Installing CUCM on a VM

Installing CUCM on a VM is a common way to deploy Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) in a virtualized environment. A virtual CUCM installation can simplify server deployment, testing, maintenance, backup, and resource management.

This guide explains the basic process for installing CUCM on a VM, including preparing the VMware environment, creating the virtual machine, mounting the CUCM installation ISO, configuring network settings, and completing the initial CUCM installation.

Important: Always verify the supported virtualization platform, virtual machine specifications, and CUCM version against Cisco’s current compatibility documentation before deploying CUCM in production.

1. Logon to vmware (root/password)
2. Upload images to server datastore:
   – Right click “datastore1”, browse to the OVA-ISO folder. Upload files here.
3. File ➤ Deploy OVF Template, eg: \OVA-ISO\cucm_10.5_vmv8_v1.8.ova
4. Right click virtual machine, EDIT virtual machine settings, and insert a Boot CD!
   – the ISO image is the same for UNITY and CALL MANAGER, eg:
   \OVA-ISO\Bootable_UCSInstall_UCOS_10.5.2.11900-3.sgn.iso
   Make sure to check “Connect at power on”
5. Power machine on (press play), and select the “console” tab to watch progress.
6. After a successful boot, follow the installer prompts…
   – You will be asked some site specific stuff, be prepared, and record passwords!
7. Wait for the installer to finish. Don’t forget to uncheck CD “Connect at power on” check box.
8. Wait for login prompt in console. You should now be able to ping/logon to CUCM in a browser.
9. Select “Cisco Unified Serviceability” from the top right Navigation drop down
10. Goto: Tools ➤ Service Activation
11. Check all appropriate services for site, eg: Cisco CallManager, and Cisco TFTP, and Save.
12. After setup is complete, you should be able to add a phone in CM Administration (last slide).

Screen shots:

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