services (later Cisco Webex Teams), allowing users to collaborate in a more flexible and scalable environment.
• Cisco integrated advanced analytics capabilities to monitor call performance and quality, improving the end-user experience.

6. Cisco Webex Calling (2020-Present): Evolution to the Cloud and Complete Collaboration. From Cisco CallManager to Webex Calling.

• Cisco has pushed into the cloud with Webex Callinga cloud-native service that fully integrates with CUCM, to provide enterprises with the option of a 100% cloud or hybrid solution.
• Artificial intelligence capabilities were enhanced in Webex, including meeting transcription, real-time translation and noise detection.

CUCM remains part of Cisco Unified Communications in enterprises that require an on-premises infrastructure, but migration options to Webex and cloud solutions have become more accessible.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) Release 14 introduced key enhancements in security, performance and integration options.

Among the main new features are:

1. Advanced security: new end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication features to protect communications.
2. Optimized analysis and monitoring: improved call quality metrics and advanced diagnostic tools.
3. Hybrid support with Webex: extended integration for hybrid environments, facilitating interoperability between on-premises CUCM and Webex cloud services.
4. Scalability and performance improvements: resource optimization for a greater number of users and devices.
5. Artificial Intelligence Support: Advanced AI features were implemented, such as noise cancellation and voice enhancement.

These changes made CUCM 14 a more secure and adaptable platform, especially for companies looking for hybrid communications options.

Comment that the latest version of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) is version 15, released in December 2023, with a minor update (15.1.X). This release includes major infrastructure changes, such as the transition to a 64-bit system on AlmaLinux, and limited support for VMware ESXi 7.0 or higher. CUCM 15 also improves integration with Webex Cloud, adding options such as enhanced survivability node (ESN) and centralized clustered software management.

7. Future Trends: Artificial Intelligence and Unified Communication

• Cisco continues to develop its UC solution with a focus on artificial intelligence, enhanced security and advanced analytics to optimize the user experience.
• The ability to integrate with collaboration applications, third-party devices and analytics systems has made CUCM a platform tailored to today’s demand for unified communication, with flexible options that can operate entirely in the cloud, on-premises or in a hybrid environment.

Evolution Summary: From Cisco CallManager to Webex Calling

Solutel’s Evolution: Cloud Telephony with Webex Calling

In August 2024 Solutel says Goodbye! to its Call Manager and Hello! to Webex Calling.

In August 2024 Solutel has shut down its Call Manager and welcomed Webex Calling.

Why Solutel Chooses Webex Calling?

For a number of strategic and technological reasons that respond to changing market needs that companies are requesting. Here are some of the key reasons:

Remote and Enhanced Hybrid Work

With the rise of remote and hybrid work, companies need communication solutions that are flexible and accessible from anywhere. Webex Calling enables employees to connect and collaborate regardless of their location, which is critical in today’s work environment.

Integration of Collaboration tools

Webex Calling is designed to integrate seamlessly with other tools in the Webex suite, with the webex APP, providing a complete collaboration experience. This facilitates unified communication, where users can securely make calls, send messages and participate in video conferences on a single platform.

Operating Cost Savings

Cloud telephony solutions such as Webex Calling significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional telephony infrastructure. This includes savings on hardware, maintenance and systems management, which is attractive to companies looking to optimize their budget.

Scalability and Flexibility

Webex Calling allows companies to scale their telephony services according to their needs, without the need for significant infrastructure investments. This is especially useful for growing companies that may require more lines or functionality as they expand their operations.

Simplified Maintenance and Upgrades

As a cloud-based solution, Cisco takes care of system maintenance and upgrades, freeing IT teams from these tasks and ensuring that companies always use the latest technology without interruption.

Security and Compliance

Cisco is known for its focus on security and compliance. Webex Calling includes advanced security and privacy features, which is essential for companies that handle sensitive information or operate in regulated industries.

Continuous Innovation

Cisco is constantly investing in R&D to deliver new features and functionality to enhance the user experience. This ensures that companies using Webex Calling benefit from the latest innovations in communication technology.

Support for Diverse Business Needs

Webex Calling can adapt to different types of businesses and sizes, from small and medium-sized companies to large corporations, offering customizable solutions that meet diverse organizational needs.

Ease of Use and Adoption

Webex Calling’s intuitive interface and accessible features make it easy for employees to adopt, contributing to a smoother transition from traditional telephony systems.

Solutel has adopted Webex Calling as its telephony solution to offer a modern, flexible and secure option that aligns with the current needs of companies and allows them to improve their communication and collaboration in an efficient way.

Solutel offers services to its Webex Calling telephony customers with Multitenant architecture!

The Webex Calling solution has a multi-tenant architecture which means that multiple customers can use the same Webex Calling cloud infrastructure and platform, each maintaining a separate and secure environment.

Solutel has the capacity to provide geographic numbering in the following countries, as long as the customer’s presence in the country is proven :

Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, El Salvador, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States and Venezuela.

Benefits of Webex Calling’s Multitenant Architecture

Security and Data Isolation

• The multitenant architecture ensures that each client’s data is completely isolated from other clients, maintaining confidentiality and information integrity.
• Customers have their own user and administration environment within Webex Calling, with controlled access and segregated call data to ensure privacy.

Scalability and Resource Efficiency

• By allowing multiple organizations to share the same cloud infrastructure, Webex Calling can scale efficiently, adding capacity as needed without impacting each individual customer’s infrastructure.
• Companies can grow or shrink depending on their communication needs, which is ideal for expanding organizations or those managing temporary users.

Ease of Administration for Suppliers and Administrators

• Service providers (MSPs) and administrators can manage and configure customer accounts from a centralized console, facilitating the administration of multiple organizations.
• Through a unified administration portal, it is possible to manage configurations, licenses, and user settings efficiently and without having to maintain a separate infrastructure for each customer.

Upgrades and Maintenance in the Cloud

• As a cloud-based system, Webex Calling offers regular software updates and new functionalities for all users, without the need for intervention in each customer’s local infrastructure.
• Upgrades are rolled out automatically and simultaneously to all customers, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest technology and improvements in security and functionality.

Reduced Operating Costs

• The multi-tenant architecture allows Solutel to optimize operating costs by sharing infrastructure, maintenance and resources among multiple customers. This also translates into more affordable costs for end users.
• Customers pay only for the usage and services they need, which is advantageous for businesses of all sizes, especially those looking for affordable cloud telephony options.

Support for Customers of All Sizes

• Webex Calling in a multi-tenant environment is suitable for both small businesses and large corporations, as each customer can customize its functionalities and configurations according to their needs.
• This flexibility allows Webex Calling to offer its services to a wide variety of industries and types of organizations.

Ease of Integration

• The multitenant architecture allows Webex Calling to integrate with other services and applications (such as CRM and productivity tools) without compromising the security and functionality of data shared among multiple clients.

Support

• We can easily manage multiple organizations and customers in a single system, facilitating the provision of support and customized configurations.
• We can implement and monitor solutions for several clients in a centralized way, which optimizes the support and management of Webex Calling solutions.

Conclusion

Webex Calling’s multi-tenant architecture allows Solutel to offer its customers a flexible, secure, and scalable cloud telephony solution for businesses of all sizes, while easing administration and optimizing costs. This architecture is ideal for organizations seeking a modern unified communications solution without the complexities of a traditional telephony infrastructure.