Historically there have been two flavors of Cisco VoIP phone systems. The first is called the Cisco Unified Communications Manager (aka Cisco CallManager). Version levels go from 1.0 to 8.0. These systems are for medium to large businesses. They consist of a large computer server running the Cisco software and an external router.
The second flavor is the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (aka Cisco CallManager Express). These systems are for medium to small businesses. They consist of a router running the Cisco CallManager Express software.
The source for Music On Hold typically comes from a) one or more WAV audio files stored inside the phone system or b) from one external “fixed audio source” or “Live MOH Feed”. This live feed can be a standard MOH audio player connected to a special sound card or USB adapter (older versions) or to an RJ11 connector (FX or E&M port) on the router (newer versions).
A group of newer, smaller phone systems called the Cisco UC 500 series and UC 300 series have been released to market. These systems are populated with a standard 1/8″ mini plug connection for the Music & Message On Hold source.
April 11, 2011 – 10:18 am
This is a newer, more affordable phone system offered by Cisco for a small business. Music & Messages On Hold are played into the system by using an external MOH player connected to a standard 1/8″ mini jack.
This is a newer phone system offered by Cisco, for small to medium sized customers. Music & Messages On Hold are played into the system by using an external MOH player connected to a standard 1/8″ mini jack. Newer models to this line are the 520, 540 and 560.
Music / Message On Hold can be handled in two methods by the Cisco Call Manager (CME): 1) an external On Hold player or 2) an internal WAV file.
By default, the CME is designed to Unicast a WAV audio file for Music On Hold using the internal MOH server. In Unicast mode the On Hold file will play from the beginning every time a caller is placed On Hold. The On Hold file will need to be emailed to the customer and a Cisco tech will be required to launch the file.
To use an external On Hold player for On Hold messaging, the user will configure the system to use a “Live MOH Feed”. With older versions, this was accomplished by using a 3rd party sound card or a USB adapter. Many of the newer routers are populated with FX or E&M ports (RJ11) which can be programmed as the On Hold port.
Zultys manufactures two models of IP phone systems for small to medium size companies. The MX30 supports up to 30 users and plays Music On Hold using a WAV file. The MX250 supports up to 250 users and plays Music On Hold from an external device.
This is an entry level VoIP phone system for a small business. An external digital player is required for Music & Message On Hold playback.
January 15, 2010 – 9:18 am
IPitomy is a newer VoIP system for small to medium size companies. The basic system supports up to 50 users, and larger models can support up to 500 users. Music & Messages On Hold requires the use of a digital audio file stored internally on the system. Currently, there is no external port available to support a digital On Hold player.
November 11, 2009 – 2:38 pm
ShoreTel is a popular VoIP phone system for small to medium size companies. A Music & Message On Hold system is connected via standard 1/8″ headphone jack. There are no current options available for playing a WAV file internally.
October 12, 2009 – 10:07 am
The WAVE IP is a popular VoIP system offered by Vertical Communications. There is an external plug that supports a digital On Hold player. This system can also broadcast a WAV file for Music On Hold.
October 11, 2009 – 10:06 am
Vertical Communications is the result of a 2004 merger between Comdial, Vodavi, Artisoft, and Vertical Networks. Generally speaking all Vertical and legacy products support an external, digital On Hold player. Many of their systems can also store and play a digital audio file (WAV) for On Hold.