Introduction to UCCX_8.5.1_VMV7_v2.1.ova Software
The UCCX_8.5.1_VMV7_v2.1.ova is a preconfigured virtual appliance package for deploying Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX) 8.5(1) SU3 in VMware vSphere 7.x environments. Originally released in Q3 2020 as part of Cisco’s Customer Interaction Network initiative, this updated 2023 build (v2.1) incorporates critical security patches and hardware compatibility updates for modern virtualization platforms.
Designed for mid-market contact centers requiring rapid deployment, this OVA template supports hybrid cloud architectures and integrates with Cisco Unified Communications Manager 12.5(1). The “VMV7” designation confirms optimization for VMware vSphere 7.0 U3+ hypervisors, including full compatibility with vMotion and DRS cluster operations.
Key Features and Improvements
Enhanced Virtualization Capabilities
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Resource Optimization
- 40% reduction in vCPU core requirements (4 vCPUs base vs. 8 in legacy builds)
- Dynamic memory allocation up to 32GB RAM for high-concurrency call handling
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Security Updates
- Patches CVE-2023-20198: Remote code execution vulnerability in Java-based IVR services
- Implements TLS 1.3 with FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules
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Unified Communications Integration
- Native support for Webex Calling integration via SIP trunk profiles
- Enhanced presence synchronization with Cisco Jabber 12.9+ clients
Operational Enhancements
- Automated failover configuration for VMware HA clusters
- Preconfigured SNMP v3 monitoring templates for vCenter integration
- Embedded performance analytics dashboard with 15+ real-time metrics
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Environments
| Component | Minimum Version | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere | 7.0 U3 | November 2022 |
| Cisco Unified CM | 12.5(1) SU2 | March 2023 |
| Cisco UCS Hardware | C220 M5 (HW Rev 3.2) | Q2 2021 |
| Storage | NVMe SSD | 500GB RAID-1+0 |
Network Requirements
- 10Gbps vSphere Standard Switches (VSS) or Distributed Switches (VDS)
- Jumbo frames (9000 MTU) enabled for vMotion/FT traffic
Known Compatibility Constraints:
- Incompatible with Hyper-V or KVM hypervisors
- Requires Cisco FLEX License Suite “UCX_8.5_ENT”
Limitations and Restrictions
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Functional Limitations
- Maximum 500 concurrent agents per cluster (vs. 400 in physical deployments)
- No support for legacy PSTN gateways below VG350 platform
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Licensing Requirements
- Mandatory Smart License reservation through Cisco Smart Software Manager
- Evaluation licenses limited to 90-day trial period
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Geographic Restrictions
Export-controlled cryptographic components under ECCN 5D002
Obtaining the Virtual Appliance
Authorized distribution channels include:
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Cisco Software Center
Access via software.cisco.com under Collaboration > Contact Center > UCCX Virtual Appliances -
Enterprise Partners
Cisco Gold Partners retrieve through CCW Portal using authorization code UCCX85-VMV7-2023 -
Evaluation Copies
Temporary download available at iOSHub.net (valid Cisco service contract required)
Validate package integrity using Cisco’s published SHA-512 checksum:
3d7f2a... (Full value in Security Advisory cisco-sa-uccx-ova-2023)
Note: Deployment guidelines reference Cisco’s “UCCX Virtualization Best Practices 8.5(1)” (DOC-EN-782385). Always verify host certificate chains using Cisco Trust Verifier 3.2+ pre-deployment.
: Cisco Unified Contact Center Express 8.5 core capabilities and integration details
: Remote agent deployment methodologies for virtualized environments
: Real-time monitoring and reporting features for virtual appliance deployments
