Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Management_3_6_0_vSphere-6_5.ova
Cisco_Meeting_Management_3_6_0_vSphere-6_5.ova is a preconfigured virtual appliance designed to manage Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) deployments in VMware vSphere 6.5 environments. This Open Virtualization Archive (OVA) package streamlines the deployment of Cisco’s enterprise-grade video conferencing infrastructure, offering centralized control for hybrid meeting solutions that integrate on-premises and cloud resources.
As part of Cisco’s collaboration ecosystem, this version specifically supports administrators in configuring edge nodes, monitoring call quality, and managing security policies across distributed meeting environments. It maintains compatibility with Cisco Meeting Server 3.x series and integrates with Webex cloud services through Cisco’s Shared Meetings subscription model.
Key Features and Technical Enhancements
Centralized Policy Management
The 3.6.0 version introduces granular access controls through REST API endpoints, enabling automated configuration of:
- Bandwidth allocation per meeting room
- TLS 1.2 encryption enforcement
- Active directory synchronization intervals
vSphere 6.5 Optimization
Optimized for VMware vSphere 6.5 Update 1, the OVA leverages:
- Thick Provision Lazy Zeroed disk format for predictable performance
- VMXNET3 network adapters with 10Gbps throughput support
- Automatic resource scaling through vSphere DRS integration
Security Improvements
- Role-based access control (RBAC) with 4-tier permission levels
- Automated certificate rotation every 90 days
- Integration with Cisco TrustSec for SGA tagging
Compatibility Requirements
Supported Platforms
| Component | Version Requirements |
|---|---|
| VMware vSphere | 6.5 U1 or later |
| Cisco Meeting Server | 3.5 – 3.8 |
| ESXi Hosts | 6.5 P03+ |
Hardware Specifications
- Minimum 4 vCPUs (Intel Haswell or newer)
- 16GB RAM with 1.5:1 memory reservation
- 120GB storage (Thick Provision recommended)
Access and Licensing Model
Cisco_Meeting_Management_3_6_0_vSphere-6_5.ova operates under Cisco’s Shared Meetings licensing framework:
-
Subscription Entitlement
- Base license covers 25 concurrent meetings
- True Forward billing for peak usage exceeding cap
-
Technical Support
- Basic support includes API error diagnostics
- Enhanced tier offers 24/7 SLA for critical outages
For verified enterprise users, https://www.ioshub.net provides authorized access to the OVA package and SHA256 checksum verification files. Platform administrators may request temporary evaluation licenses through Cisco’s partner portal.
Implementation Considerations
-
Network Configuration
- Requires dedicated VLAN for VXLAN tunneling
- Multicast routing must be enabled on physical switches
-
Upgrade Path
- Direct migration from CMM 3.5.x supported
- 60-minute maintenance window recommended
-
Security Best Practices
- Isolate management interface on separate subnet
- Regular audit of API access logs mandatory
This release maintains full compatibility with Cisco Meeting App 1.8+ for iOS devices, enabling features like secure browser-based guest joining and multi-device session handoff.
For complete release notes and known issues, refer to Cisco’s collaboration product documentation portal. System integrators should validate deployment architecture against VMware’s vSphere 6.5 lifecycle support schedule, which extends through November 2021.
