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Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Jaron Davis

Migrating from Cisco Call Manager to WebEx Calling is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. In addition to the technical aspects of the migration, it’s important to manage the project in a way that minimizes disruption to your organization and ensures a smooth transition to the new system. Here are the key steps to consider when creating a detailed migration plan:

1. Assess your current infrastructure and needs: Before you begin the migration process, it’s important to understand your current setup and what you hope to achieve with WebEx Calling. This includes assessing your current hardware and software, as well as the number of users and their calling needs. You should also identify any potential challenges or limitations that may impact the migration process.
2. Determine your migration strategy: There are several options for migrating from Cisco Call Manager to WebEx Calling, including a full cutover, a gradual rollout, or a hybrid approach. Choose the strategy that makes the most sense for your organization based on your infrastructure, budget, and timeline.
3. Create a project plan: Develop a detailed project plan that outlines the tasks, milestones, and resources needed for the migration. This should include a timeline for each phase of the project, as well as a plan for managing risk and addressing any issues that may arise.
4. Prepare your team: Ensure that all necessary team members are involved in the migration process and that they are trained on the new system. This may include IT staff, as well as end users who will be using WebEx Calling on a daily basis. Consider setting up a communication plan to keep everyone informed and on track throughout the process.
5. Migrate data and configurations: Once you have a clear understanding of your current setup and migration strategy, it’s time to begin the process of moving your data and configurations to WebEx Calling. This may include transferring phone numbers, voicemail messages, and other important data. It’s also important to consider how you will handle any custom configurations or integrations that are in place on your current system.
6. Test and validate: Before you fully cut over to WebEx Calling, it’s important to thoroughly test the new system to ensure that it meets your needs and all features are functioning properly. This may involve creating test groups and conducting pilot deployments. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for handling any issues that may arise during the testing phase.
7. Go live: Once you’ve completed testing and are confident in the stability of WebEx Calling, it’s time to make the switch. Coordinate with your team and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition, and have a plan in place for handling any issues that may arise. It’s also a good idea to have a post-migration plan in place to monitor the system and address any ongoing issues that may arise.

By following these steps and thoroughly planning your migration, you can successfully transition from Cisco Call Manager to WebEx Calling with minimal disruption to your organization. By carefully managing the project and paying attention to both the technical and logistical aspects of the migration, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new system.