Pre-allocation of hard disk space will improve performance, its good recommendation but no compulsory if you are running out of space. You can also bump down the RAM after installation to 1024 MB which will of course effect performance but will save your resources. I will post video with step by step instructions soon.

1. There would be total 4 questions.

2. Candidates will be given 30 minutes to complete them.

3. Once submitted, the candidate cannot return to the questions later.

This is a good move from Cisco. But if you fail in the OEQ  section then you can’t pass the lab regardless of your score in the configuration part of the lab. Sounds shocking? . As usual, you can get more information on Cisco’s Learning Network :-

https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/community/certifications/ccie_voice/lab_exam

IPexpert has recently released “Free Open Ended Quizzer”. Yeah, it’s free! I love IPexpert . You can download and find more information here:-

http://ipexpert.ccieblog.com/2009/06/29/ipexpert-releases-free-ccie-voice-open-ended-quizzer/

https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/community/certifications/ccie_voice/lab_exam?view=overview

1. CUCM, CUCME and CUCCX would be upgrade to version 7.0.

2. All analog devices such as means ATA, VG248, FXS/FXO ports, Analog phones and Fax machines will be removed.

3. Catalyst 3750 and HWIC-4ESW-POE will replace Catalyst 6500 and 3500 which means no CatOS anymore!

4. IOS on all routers will be upgraded to 12.4T train.

5. Basic tasks such as basic dial plan, phone registration will be configured.

I am really happy that they are going remove VG248 and 6500 switch. Those two babies costs like hell and normal CCIE candidates can’t afford them in home racks (unless your boss gets generous and give you one ). The 7.0 software has far more features as compared 4.0 on which candidates are currently being tested on. This blueprint would be effective from mid-July, 2009 and I am really excited. You can find more information on Cisco’s Learning Network:-

https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/docs/DOC-3641

1. Cisco want to test more advance topics by configuring the basic tasks preconfigured. “Basic” tasks may include assigning VLAN,integrations and so on.

2. Obviously the Cisco CallManager aka Cisco Unified Communication Manager(CUCM) software needs to be updated. Ben Ng asked audience in the techtorial and most of people voted for v6. It is also possible that they can use v7 in the lab. This is going to be interesting

3. They are thinking of using virtualization technologies like VMWare for CUCM and other software in the lab.

4. There were also gestures of removing analog technologies like ATAs.

Let’s see what changes Cisco will bring into the Voice Lab. I would keep you guys updated.