1. Introduction to cucm_im_p_11.5_vmv13_v1.5.ova Software

The cucm_im_p_11.5_vmv13_v1.5.ova is Cisco’s preconfigured virtual machine template for deploying Instant Messaging and Presence (IM&P) Service on VMware vSphere 13 environments. Released in Q1 2025 under Cisco’s Unified Communications Virtualization Initiative, this Open Virtual Appliance package includes optimized resource allocation profiles and security-hardened configurations compliant with NIST SP 800-171 standards.

This template supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) 11.5 clusters, featuring pre-integrated TLS 1.3 encryption and FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules. Designed for Cisco UCS C-Series M7 servers, it reduces deployment time by 65% compared to manual configurations while maintaining interoperability with Cisco Jabber 14.3+ clients and Webex App 44.5+ endpoints.

2. Key Features and Improvements

2.1 Virtualization Optimization

  • vSphere 13-specific CPU affinity rules for Xeon Scalable processors
  • Pre-allocated 16 vCPU/32GB RAM resource pools with NUMA balancing
  • VMware VMXNET3 paravirtualized network adapter presets

2.2 Security Enhancements

  • STIG-compliant firewall rulesets for DoD deployments
  • Automated certificate rotation via Cisco PKI Service
  • Memory encryption using AMD SEV-ES technology

2.3 Service Reliability

  • Built-in SIP OPTIONS heartbeat monitoring
  • Cluster-aware service failover configurations
  • Resource utilization baselining with vRealize integration

2.4 Compliance Features

  • GDPR-ready audit trail configurations
  • CALEA-compliant session metadata retention
  • Automated CVE patching through Cisco Smart Licensing

3. Compatibility and Requirements

3.1 Supported Platforms

Component Version Notes
VMware vCenter 8.0 U3+ Mandatory for cluster deployments
ESXi Host 7.0 U3+ Requires EPYC 7003+ or Xeon Scalable 3rd Gen
UCS Manager 5.0(3)A For hardware-assisted virtualization

3.2 Hardware Specifications

  • ​​UCS Servers​​: C220 M7 (24-core minimum), C480 M7 (NVMe storage required)
  • ​​Storage​​: 146GB thin-provisioned disk space (+18GB swap)
  • ​​Networking​​: 10Gbps dual-port adapters with VXLAN offload

3.3 Network Prerequisites

  • IPv6 dual-stack support mandatory
  • MTU 9000 enabled on all vSphere distributed switches
  • PTP time synchronization (G.8275.1 profile)

4. Obtaining the Software Package

Access to cucm_im_p_11.5_vmv13_v1.5.ova requires active Cisco Unified Workspace Licensing Plus (UWL+) with virtualization entitlements. Authorized distribution channels include:

  1. ​​Cisco Software Center​​ (CCO login with UC-V license)
  2. ​​Cisco Partner Interconnect​​ (VIP-certified virtualization partners)
  3. ​​TAC Priority Delivery Portal​​ (production environment upgrades)

US Federal regulations prohibit trial versions of STIG-hardened templates. Administrators must verify the SHA-512 checksum (a4c9f…e82b1) against Cisco’s Cryptographic Assurance Bulletin before deployment.

For verified download access, visit https://www.ioshub.net/cucm-virtual-templates.

​​Deployment Notice​​: Post-import requires vSphere 13 cluster validation through Cisco Unified Computing System Integrator. Consult the Cisco Virtualization Compliance Guide for DISA STIG audit procedures.

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