Tuesday, January 14, 2014

How Video Kills the Audio Call with Early Offer

This is a quick blurb regarding an issue someone emailed to me a few weeks ago. It is a pretty straightforward example of why one should pay attention to CUCM Region settings and interoperability parameters of your ITSP before you deploy Early Offer (EO).

Monday, January 13, 2014

Using SQL as a Phone Provisioning Methodology for CCIE Voice

"What is the fastest way to provision the phones for the CCIE Voice Lab?" That is a question I asked myself a lot during my preparation for the IE lab. I also saw this question posed by a fair number of fellow candidates on various forums. There are a lot of different methodologies that could be applied here, but the bottom line is you have to go with what you know. You need something you can execute consistently and rapidly. 

I tried a lot of different methods and came up with one that worked best for me. I originally planned to post an entry on my method and then stopped short because I thought the benefit of the method would be lost in blog format. When I thought about posting it again I was slammed busy and I figured that the new blue print is right around the corner. Timing is everything.  

However, recently I have received several requests from readers asking about the phone provisioning method I alluded to in other blog entries. So, I dusted off the draft and am presented it now. Hopefully, someone finds this information useful.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Congratulations to the Cisco Designated VIPs - 2014

Cisco recently announced the new Designated VIPs for 2014. The Cisco Designated VIP program recognizes the top external individual contributors in Cisco's online communities, including the Cisco Learning Network (CLN), the Cisco Support Community (CSC), and the Cisco Developers Network (CDN). You can read all about the VIP program and discover the Cisco Support Community (CSC) here.
This is the fourth year for this program and I am happy to see the Cisco team running the program keeping it alive an well. The CSC is, without a doubt, the best online resource for getting support and information on Cisco technologies. The Cisco team that works behind the scenes of the CSC are an outstanding group of individuals who really care about establishing a robust and sustainable collaboration environment. 

The best news (from my point of view anyway) is that I was selected as a Cisco Designated VIP for 2014. I didn't make the cut for 2013 (I'd like to use my pursuit of the CCIE as an excuse, if you'll allow!) and it feels good to be back in that circle of outstanding talent. There are 36 VIPs this year! That is amazing and definitely demonstrates that the community is alive and well.

I'd also like to take a moment to congratulate the other designated VIPs. I am in great company and you all make me look good, keep it up because I need all the help I can get! I'd also like to thank a few of the VIPs for taking the time to help me out of a few jams. Thanks to Aaron, Anthony, Huff, Jonathan, Martin, Chris D., and of course my brother, David Hailey. 

While I am at it, hats off to my fellow Chesapeake NetCraftsmen colleagues Rick Burts and David Hailey for also making the cut. 


Thanks for reading. If you have time, post a comment!