The Cistera ConvergenceServer™ (CCS) represents a new way of thinking about application services for telephony systems. It is a comprehensive solution for the deployment of scalable, reliable and flexible feature sets for IP Telephony. The CCS is an application server that provides users with a feature-rich environment that supports the way users work rather than making users bend to the IP Telephony platform. For administrators of IPT environments, it provides a robust and scalable platform for the deployment, monitoring and management of IPT applications.

Before Cistera Networks entered the IPT applications market, there were many small software vendors who built single point Windows-based applications that addressed specific point problems. Businesses could only deploy applications on an adhoc basis with discrete data-sources and multiple integration points. This complexity limited the ability of businesses to roll out new technologies in their IP telephony network. This approach to the market was obviously not scalable, created multiple and redundant administration requirements and integration between applications was difficult or even impossible.

Cistera recognized that in order to expand application services for IPT, integration between and within application services was essential. Cistera’s single, unified, platform approach for delivering IPT application services offers the security, availability, Quality of Service, manageability, and flexibility that customers require. The Cistera ConvergenceServer and its robust suite of application engines for Cisco’s CallManager and CallManagerExpress offers IPT applications that are easy to integrate and install, while delivering the functionality they need to enhance their productivity and extend the capabilities of the IP Communications network. Cistera’s unique applications platform can be configured to support small, medium and enterprise installations, and by linking multiple applications to CallManager and CallManagerExpress, it provides seamless integration of an IPT solution.

The Insight

Cistera's insight into Application Services was that in order for businesses to take advantage of next generation application services, it required a new way of thinking about how to deploy applications in the IPT platform. The administration should be consistent, the integration simple and intuitive, and the application function fun and simple to use. Cistera introduced the first consistent interface for IPT Applications that integrated Group Device Management, User Management and centralized provisioning for IPT Applications. Cistera continues to improve the administrator experience with the first Network Health tool for IPT Applications, Service LevelManager™, as well as the first Performance Monitoring tool specifically for the Cisco Call Management environment. Cistera’s latest release, Cistera 1.6, takes Network visibility to an entirely new level.

Cistera took a unique view in Application Services, by purchasing feature components to solve problems. The Cistera ConvergenceServer was the first application server that made it easy for customers to license sets of functionality to solve real world business problems. The successful QuickRecord™ and RapidBroadcast™ are examples of two tools that are linked together to solve real world problems such as adhoc recording of calls, and Hoot and Holler. Cistera was the first to make the concept of solution licensing for IPT Applications a reality by allowing customers to purchase the right solution set for their needs.

What makes the vision unique?

Purpose Built Around Customer Need, Not Technology Requirements. - The Cistera ConvergenceServer was developed to serve the needs of the end user. Simplify Services Menu, extension mobility support, quick Phone Objects builder, support for open RSS standards all allow users to benefit quickly from Internet technologies without having to involve developers. RSS for example, allows administrators to implement information from over 1 million RSS enabled web sources without the requirement of expensive proprietary formatting technology of competitors’ products.

Rapid Flexibility, Scalable Implementations. – Cistera Networks has over 400 enterprise class installations on the Cisco Call Manager platform and uses that experience to build world-class scalable IPT applications. Cistera has rapidly built out application engines that offer real-world solutions for the Education, Financial Services, Resources, Government and Manufacturing vertical markets. Examples include enabling communications interoperability between Police, Fire and Ambulance via the Land Mobile Radio Appliance enhanced by RapidBroadcast and QuickRecord; maintaining schedules and information for 40,000 students through PhoneRules and RapidBroadcast; and maintaining time and attendance records for 5,000 field staff by incorporating Cal Amp’s Time and Attendance solution into a CCS deployment.