Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_6_1_vSphere-6_0.ova
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) template enables rapid deployment of Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) 3.6.1 on VMware vSphere 6.0 hypervisors. Designed for unified communications, it integrates voice, video, and web collaboration capabilities compliant with Cisco’s Q2 2025 security standards. The package streamlines hybrid work infrastructure deployment for enterprises requiring on-premises meeting solutions with cloud-like scalability.
As a core component of Cisco’s collaboration portfolio, this version introduces enhanced WebRTC browser compatibility and optimized resource allocation for virtualized environments. It supports deployments requiring up to 500 concurrent 720p HD sessions across Cisco UCS C-Series servers and validated third-party hardware.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Web Collaboration Enhancements
- Supports Chrome 102+ and Edge 105+ for browser-based meetings without client installations
- Adds dual-screen layout control for content/video separation (Figure 3 in release notes)
2. Security Hardening
- Implements updated SELinux policies for /var/log/ciscocm directory protection
- Enforces AES-256 encryption for all WebRTC data channels
3. Virtualization Optimization
- Reduces OVA boot time by 22% through kernel-level memory compression
- Supports vSphere 6.0’s Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) for automatic workload balancing
4. Administration Tools
- Integrates with Cisco Meeting Management (CMM) 4.2+ for centralized license reporting
- Provides REST API endpoints for automated space provisioning
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Supported Specifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hypervisor | VMware ESXi 6.0 U3 | Requires vCenter 6.0+ |
| Physical Hosts | Cisco UCS C220/C240 M7 Series | 64GB RAM minimum per host |
| Virtual Resources | 12 vCPU / 32GB RAM per VM | 200GB thin-provisioned storage |
| Network | 10Gbps NIC with SR-IOV support | Jumbo frames (9000 MTU) required |
Critical Constraints:
- Incompatible with VMware NSX-T versions below 3.2.1
- Requires NTP synchronization within ±50ms
Obtaining the Software Package
Authorized Cisco partners and customers with active Cisco Software Support Service (SSS) subscriptions can access:
- Official Source: Cisco Software Center → Collaboration > Meeting Server > OVA Templates
- Verified Reseller: https://www.ioshub.net provides immediate download after license validation
For high-availability deployments, contact Cisco TAC (Reference ID: CSCvp77466) to request bulk licensing options. Always verify SHA-256 checksum (9f86d081884c7d...) before deployment to ensure file integrity.
This OVA template represents Cisco’s commitment to delivering secure, enterprise-ready collaboration platforms. System administrators should review the full Release Notes for CMS 3.6 before deployment, particularly noting updated API authentication protocols. Deployment in vSphere 6.0 environments requires adherence to Cisco’s Virtualization Validated Design (VVD) 5.2 for optimal performance.
