Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM)

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	Cisco Unified Communications Manager (formerly CallManager) is an internet protocol (IP) based communications management technology that provides support for voice, video, messaging, mobility and web conferencing. Product capabilities include call processing (call origin, routing, and call termination), call feature administration (hold, transfer, forward, conference, and others), directory services, programming application programming interface (API) and backup/restore utilities. This entry covers the Desktop Edition of this technology and not any mobile versions. Please note that the implementation of mobile technology applications that operate on Mobile Operating Systems must be reviewed and approved by the Mobile Technology and Endpoint Security Engineering Team: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITMT/SitePages/MTHome.aspx
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v24.5
Decision Date:	05/24/2024 at 16:48:57 UTC
Aliases:	integrated communications; CallManager
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Cisco Systems, Inc

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

Version	Release Date	Vendor Desupport Date
8.x		07/31/2017
9.x	07/18/2012	12/31/2018
10.0	12/03/2013
10.5	05/27/2014
11.0	06/08/2015
11.5	03/21/2016
12.0	12/15/2017
12.1	01/18/2018
12.5	01/31/2019
14.x	10/27/2021
15.x	03/28/2024

Current Decision Matrix (05/21/2024)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VA IT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported. Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered unapproved for use.

Legend:

White	Approved: The technology/standard has been approved for use.
Yellow	Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unapproved: This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Divest: VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unapproved may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Prohibited: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Planning/Evaluation Constraint:The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

<Past

CY2023

CY2024

CY2025

Future>

Release

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

8.x

Unapproved

9.x

Unapproved

10.0

Unapproved

10.5

Unapproved

11.0

Unapproved

11.5

Unapproved

12.0

Unapproved

12.1

Unapproved

12.5

Divest
[12, 15, 16, 17, 18]

Unapproved

14.x

Approved w/Constraints
[12, 15, 16, 17, 18]

Approved w/Constraints
[12, 15, 17, 18, 19]

Divest
[12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Unapproved

15.x

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Decision Constraints


[1]	Due to multiple NIST and NSOC security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the product remains properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. Product must be operated in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines.

[2]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISO can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[3]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[4]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[5]	Configuration and deployment standards for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) images and their host Server images are defined and maintained by the Core Systems Engineering organization within VA Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE) and must be followed and adhered to unless an appropriate waiver is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.sde.portal.va.gov/svcs/sma/BCM/SitePages/Home.aspx New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a Systems Engineering Design Review (SEDR) (contact VA e-mail: VA IT ESE SEDR SEG) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[6]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[7]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[8]	Configuration and deployment standards for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) images and their host Server images are defined and maintained by the Core Systems Engineering organization within Veterans Affairs (VA) Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE) and must be followed and adhered to unless an appropriate waiver is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.sde.portal.va.gov/svcs/sma/BCM/SitePages/Home.aspx New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a WAN impact review (contact VA e-mail: OIT ITOPS SD Engagement Requests) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[9]	Configuration and specific standards for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) images and their host server images are defined and maintained by ITOPS Solution Delivery (SD). Operational deployment of UCM systems must be coordinated with ITOPS IO Unified Communications Infrastructure Support and unless an appropriate waiver approved by SD is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a WAN impact review (contact VA e-mail: OIT ITOPS SD Engagement Requests) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[10]	Configuration and specific standards for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) images and their host server images are defined and maintained by ITOPS Solution Delivery (SD). Operational deployment of UCM systems must be coordinated with ITOPS IO Unified Communications Infrastructure Support and unless an appropriate waiver approved by SD is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx

[11]	New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a WAN impact review (contact VA e-mail: [OIT ITOPS SD Engagement Requests]) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[12]	New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a WAN impact review (yourIT Service Portal:[SNOW Service Requests]) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[13]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[14]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[15]	Configuration and specific standards for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) images and their host server images are defined and maintained by ITOPS Solution Delivery (SD). Operational deployment of UCM systems must be coordinated with ITOPS IO Unified Communications Infrastructure Support and unless an appropriate waiver approved by SD is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx Users must not utilize the Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS) technology, as it is unapproved for use on the TRM. .

[16]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[17]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[18]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[19]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

[20]	The Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification status of this technology was not able to be verified. This technology will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information, where applicable. More information regarding the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) can be found on the NIST website.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 15.0 is the most current version, released 03/28/2024.

References

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Source	Description
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Technology Components

Note: This list may not be complete. No component, listed or unlisted, may be used outside of the technology in which it is released. The usage decision for a component is found in the Decision and Decision Constraints.
Name	Description
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Attendant Console	This component allows for calls to be picked up and routed to various users.

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Domain Area	Category	Customer Guidance	Category Locked By ELT Date
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Collaboration Software	Unified Messaging

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) - Approved w/Constraints
Windows Server - Approved w/Constraints

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

No runtime dependencies have been identified.

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This technology may improve productivity for specific staff whose responsibilities include enterprise communications through leveraging of the organization`s Internet Protocol (IP) network infrastructure.
This is a well-documented technology.
The vendor of this technology is an industry leader in the subject matter.

Adoption Risks

Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
The potential exists to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) and/or VA Sensitive data and proper security standards must be followed in these cases.
This technology may transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN).
This technology may utilize external data connections.
There are known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) associated with this technology. Please see https://nvd.NIST.gov/vuln/search for more details.
This technology can potentially be used in correlation with Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS), an unapproved technology.
Although this vendor utilizes Federal Information Processing (FIPS) 140-2 encryption, there is no indication based on the vendor documentation or the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) that this technology is Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certified.

Architectural Benefits

This technology is compatible with virtual machines, therefore consistent with the enterprise Server Virtualize First Policy (VAIQ 7266972 08-27-2012).
This technology is portable as it runs on multiple TRM-approved operating systems.

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VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

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