Cisco Unified Communications Architecture
The Cisco Unified Communications System fully integrates communications by enabling
data, voice, and video to be transmitted over a single network infrastructure using
standards-based IP. Leveraging the framework provided by Cisco IP hardware and software
products, the Cisco Unified Communications System has the capability to address
current and emerging communications needs in the enterprise environment. The Cisco
Unified Communications family of products is designed to optimize feature functionality,
reduce configuration and maintenance requirements, and provide interoperability with
a variety of other applications. The Cisco Unified Communications System provides and
maintains a high level of availability, quality of service (QoS), and security for the
network
The Cisco Unified Communications System incorporates and integrates the following
communications technologies:
■ IP telephony: IP telephony refers to technology that transmits voice communications
over a network using IP standards. Cisco Unified Communications System includes
hardware and software products such as call processing agents, IP phones (both
wired and wireless), voice messaging systems, video devices, and other special
applications.
■ Customer contact center: Cisco IP Contact Center products combine strategy with
architecture to enable efficient and effective customer communications across a global
network. This allows organizations to draw from a broader range of resources to
service customers. These resources include access to a large pool of customer service
agents and multiple channels of communication as well as customer self-help tools.
■ Video telephony: The Cisco Unified Video Advantage products enable real-time
video communications and collaboration using the same IP network and call processing
agent as Cisco Unified Communications. With Cisco Unified Video
Advantage, making a video call is just as easy as dialing a phone number.
■ Rich-media conferencing: Cisco Conference Connection and Cisco Unified
MeetingPlace enhance the virtual meeting environment with an integrated set of IPbased
tools for voice, video, and web conferencing.
■ Third-party applications: Cisco works with other companies to provide a selection
of third-party IP communications applications and products. This helps businesses
focus on critical needs such as messaging, customer care, and workforce
optimization.