Why should I upgrade my Callmanager 4.x to a latest version?

Question

I was wondering, we've an operational Callmanager 4.1 that has been running for quiet 4-5 years and never felt like we've to upgrade until recently that we're being pushed by Cisco to upgrade our applications\servers as their End-Of-Life has been announced and we'll be soon left out of support!
My question is from business perspective, what're the key features\benefits we'll get if we upgrade let's say to the latest version of UCM 7.X? How do you explain (in simple language) some critical enhancements\improvements that we'll get especially in terms of functionality, if we upgrade our Callmanager 4.x to UCM 7.0?
Thank you all!

Answer 1

Hi!
Here are some reasons why you should upgrade to a later version:
1. As you just mentioned EoS/EoL. Older versions might be hitting bugs which will not be fixed
by the developers 'cause usually they fix new bugs on later versions. Also the support you can
get from TAC will end on EoS.
2. CUCM 5.X through 8.X versions run on Linux, whether 4.X version used Windows. Linux is
an appliance model which is faster, more robust, provides more security and is not affected
by viruses. Besides the installation is easier and faster, you don't need to install first an OS
and then the CUCM. No need for Microsoft patches, CSA, anti virus, etc. The Linux OS and
CUCM SW come embedded so you just need one installation disk.
3. With newer CUCM versions, newer features are introduced. For example older 4.X versions
do not support SIP endpoint registration, if you want to use newer features you will need to
upgrade. There have been several features introduced on newer versions, you can check them
on the Release Notes:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/7_1_3/cucm-rel_notes-713.html
4. If you are using other UC product such as Unity, CUC, UCCX, CUPS probably you'll need to
upgrade them too in case you want a new feature too. UC products have a compatibility between
them... it's important to check if you upgrade your CUCM if other products will need and upgrade
too or viceversa.
Compatibiliy info between CUCM and other UC products can be found here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/compat/ccmcompmatr.html
5. Newer versions such as 8.0 which can run on VMware. This means you can install it on a blade
server along with other UC coresident applications. Check out the requirements at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/rel_notes/8_0_1/delta/vmware.html
6. Just like with the CUCM SW, phone firmwares are also updated for later CUCM versions.
7. With newer CUCM versions you can use newer phones. Suppose right now you are fine with
7940s and 7960s... but as they are EoS/EoL when you want to buy new phones, your CUCM 4.X will
probably not support them and you will need to upgrade.
HTH,
Tere Stevens
Cisco Systems
Unified Communications PDI Team
www.cisco.com/go/pdihelpdesk