What is the Discovery phase?
The Discovery phase is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring a seamless migration from on-premises solutions like Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) to cloud-based platforms such as Webex Calling. This phase helps businesses identify and address potential challenges before the migration, ensuring that all aspects of the UC system, including devices, licenses, and network infrastructure, are prepared for the cloud transition.
UC Discovery and Migration Steps
1. Phone and Device Compatibility
One of the first and most important steps in the Discovery process is assessing phone and device compatibility.
Using automated discovery tools, businesses can perform a compatibility check of their existing devices (Cisco IP phones, softphones, and SIP-enabled devices), ensuring they will function properly with the new cloud-based system. If any devices are incompatible, businesses can plan to replace or upgrade them in advance, avoiding delays and ensuring that users are fully equipped to use Webex Calling once the migration begins. The main advantages of automated discovery tools are significantly reducing human errors and saving valuable time. By preparing devices early, businesses can minimize the risk of disruptions and issues after the cutover to the cloud.
2. License Usage and Cloud Readiness
A critical part of the discovery phase is reviewing license usage to ensure businesses have the appropriate licenses for Webex Calling. Webex Calling operates on a different license model than on-prem solutions like CUCM, so businesses must evaluate their license requirements to ensure they have enough licenses for both users and devices.
Also, cloud-readiness is assessed to ensure the existing infrastructure is compatible with Webex Calling. This involves reviewing key network elements such as bandwidth, firewall settings, and overall network architecture to confirm the system can support Webex Calling at scale. Ensuring cloud-readiness early in the process avoids bottlenecks during the migration, ensuring that call quality and system reliability are maintained after cutover.
3. SIP Trunks and Voice Gateways
For businesses using SIP trunks and voice gateways to connect their internal systems to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), it’s important to assess these components during the Discovery phase. These tools ensure that existing SIP trunk configurations are compatible with Webex Calling, allowing for a smooth transition without losing PSTN connectivity.
Whether transitioning from legacy PBX systems or integrating with Webex Calling’s cloud infrastructure, businesses need to ensure that voice gateways can handle the expected call volume and that SIP trunking is correctly configured. The discovery tools automatically verify that the existing infrastructure is capable of supporting the cloud telephony requirements, reducing any unexpected issues during migration.
4. Third-Party Integrations and Business Applications
Many enterprises rely on third-party integrations such as CRM systems, contact center solutions, and email platforms as part of their unified communications ecosystem. During the discovery process, these integrations must be assessed to ensure they are compatible with Webex Calling.
The discovery process includes an integration audit, where businesses can evaluate how their third-party applications (such as CRM or call center tools) will interact with Webex Calling. If any integrations require updates or changes, these can be identified and addressed early in the migration process, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted transition to the cloud platform.
The Benefits of running a Discovery process before migrating to Webex Calling
- Identifies all components of the existing UC system to ensure compatibility with Webex Calling.
- Prevents common issues such as device incompatibility, licensing gaps, or network mismatches.
- Enables better planning by uncovering technical and operational requirements in advance.
- Reduces the risk of delays or disruptions during migration.
- Ensures a smoother, more efficient transition to Webex Calling through proactive preparation.
The Discovery phase is a vital part of the migration journey, helping businesses ensure that everything, from network infrastructure to licenses and devices, is ready for the new cloud-based environment. By completing this phase thoroughly, businesses can enter the migration process with confidence, knowing they are fully prepared for a seamless transition to Webex Calling.
If you’re looking for a streamlined migration process, contact us today for the successful execution of your Webex Calling migration.
