Cisco shrinks telephony platform for small office

Cisco Systems is downsizing its CallManager IP Communications system to fit into the small office environment.

The CallManager Express, which is being resold by at least one European carrier, is being integrated into Cisco’s IOS software, which in turn is being integrated into the vendor’s access routers. Additionally, the package includes Unity Express, a voice-mail and automated-attendant offering that also is part of the router line.

As part of the offering, which is now being offered by FastWeb in Italy, Cisco also has created a customer portal with 10 “blueprints” that show users how to create services specifically geared to the CallManager Express.

“It’s one place they can go to do research and connect with partners,” said Jean Dunn, director of marketing for Cisco’s routing group.

The move into the small office market, which Cisco defines as under 100 lines, brings with it some different application requirements, according to Mark Monday, director of product management for Cisco’s routing group. Among the first targets are those branch offices and small businesses using key/hybrid systems. However, the company is relying on the CallManager Express’ XML support to bring application developers, and even users, into the fold.

In one example, clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch is using the new system to push a list of retail outlets’ phone numbers to IP handsets that sit in their stores, allowing clerks to call other locations when they search for specific merchandise.

“It’s that kind of a very powerful but very simple application that works,” Monday said.