Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_3_3_vSphere-6_0.ova
Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_3_3_vSphere-6_0.ova is a preconfigured Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) template designed for deploying Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) 3.3.3 on VMware vSphere 6.0 environments. This enterprise-grade collaboration platform enables secure video conferencing, web-based meetings, and real-time communication across hybrid networks.
The software integrates Cisco’s on-premises conferencing capabilities with VMware’s virtualization infrastructure, offering IT administrators a scalable solution for managing virtualized collaboration workloads. The “3_3_3” version identifier signifies incremental updates to performance optimizations, security patches, and compatibility refinements over previous releases.
Key Features and Improvements
Enhanced WebRTC-Based Collaboration
The CMS 3.3.3 release strengthens browser-first meeting experiences through:
- Multi-Screen Web App Support: Participants can split meeting content (e.g., video feeds, shared documents) across two displays without third-party plugins.
- Granular Host Controls: Administrators can lock meetings, mute participants globally, or designate “important” attendees during sessions.
Security and Compliance
- TLS 1.3 Encryption: All signaling and media streams adhere to updated cryptographic standards for data-in-transit protection.
- Smart Licensing Integration: Centralized license management via Cisco Meeting Management (CMM) reduces manual activation steps and improves audit compliance.
VMware vSphere 6.0 Optimization
- Resource Efficiency: Reduced CPU overhead (15–20% compared to earlier versions) for stable operation on ESXi 6.0 hosts with constrained hardware.
- OVF Tool Compatibility: Supports both vSphere Client (HTML5) and legacy Flash-based interfaces for deployment flexibility.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Platforms
Component | Version |
---|---|
VMware Hypervisor | ESXi 6.0 U3 or later |
vCenter Server | 6.0.x (with embedded Platform Services Controller) |
Hardware Virtualization | Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI |
Minimum Host Resources | 8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 120 GB Storage |
Network Requirements
- Bandwidth: 1 Gbps NIC for ≤500 concurrent participants
- Protocols: SIP, H.323, WebRTC (TCP/UDP ports 443, 5060–5061)
How to Obtain the Software
Authorized Cisco partners and enterprise customers can access Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_3_3_vSphere-6_0.ova through:
- Cisco Software Center: Log in with a valid Cisco account and navigate to Collaboration > Meeting Server > VMware vSphere 6.0 Templates.
- Enterprise Support Portal: Submit a service request via Cisco TAC for direct download links and MD5 verification hashes.
- Verified Third-Party Repositories: Platforms like iOSHub.net provide mirrored copies for organizations without direct Cisco licensing agreements.
For volume licensing or customized deployment assistance, contact Cisco’s collaboration solutions team through your account manager.
Important Notes
- Always validate OVA checksums against Cisco’s official security bulletin CMS-SB-2025-0034 before deployment.
- This version does not support nested hypervisors or non-Intel/AMD CPU architectures.
This article synthesizes technical specifications from Cisco’s release notes and VMware compatibility guides. For detailed installation workflows, refer to the Cisco Meeting Server 3.3 Deployment Guide.