Cisco's IP telephony products offer great flexibility, a large feature set, and stand up well to every day corporate use. That being said, they're also not the cheapest in the field.
Cisco's 7960 phone site
Most Cisco IP Phones come pre-loaded with Cisco's proprietary SCCP protocol, for use with the Cisco CallManager or Cisco CallManager Express software. To gain SIP capabilities, one must have a service contract with Cisco and download/install the SIP Firmware for the phone.
Cisco no longer sells service contracts directly, so you have to order the service contract from a Cisco reseller. CDW and Insight are known to sell maintenance contracts for IP Phones.
If you're just looking to obtain firmware for an IP phone, and you are not located inside the United States, then the minimum should be an $8 agreement for one year (P/N CON-SNT-CP7960), chances are you don't need a three year on-site agreement for well over $100. For customers located inside the United States, it is almost 100% likely you will have to purchase the $75, catch-all service contract. By "catch-all" I mean that it includes "firmware" updates and technical support for one year on any Cisco VOIP phone. Lately, CDW has been cancelling orders for US based customers that try to order the $8 support plan after they figure out that they are not supposed to sell it.
The Cisco part number for the < $10 International contract is CON-SNT-CP7960 for the 7960, and CON-SNT-ATA186 for the ATA-186. Note: While trying to get a service contract some have been told that the part number (for either the ATA 186 or 7960) was CON-SNT-PKG1 which runs $60-80.
It will take one of the largest technology companies on the planet several days to process your request at which point you'll get a contract number via email. After registering your contract number on their service center website the technically advanced system will tell you a person will validate your contract and grant you access to the firmware files you need within 24 hours.
If you buy new (and not from a VOIP provider) you should get at least one free support call. You may be able to convince them to provide you with one free download of the firmware without a service contract.
Even if you do not purchase a separate support contract, any new Cisco phone sold through an authorized partner will come with a basic manufacturer's warranty, entitling you to technical support, and in some cases, software downloads. You will need to be registered on the Cisco.com website; call 1-800-553-2447 with that user ID and your phones serial number and ask to open a new case for assistance downloading software. It might not work for all software/firmware, but so long as your phone's warranty is still active, you can at least get a case opened and see what the engineer can provide you with.
If you are buying these phones from someone who is already using them and has a support contract through Cisco, be aware that you will need them to add your billing address to their support contract before Cisco will even talk to you. Cisco seems to be clamping down on the used-phone market by throwing up all of these roadblocks.
Some of the Cisco IP Phones come with a large screen and are capable of interfacing with data applications through a specific Cisco XML language. Application development frameworks such as the DashPhone Application Server help programmers to easily integrate these phones as data terminal devices that interface with enterprise databases and applications.
Cisco's 7960 phone site
Products
Most Cisco IP Phones come pre-loaded with Cisco's proprietary SCCP protocol, for use with the Cisco CallManager or Cisco CallManager Express software. To gain SIP capabilities, one must have a service contract with Cisco and download/install the SIP Firmware for the phone.
Service Contract
Cisco no longer sells service contracts directly, so you have to order the service contract from a Cisco reseller. CDW and Insight are known to sell maintenance contracts for IP Phones.
If you're just looking to obtain firmware for an IP phone, and you are not located inside the United States, then the minimum should be an $8 agreement for one year (P/N CON-SNT-CP7960), chances are you don't need a three year on-site agreement for well over $100. For customers located inside the United States, it is almost 100% likely you will have to purchase the $75, catch-all service contract. By "catch-all" I mean that it includes "firmware" updates and technical support for one year on any Cisco VOIP phone. Lately, CDW has been cancelling orders for US based customers that try to order the $8 support plan after they figure out that they are not supposed to sell it.
The Cisco part number for the < $10 International contract is CON-SNT-CP7960 for the 7960, and CON-SNT-ATA186 for the ATA-186. Note: While trying to get a service contract some have been told that the part number (for either the ATA 186 or 7960) was CON-SNT-PKG1 which runs $60-80.
It will take one of the largest technology companies on the planet several days to process your request at which point you'll get a contract number via email. After registering your contract number on their service center website the technically advanced system will tell you a person will validate your contract and grant you access to the firmware files you need within 24 hours.
If you buy new (and not from a VOIP provider) you should get at least one free support call. You may be able to convince them to provide you with one free download of the firmware without a service contract.
Even if you do not purchase a separate support contract, any new Cisco phone sold through an authorized partner will come with a basic manufacturer's warranty, entitling you to technical support, and in some cases, software downloads. You will need to be registered on the Cisco.com website; call 1-800-553-2447 with that user ID and your phones serial number and ask to open a new case for assistance downloading software. It might not work for all software/firmware, but so long as your phone's warranty is still active, you can at least get a case opened and see what the engineer can provide you with.
If you are buying these phones from someone who is already using them and has a support contract through Cisco, be aware that you will need them to add your billing address to their support contract before Cisco will even talk to you. Cisco seems to be clamping down on the used-phone market by throwing up all of these roadblocks.
XML Programming
Some of the Cisco IP Phones come with a large screen and are capable of interfacing with data applications through a specific Cisco XML language. Application development frameworks such as the DashPhone Application Server help programmers to easily integrate these phones as data terminal devices that interface with enterprise databases and applications.
Mass Deployment
Installing many Cisco phones in a new install or just stream lining your current install? Read cisco mass deploymentSee Also:
- SCCP: Skinny Client Control Protocol (usually just "Skinny")
- How to install SIP on a 7940/7960
- SIP | SIP Setup on 7940/7960
- So you blew up your 7940/7960 trying to load new firmware
- Using 79xx phones with Asterisk
- Using used 79xx phones with Covad Voip
- VOIP Phones | Asterisk configurations of VOIP phones
- Asterisk sip dtmfmode — Cisco phones should be set to: dtmf_inband: "0" , and dtmf_outofband: "avt_always" (or it won't work through IAX2 trunks)
- Inside & Outside Pictures of Cisco 7940
- DashPhone Application Server — Platform for writing data-centeric applications for IP Phones
- DashPhone CXP — Middleware to make Cisco XML applications available on Non-Cisco IP Phones, PDAs and cell phones with zero programming
- 888VoipStore.com - Best Prices on Cisco VoIP. Call for reseller pricing. 888-VOIPSTORE. Worlwide Shipping
- click4pbx Reselling Cisco IP Phones at affordable prices.
- .e4 Tech The internet's premiere resource for VoIP and Asterisk related hardware- FREE ASTERISK SUPPORT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS!
- Argentina - 3tech SRL, Provisión y soporte de teléfonos Cisco. reconfiguración con protocolo SIP. Configuración con trixbox y asterisk, soporte en sitio.
- Argentina - Voxdata, Venta y soporte de telefonos Cisco sobre centrales Asterisk
- DORETEL Communications, Inc. Cisco Partner that provides all "Authorized" Cisco IP Phones & SMARTnet Contracts
- IT Help and Support Centre Global Supplier of Cisco SMARTnet contracts
- http://www.pbxselect.com Cisco Premier Partner - Unified Callmanager Express Specialist VoIP-INFO.org members.
- Telephonyware - Reseller of Cisco IP Phones
- VoIPexit Reselling Cisco IP Phones at affordable prices.
- VoIPsolutions Shipping all of Europ
- Voipsupply.com - Largest, "VoIP-Specific" VAR in North America - Enter Discount Code "WIKI5OFF" at checkout and receive a 5% discount valid for all
- Whole sale Cisco IP Phones: We are a cisco partner and provide Cisco phones in wholesale price. Worlwide Shipping.
Comments
3337961 default.61 file
Need those files in DHCP or FTP so it can find them.Thanks
333Service Contract for Cisco Phone
The best solution for firmware/software only updates (no hardware cover) is the CON-SW-PKG1-VS, currently under $60.
It's delivered by email, so be wary of anybody adding delivery charges, plus it's a global product so you can buy from anywhere.
Obviously we sell it for the best price...
CON-SW-PKG1
IT Help and Support Centre
UK SMB Select Cisco Partner
+(44) 8702 863 777
info1@ithsc.com
333Do you need Cisco phones? Call us we can help!
Visit us online today... www.doretel.com
Shane Breen
Doretel Communications, Inc.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Cisco Registered Partner
Office: 404.755.5721
Fax: 404.521.4639
sbreen@doretel.com
AIM: shanebreen2003
www.doretel.com
3337940G, 7960G may reboot if volume is set to maximum
<br>
The phone may reboot if volume is set to maximum, a call is placed to it, and the caller makes a loud noise. This occurs with the SIP or SCCP software loads.
<p>
Workaround:
Reduce the volume on the phone.
<p>
Solution:
(SIP) download version 7.5 or later release ;
(SCCP) download version 7.2(1) or later release
333MWI for the 7960
If so, please post.
Most appreciated,
Jason
333CDW says blow off, we ain't sellin' it
First they cancelled my order, saying they thought it was 'fraudulent', because I hadn't answered their e-mail within 24 hours. Like someone is going to go do card fraud for some highly obscure $8 service contract.
Then they had the nerve to tell me I had to buy the CON-SNT-PKG1:
> I apologize if this is becoming a clear inconvenience, but
> Cisco just informed me that you are purchasing something
> that is for international orders only. I was unable to get
> this out Friday, and inquired about it again this morning
> and they got back to me telling me that it should be part #
> 094824, which is enclosed in the quote below, instead.
> This hasn't been the easiest for both of us, and if you
> decide to go elsewhere, I understand.
> Thanks and have a good Monday.
After my next reply, they wrote back:
> Thanks for getting back to me. I've been speaking with my
> specialists over here, as well as onsite personnel for Cisco, and
> the new quote was the solution that we came up with.
> Our best recommendation at this point will be to purchase the
> service pack at the organization you were able to get the
> hardware from. Yes, we get technology to our customers right
> away, but before we do that we make sure that it is the 'right
> solution.' I apologize if this has been an inconvenience once
> again, but I understand this is an urgent product that you need
> immediately. We take care of our customers here; including if
> it means suggesting you go elsewhere when we don't have
> something.
What a jerk.
333Good Cisco Link
333Codec