IPsession Introduction
Rather than implementing and supporting multiple stand-alone solutions, IPsession™ offers UC customers a single solution with 30+ embedded applications ready to be turned on and used for specific impact. These applications bring a wide range of innovative capabilities to the unified communications customer in one easily implemented and administered package.
The DialOut feature can be used to run a simple calling campaign for a school to notify parents of absences, or a hospital to remind patients just released that it is time to take their medicine…or simply to remind a patient of an appointment.
The Mass Alert Messaging function is used to automatically initiate a series of actions (including broadcast pages, DialOut messages to off-net phones, automated and recorded conference calls, and email alerts) in response to a specific event, such as: movement detection after hours in an unauthorized area, inclement weather which forces the cancellation of classes, or a chemical leak that requires community notification.
The 911 Alert feature is used to notify internal resources when a 911 call (or any other number that is configured) is detected, to better prepare the organization for response during these events.
These are just a handful of examples of the many applications embedded within IPsession. Many customers start out with simple paging, then progress to DialOut campaigns, one-touch conferences, Mass Alert Messaging, and mobile alerts: all designed to make better use of the advanced IP phones and endpoints available from Cisco and select smartphone providers.
As with any UC software implementation, simplicity is the key. End users (and administrators) familiar with the icon-oriented cellular model find IPsession a breeze to administer and to use. Everything can be set up as an icon or a soft button, depending upon the desired experience.
IPsession offers a family of applications designed to meet the needs of every size business across all industries – from the small office to the large enterprise – as shown below. And with an embedded Web 2.0 services module, these (and many new) applications can be extended to the mobile corporate user with the Cisco Cius tablet.
What Can IPsession™ do for you?
From solving the most basic business challenge to impacting an entire organization’s bottom line, the possibilities are endless with IPsession™. Here are a few examples of the business impact that can be realized using IPsessiontm and other solutions from the IPcelerate family of offerings:
Inventory arrives on a retailer’s dock and is scanned. Customers with rain checks for that inventory are automatically notified, as well as the electronics department.
A furniture store reduces delivery costs by utilizing IP phones and mobile phones with IPcelerate software to pinpoint the exact location of each delivery truck and re-route them as needed throughout the day.
A city office increases its revenues by automatically reaching out to contractors about license renewals.
A hospital patient in need of immediate assistance pushes his call button which sends an alert to every IP phone on the floor and text messages to the nurses on call for that shift.
An employee dials 911 and security is automatically notified of his location, the first responders are automatically pulled into a conference call, and both the 911 and conference calls are recorded1 for audit purposes.
A sales person visiting a customer uses her iPhone to check the availability of each support team member back at the home office, and then calls that person directly for faster assistance.
A sales director on the road touches an icon on his iPhone to initiate a conference call to his sales team. The call is recorded and downloaded for use by the entire team1.
A manager creates a personal message group for his sales team, and then sends out text, voice and handwritten messages to any or all using the QWERTY keyboard or a stylus on his IP phone2.
A manager is notified by text and email as soon as his hourly employees fail to clock out on time.
A university improves campus safety by extending its security applications and technology to student and faculty cell phones and campus Facebook newsfeeds.
2 Requires IPconcierge Add-on Module and MIDlet-enabled Cisco IP Phone.
IPsession Capabilities
IPsession delivers applications to corporate communication devices and provides organizations of all sizes the ability to impact key business initiatives via unified communications. IPsession is embedded with 30+ capabilities ranging from basic telephony features such as paging, to solution-oriented capabilities such as situational awareness, shift-management and integrated building control systems.
Broadcast Paging
Paging provides audio, text or text-to-speech (TTS) messaging to Cisco IP Phones, analog speakers, IP speakers and digital signage. Paging allows a person using a Cisco IP Phone to select a predefined zone phone number and then multicast their message to multiple phones within that ‘Zone’ instantly.
Live Broadcast
Live broadcast paging allows a user to dial a paging zone number from a Cisco IP Phone and begin speaking to multicast that message to all devices that are part of that zone.
Pre-Scheduled Broadcast
Pre-Scheduled Broadcast (paging) capability allows users to schedule voice, text or text-to-speech messages to be broadcast using the IPsession web user interface. This capability allows users to schedule message delivery by date/time, for one time, or for recurring dates/times.
Pre-Recorded Broadcast
Audio files can also be accessed with a pre-scheduled page, an ad-hoc page or even used with DialOut.
Text Broadcast
Text Broadcast allows the user to send dynamic and pre-configured text messages to a Cisco IP Phone or a zone paging group using the IPsession web interface.
Global Paging Groups
Global Paging Groups are created and used by all users within the organization. For increased security, you are able to add a PIN to the paging group.
Personal Paging Groups
Personal Paging Groups are created by a user, for use by that user. The user has the ability to add a PIN for additional security.
Call Enhancements
Intercom Whisper
Intercom Whisper allows an intercom originator to “whisper” to an active extension, where only the person on the extension hears the announcement. Any other parties on the call cannot hear the announcement.
Advanced Intercom
This capability enables users to open a two-way voice path from one Cisco IP Phone to another Cisco IP Phone. If the recipient is on the phone, it will not interfere with the current call; instead the message will come in as a barged-in message or a notification ring. Based on configuration, options include hands-free talk back or the need to acknowledge the intercom request via a soft key. Users can then hear, talk back or text-reply to the intercom originator.
Text Intercom
The intercom text-reply option provides an alternative to responding audibly to the intercom initiator. The intercom receiver will select from a list of text messages as a reply back message.
Do-Not-Disturb
This feature disables audio ringing on your Cisco IP Phone. It can be set either on demand or can be scheduled to occur at a given time. If a user calls from their Cisco IP Phone to a Cisco IP Phone that is in a DND state, the calling party gets the DND status message on their phone during ring back. If there is no answer, calls will follow the Cisco Call Manager “Call No Answer” setting for that line. When DND is enabled on shared lines, all calls to the extension (all lines for shared line) will have DND enabled. DND options include DND Intercom, DND Paging and DND Call Forward All settings.
- DND Call Forward All (DND CFwdAll): Forwards all calls to a destination number. This feature can be invoked remotely by the IPsession user.
- DND Intercom: Allows or denies intercom sessions to the IP Phone.
- DND Paging: Allows or denies paging to the IP Phone.
Call Blocking
Call Blocking identifies and flags numbers that are part of a call block list in IPsession, and presents a text warning on the user’s phone. Users have the ability to override the blocked numbers on the list if the user still desires to make a call to the flagged number. If a user chooses to use the ‘override’ capability, it will be logged in IPsession. The U.S. Government’s ‘Do-Not-Call’ list is available for download from the ‘Do-Not-Call’ website at http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall/.
Call Tag
Call Tag capability enables callers to leave a ‘call me back’ message on the screen of the called Cisco IP Phone. When a call is placed to a Cisco IP Phone and the caller intends to leave a call tag, they will invoke the Call Tag service and select a pre-configured text message. When the called Cisco IP Phone is on-hook the selected message is displayed. This is similar to leaving a ‘call me back’ sticky note on the called Cisco IP Phone.
Conferencing
The conference feature provides two capabilities: pre-programmed and pre-scheduled conferencing.
Pre-Programmed Conference (PPC)
The pre-programmed conference capability allows the user to configure groups of phone numbers (Cisco IP Phones, PSTN, cellular, etc), that you would like to instantly bring into a group conference call, for example, administrators, emergency teams, security teams, executives, sales teams, support teams and more. When the pre-programmed conference group is selected, a call is initiated to all phone numbers in that group, placing them all into a conference call. Cisco IP Phones will auto-answer and join the conference automatically. Calls to PSTN and cellular phones can be prompted to join and when acknowledged, will be placed into the conference call.
Pre-Scheduled Conference (Hoot-n-Holler, HNH)
The pre-scheduled conference capability allows you to configure groups of phone numbers, (Cisco IP Phones, PSTN and cellular), that you would like to bring into a group conference call at a scheduled time, for example, weekly sales calls, monthly company meetings, quarterly financial calls and more. If the conference bridge is terminated during the time the conference bridge is configured to be open, IPsession will re-establish the conference bridge. Users are able to join established sessions at any point within the configured time frame of the session.
DialOut
DialOut is a built-in dialer application in IPsession. It provides users the ability to send notification messages and/or alerts to any phone number, using pre-recorded or text-to-speech messages, based on user defined delivery times and dates. Senders can request an acknowledgement that the message has been received by asking the recipient to press a phone digit. DialOut can also be programmed to resend messages in ‘no answer’ conditions.
Live DialOut
In combination with Message Recorder, a user will be able to record a message, then immediately select a DialOut group number.
Scheduled DialOut
Based on a configured date/time, you can send a an audio/TTS message to a DialOut group.
Text-to-Speech DialOut
Any text message that is used with DialOut is converted to audio via TTS.
DialOut Groups
In order to provide a way to manage large quantities of phone numbers, use DialOut groups. Each DialOut group has a unique number pattern which can be used for live or scheduled dial outs.
Emergency Response
Internal 911 Alerts
Alert monitors Cisco IP Phones and Cisco analog voice gateways for specific dialing patterns, such as 911. When dialing patterns are matched, IPsession sends an internal alert notification to the Cisco IP Phones, email addresses and the NIPA desktop clients who have ‘registered’ to receive alerts. Alert notification information can be gathered using IPsession Location Enforcer or can use the Cisco IP Phone description configured in Cisco Call Manager. Information will include caller number, caller name, picture (if available), called number, and physical Cisco IP Phone location information. The number 911 is monitored by default, however multiple, simultaneous dialing patterns can be monitored and reported.
Priority Color Alert Messages
Alerts sent to color capable IP Phones can cause the display to change background color depending on the number dialed. Alerts can also be sent to digital signage and text-capable IP speakers.
Mass Alert Messaging
This application allows users to initiate a multi-faceted response to various scenarios with the touch of a button. Mass Alert allows a customer to use paging, DialOut, Pre-Programmed Conference and email alerts all within one end-user experience. This application allows an enterprise to prepare response protocols in advance for various events.
Personal Presence
My Personal Status
My Status allows a user to select a status from a list that will display when a buddy checks his status, during ring back, from the web user interface and when the phone is in the idle state. Examples of canned statuses include On a Conference Call, Out to Lunch, On Vacation and more. The selected status messages can be edited to provide more information, for example ‘On a Conference Call until 1:00 pm’.
My Buddy's Status
Buddy Status enables users to view colleague status settings (such as: in a meeting, out to lunch, etc) from a supported Cisco IP Phone. Colleagues set their status using the My Status feature of IPsession. When calling an active Buddy Status phone, callers receive a text status message, as defined by the called colleague, informing them of their status. This is especially helpful for remote teams and personnel that have frequent interaction. Buddy Status helps users stay informed of where colleagues are and what they are doing without having to call someone else and ask or go to their work area.
IPsession also supports the ability for users to see their buddy’s status using the IPsession web interface. Users are able to view line state status (busy/idle) as well as the configurable set status (out to lunch, in a meeting, etc.). It also lets the calling user know if the called buddy is already on a call, so he can use the Call Tag feature and/or hang up immediately, without waiting for the call to go to voicemail
Personal Buddy List
Users have the ability via Buddy Status to create a short personal buddy list to check their status and exchange messaging.
Mobile Friends
Using IPsession Mobile Friends from a Cisco Cius, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, users have the ability to create a list of 'Friends' to check their status and send quick messages.
Corporate & Personal Tools
Picture Album
Album provides users the ability to upload, store, and display images on the screen of the Cisco IP Phone, Cisco Cius, Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Album also provides the ability to define the amount of time each image/text displays. Albums can be designated as personal or global (global means albums can be viewed by other IPsession users). When Album is used by a Webur capable device, it can send albums or individual images to other IPsession and Webur users.
CalScheduler (School Bells)
CalScheduler is an easy-to-use, dynamic tool for creating and managing multiple schedules for bells and announcements. Color-coding and filters make it easy to see multiple schedules, and changes can be made quickly with the click-and-drag of a mouse or drop-down menus. Create template schedules for standard school days, block days, testing days, half days, special events or eliminate bells completely. Use different bell tones or text-to-speech messages for recurring announcements. Set up bells for the entire building or by paging zone. CalScheduler is also integrated with IP speakers from industry leading IP Speaker manufacturers for bell-wide coverage.
Facilities Scheduler
Facilities Scheduler provides a way to reserve resources or facilities that are shared by groups, departments or individuals, for example: conference rooms, projectors, auditoriums, demo kits, and more.
Timecard
Timecard allows employees to clock-in and clock-out as needed from any IPsession-licensed IP phone. Times per employee are logged into a database that can easily be exported. IPsession will also provide the location information (either phone description or location information from Location Enforcer) to indicate the terminal the user signed in/out from. An automatic sign out timer is available to configure as well as a job code function. The job code provides a way for users to sign in/out using their same user ID and provide tracking of the multiple jobs they may need to perform throughout the workday.
Address Book
Address Book provides the ability to create multi-function contact lists in IPsession. Users will upload contact information (name, email, telephone number, mobile number and additional notes) using the IPsession web interface. Each contact can be set as personal (single user) or global (available to all IPsession users). When the contact calls, the information that is configured in IPsession will be displayed on the Cisco IP Phone with the additional notes quickly identifying the subject of the call. The Address Book only applies to contacts that are NOT IPsession users (typically external contacts, such as customers). For IPsession users, see Picture ID.
Picture ID
Pictures of IPsession users that have been uploaded into the system will display on other IPsession phones when calling. If there is no picture loaded, only the user’s contact information will be displayed. For information about non-IPsession user contact information being displayed on an incoming call, see Address Book.
IPsession Mobile/WebServices
WebServices extends certain IPsession capabilities into social networking applications and to mobile devices, such as the Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Cisco Cius.
Cisco Cius
Using the embedded Web 2.0 services module, IPsession extends a series of productivity tools and business-impacting applications to the Cisco Cius tablet. These Android-based applications are designed to enhance the UC experience for tablet users – at the desk or on-the-go.
Read more about the Cisco Cius Applications
iPhone/iPad/iPod touch
Using the embedded Web 2.0 services module, IPsession extends a series of productivity tools and business-impacting applications to the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. These applications are designed to enhance the UC experience for tablet users – at the desk or on-the-go.
IPsession Supported Devices & Endpoints
The following is a list of IPsession supported IP devices and endpoints.
Cisco Cius TabletCisco 6921/6941/6961
Cisco 7905/06
Cisco 7911/12
Cisco7920/21/25
Cisco 7931
Cisco 7940/41/42/45
Cisco 7960/61/62/65
Cisco 7970/7971/7975
Cisco 8961
Cisco 9951/9971
Apple iPhone
Cisco IP Communicator
Cisco MGCP, H.323, SIP (G.711 audio stream)
Cisco Digital Signage DMP-4400G
Digital Acoustics IP Speakers
Advanced Network Devices IP Speakers
Viking Analog Door Controller C-1000B
Siedle Analog Door Controller DoorCom analog DCA 650-02
Cisco IP Camera CIVS-IPC-2500 (firmware V1.1.3R13W onwards)
Panasonic IP Camera BL-C20/BL-C30
Axis IP Camera 207W/207MW network camera
Sony IP Camera SNT-EX104
Sony IP Camera SNT-V501/504
