Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_7_2_vSphere-6_5.ova
Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_7_2_vSphere-6_5.ova is a preconfigured virtual appliance designed for deploying Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) 3.7.2 on VMware vSphere 6.5 platforms. This Open Virtualization Archive (OVA) file simplifies the deployment of Cisco’s on-premises collaboration solution, enabling secure video/audio conferencing, web collaboration, and hybrid meeting experiences with Webex integration.
Released in Q3 2023 (exact dates vary by region), version 3.7.2 focuses on enhancing interoperability with legacy VMware environments while maintaining compliance with modern security standards. The software targets enterprises requiring scalable, self-hosted meeting infrastructure with granular control over data residency. Compatible systems include:
- Virtualization Platforms: VMware ESXi 6.5 or later (vSphere 6.5 Update 3 recommended)
- Hardware Models: Cisco Meeting Server 1000/2000 series or third-party UCS/C240 servers meeting Cisco’s specifications
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced WebRTC and Hybrid Meeting Support
CMS 3.7.2 introduces optimizations for browser-based participants using WebRTC technology. The updated web app now supports:
- Multi-Screen Layouts: Independent windows for video feeds and content sharing (e.g., PowerPoint slides)
- Host Controls: Granular permissions for muting participants, locking meetings, and PIN-based access
- Webex Interoperability: Seamless transitions between on-prem CMS spaces and cloud-hosted Webex meetings
2. Security and Compliance Upgrades
- TLS 1.3 Encryption: Mandatory for SIP/TLS signaling, replacing deprecated protocols
- Cisco Smart Licensing Integration: Centralized license tracking through Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM), eliminating manual PAK activation
- E911 Compliance: Automatic location updates via IP phone GPS/Wi-Fi triangulation for emergency services
3. Performance and Scalability
- Cluster Scalability: Supports up to 24-node CMS clusters for 21,000 concurrent HD sessions
- Resource Optimization: 15% reduction in CPU utilization for virtualized deployments compared to CMS 3.6
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Environments
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere | 6.5 Update 1 | 6.5 Update 3 |
| ESXi Hosts | 6.5 (Build 7967591) | 6.7 U3 or 7.0 U2 |
| vCenter | 6.5 Standard License | vCenter 7.0 with DRS/HA Enabled |
| CPU | 8 vCPUs | 16 vCPUs (Intel Xeon Silver+) |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | 250 GB HDD | 500 GB SSD (RAID 10) |
Known Limitations
- Third-Party Switches: Incompatible with Cisco Nexus 1000V or IBM DVS 5000v in vSphere 6.5
- Mixed Clusters: CMS 3.7.2 nodes cannot coexist with CMS 2.x clusters
Obtaining the Software
To download Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_7_2_vSphere-6_5.ova:
- Visit https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-meeting-server-download for verified OVA files.
- Select the “vSphere 6.5” package under the Virtualized Deployments section.
- For enterprise support, contact Cisco TAC or authorized partners to validate licensing entitlements.
Licensing requires a valid Cisco Smart Account. Subscription plans start at $4,200/year for 50-user bundles.
This article synthesizes technical specifications from Cisco’s release notes, VMware compatibility matrices, and validated deployment guides. For implementation support, refer to:
- Cisco Meeting Server 3.7 Administration Guide
- VMware vSphere 6.5 Documentation
: Webex Blog: CMS 3.0 Web App Enhancements
: CMS 3.8 vSphere Compatibility Matrix
: CMS 3.8 Release Notes (Cisco Software Central)
: Cisco Meeting Server 2000 M5 Datasheet
: Cisco Collaboration Licensing Guide 2025
