Cisco Networking Services

Cnik are a Cisco Select Certified Partner.  We specialise in supplying, configuring and maintaining Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and Unified Communications network equipment, such as VoIP systems and IP Phones in Glasgow and Scotland.  If you need a networking specialist to enable or secure your network infrastructure then please contact Cnik.

The Cisco Select Certified Partner certification allows Cnik to deliver the full range of Cisco network routing, firewall and switch solutions while also focusing on Cisco's Smart Business Communications System (SBCS) range of products.  The SBCS products are aimed at bringing enterprise level VoIP features to Small and medium sized businesses.  The SBCS is a feature rich bundle of core Cisco technologies packaged in a single small unit and with management features enabling a small business with limited IT resources to enhance their business with technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones, Personal Video conferencing, Wireless networking, Home working via VPNs, and a high level of security.  The SBCS is aimed at companies with a relatively small professional workforce and has a range of units for organisations requiring up to 8 IP phones, up to 16 IP phones, up to 32 IP phones and up to 48 IP phones.  For organisations requiring a VoIP system with greater than 48 IP Phones the Cisco Unified Communications system delivers additional benefits and functionality using its core network components of routers and switches.

The SBCS products really are an amazing package which brings together technologies normally only available to large enterprises and puts them within the range of Small and Medium sized businesses.  The main component of the system for small businesses, the Cisco UC520, is a fully functioning IP phone system (VoIP) and network switch that integrates features such as voice, data, voice mail, automated attendant, video, security and wireless networking with existing applications such as contacts, calendar, email, and CRM programs.  It has all the functions you would expect from an IP Phone system including voice mail, call transfer, forwarding, hunt groups, pickup groups, message to email, transfer to mobile phone, alterative greetings, paging, intercom, call park, night service, conferencing, call waiting, remote teleworker, video telephony, soft phones and desktop integration.  Integration with the desktop includes dialling from and calling pop-ups within Microsoft Office applications, Internet Explorer, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM application, and the Salesforce.com service.  It is an easy-to-manage platform using business-class, proven Unified Communications technologies to their full advantage and supports flexible deployment models based on the needs of small and medium sized businesses.  It can be managed internally without the need for dedicated IT staff or can be monitored externally by your IT support company.

One of the biggest advantages of IP Phone systems such as the Cisco SBCS is that it lowers the total cost of ownership (TCO).  IP phone systems use the standard computer network cabling that most companies have fitted or have the option of wireless networking and so it does not need an additional fixed phone line network to be installed.  They also do not need any additional network cabling because the IP phone and the PC use the same connection (the existing PC plugs into the phone).  For a growing or changing businesses this is particularly important and cost effective because a user can just disconnect their phone at one location on the network, plug it in at another location, and immediately be on the same extension or direct dial number.  If they are temporarily working at another desk they can just logon to the nearest IP phone and receive their calls and messages there.  With wireless IP phones all call functions can be conducted where needed within the range of a wireless access point and with an integrated wireless network calls can be handed from one access point to another.  Home or remote workers can also have an IP phone on the same network as the work network secured by VPN over their broadband connection and work remotely as if they were in the office.

TCO is also lowered by the use of SIP Trunks to deliver voice calls instead of the traditional PSTN/POTS for single telephone lines and ISDN for multiple or direct-dial lines.  With SIP trunks voice calls travel over the internet via ADSL or Leased Line connections and are considerably cheaper; 1.2ppm to the USA is common.  SIP Trunks use the same technology as Skype with which you might be familiar.  The SBCS and all other Cisco Unified Communications systems can use a combination of BT/PSTN/POTS, ISDN and SIP trunks.

Cnik can provide a full range of Cisco design, configuration, implementation, and maintenance services for most networking environments through our own certified staff and through partnerships with other Cisco Certified partners.  From simple home/office ADSL routers to complete national or global infrastructure networks of routers, switches and firewalls Cnik can offer exceptional service at very competitive rates.  It is often considered that you pay a premium price for Cisco hardware and maintenance but you get a excellent product with real business benefits, security and reliability.  The TCO of running a Cisco infrastructure is competitive in comparison to Cisco's main competition.  Cnik can also offer Cisco Finance to customers in order to spread the cost of a network or IP Phone implementation, migration or upgrade.

Cnik are based near Glasgow, cover the whole of Scotland, and can cover the UK for remote offices.  For more information call 01389 760883 or email us at enquiries@cnik.co.uk

The Cisco US520 and CE 520 - part of the Cisco Small Business Communications System (SBCS). Both units use Power over Ethernet (PoE) which means the Cisco IP phones do not need a separate power supply socket at the desk as the receive all the power they need through the Ethernet network cable.


The Cisco IP7941G is one of the range of IP Phones available with the Cisco SBCS system or other Cisco VoIP systems.

The Cisco 800 Series routers are ideal for Home Office or Remote Office use such as connecting to work via a secure VPN or for branch office use.  There are a number of units in the range that cater for options including ADSL, wireless, firewall and VoIP access.  Units start from £160 and need to be configured by a Cisco Engineer at a cost of £210 per unit.

Technical Documents:

Cisco SBCS - Details
Cisco SBCS - Independent Review