Cisco Unified Communications Express: an overview
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (Cisco Unified CME), often called Cisco Unified Communications Express, is a voice and telephony solution designed for smaller organisations and branch offices. It provides call-processing features on supported Cisco routers, allowing businesses to run an IP phone system without deploying a separate, dedicated call-processing server.
What is Cisco Unified CME?
Cisco Unified CME runs on supported Cisco IOS or IOS XE platforms. The router manages functions such as registering compatible IP phones, setting up calls and applying phone-system features. Depending on the platform, software release and configuration, users can make and receive calls across an organisation, between sites or through a connection to a public telephone network.
Unlike Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), which is commonly used for larger and more complex deployments, Unified CME is intended for more compact environments. It can be a practical option for a small business or a branch that needs local call control and a focused set of voice features.
Common features
Available features depend on the hardware, software version, licences and phone models in use. A Unified CME deployment may include:
- IP phone registration and call control
- Internal extension dialling and call routing
- Call forwarding, call transfer, hold and conferencing
- Speed dial and shared line functions
- Integration with external telephone services, subject to the network configuration
- Voicemail and automated attendant capabilities when paired with a suitable solution
Voicemail is worth clarifying: Cisco Unity Express is a separate product that has commonly been used alongside Unified CME. Its availability and compatibility depend on the relevant platform and product version; it is not simply another name for Unified CME.
How it works
In a typical setup, compatible Cisco IP phones connect to the organisation’s network and register with the router running Unified CME. The router handles call control locally. Calls to other sites or external numbers can be routed through configured network links or telephony services.
Keeping call processing at a branch can help maintain local calling capabilities if the connection to a central site is interrupted. However, the actual level of resilience depends on the design: power, network access, external call routes and any supporting services still need to be considered.
Potential benefits
- Compact design: Call processing can be provided by a supported router, reducing the need for a separate call-control server in some deployments.
- Branch autonomy: Local call control can suit offices that need their own phone service or a degree of independence from a head office.
- Integration: Voice services can be configured alongside routing and other network functions, subject to the platform and design.
- Room to tailor: Administrators can configure calling behaviour to suit the organisation’s size and requirements.
Things to consider
Unified CME is a specialist system and requires careful planning. Before choosing or maintaining a deployment, check that the router, IOS or IOS XE release, IP phones, licences and any voicemail components are compatible with one another. Capacity and feature availability vary, so assumptions based on another installation may not apply.
Configuration and ongoing support may also require Cisco voice and networking expertise. Organisations should consider security, backups, power resilience, emergency-calling arrangements and how the system will connect to their chosen telephone services.
As with any established technology, product support and availability can change over time. If you are planning a new installation, upgrading an existing system or buying second-hand equipment, verify the current Cisco documentation and lifecycle information for every component. It may also be useful to compare Unified CME with newer cloud-based phone systems or other supported Cisco collaboration options.
Is Cisco Unified CME right for your organisation?
Cisco Unified CME may suit a smaller organisation or branch office that wants a locally managed Cisco IP telephony system and has the technical support to operate it. It is less likely to be the best fit where extensive collaboration features, large-scale central administration or a cloud-first approach are priorities.
The right choice depends on the number of users, required calling features, existing network equipment, support arrangements and long-term plans. A compatibility and requirements assessment can help determine whether Unified CME remains a suitable option or whether a different communications platform would be a better fit.
Cisco Unified Communications Express: Five Frequently Asked Questions
- What is CME in Cisco?
- What is Cisco Unified Communications?
- How much does CUCM cost?
- What is unified contact center express?
- Is Cisco CUCM a PBX?
What is CME in Cisco?
In Cisco, CME stands for Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, a call-control system for supported Cisco routers. It enables compatible IP phones to register with the router and provides features such as internal and external calling, call transfer and call forwarding. CME is generally designed for smaller businesses and branch offices that need a more compact alternative to a larger, centralised phone system.
What is Cisco Unified Communications?
Cisco Unified Communications is a range of technologies that brings together business communication tools—such as voice and video calls, messaging, meetings and collaboration—on a connected platform. Cisco Unified Communications Express, also known as Cisco Unified CME, is a small-business and branch-office telephony solution within this wider area, providing call control for compatible Cisco IP phones on supported Cisco routers.
How much does CUCM cost?
The cost of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) depends on the number of users and devices, the features required, and whether it will be deployed on-premises or in a supported virtual environment. You may also need to budget for licences, servers or other infrastructure, implementation, and ongoing support. Cisco pricing can vary by partner and contract, so there isn’t one fixed price; contact a Cisco partner for a quote based on your requirements. Note that CUCM is a separate, larger-scale platform from Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CME), so make sure you’re comparing the right solution.
What is unified contact center express?
Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX) is a contact centre platform for organisations that need to manage customer calls and other interactions. It can route contacts to the right agent or team, provide interactive voice response (IVR) menus, support agent workflows and offer reporting tools. UCCX commonly integrates with Cisco Unified Communications Manager, but its features and capacity depend on the software version, licensing and deployment. It is separate from Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CME), which provides call-control features for smaller phone systems.
Is Cisco CUCM a PBX?
Yes. Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) is a software-based IP PBX that manages an organisation’s calls, users, phones and calling features. Unlike a traditional on-site PBX, CUCM runs on supported servers or virtual machines and can support IP phones, softphones and other collaboration devices. It can also connect to public telephone services and other systems, depending on how it is deployed. Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CME) is a separate, smaller-scale call-control solution, so the two should not be confused.
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