I am an executive consultant. I design solutions, sell solutions, install solutions, and provide support. I don't directly work with companies in that respect, and I don't really support them.
One of the valuable features is the user interface base, specifically the C user interface.
There is room for improvement in terms of cost and complexity to set up. It doesn't work straight out of the UCS, so someone who knows what they're doing is needed immediately, and it can be quite confusing.
Some settings are still fairly well hidden, even the basic ones. Companies don't really understand how long it takes to set up. Also, when changes are pushed, it can take their phone line off the system for twenty minutes to half an hour. Out-of-the-box functionality is an issue, too.
I know that my company is different, however, the basics are always the same. You do your tap lines, zip lines, and stuff like that, then you get your internal phone line system. That can all be automated and scripted, and it's probably part of the automation process. However, I haven't really seen it.
I have used the solution since the year 2012.
Depending on the complexity of the problem, I rate it about seven out of ten. If there's a really complex problem, I would probably give it a ten since it gets escalated quickly.
I would rate the scalability at nine out of ten, probably. We have been discussing systems with a total of about 20,000. It's robust.
The customer service isn't ideal. Regarding Cisco tech, they are pretty good.
As long as they can afford it, there is a setup cost involved.
Cisco is notoriously expensive, especially compared to its competitors. Avaya is probably one-third to maybe 40% cheaper. However, Cisco is globally renowned, which is why it sells so well. It has been the market leader for a long time, and people are UCS scared of change.
Other information: I am an executive consultant. I design solutions, sell solutions, install solutions, and provide support. I don't directly work with companies in that respect. I don't really support them. The user interface base is the C user interface. There are challenges with cost and complexity to set up.
Overall, I rate the product eight out of ten.