Telisca Extension Mobility SSO replacement

The Telisca SSO-EM (Extension Mobility Single Sign-On) solution has reached end-of-sale status. The supplier, Imagicle, also announced that support will end on June 30, 2027. In this blog, we provide a replacement scenario for the Telisca SSO-EM functionality.

Looking for a Telisca SSO-EM replacement?

Imagicle acquired Telisca in 2022 and integrated its specialized apps for Cisco calling platforms and Microsoft Teams into its portfolio. In an updated ‘End of Life Policy’, it was explained that the Telisca solutions would become ‘end-of-sale’ in 2024 and ‘end-of-support’ was announced for three years later, 2027. For some Telisca solutions, current Imagicle products can replace the functionality, but for others, no replacement product is provided. Telisca SSO-EM is one of those products.

Telisca SSO (TSSO) is a Single Sign-On application for Cisco Extension Mobility. TSSO may be installed on Windows or macOS workstations. It simplifies Extension Mobility and specifically the login procedures on desktop phones. It also enforces security by automatic session logout in the evening or when the workstation is locked. 

As a result of the support termination, organizations that rely on this Extension Mobility SSO feature may need to look for a supported and future-proof replacement. A solution should typically ensure the continuity of the functionality, provide user convenience, be compatible with Cisco Unified Communications environments, and offer an easy rollout plan with minimal impact on business operations. 

RSconnect ALM is a replacement for Telisca SSO

RSconnect Auto Login Manager (ALM) is a suitable alternative by providing similar Single Sign-On capabilities for Cisco IP phones. Like Telisca SSO-EM, the software links a user’s workstation login to their phone-based authentication. It detects user login and logout events on the computer and automatically synchronizes these with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM). This allows users to be logged in to their Extension Mobility profile without manual input and logged out when their session ends.

With this solution, users can log in to their desktop phone without entering their Extension Mobility username and PIN on the Cisco IP telephone’s numeric keypad. If they start their laptop or another device, the associated desktop telephone automatically loads their settings. ALM also supports CITRIX and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions.

Log on and log off

The login process is fully automated. In addition, the solution improves the usability of your Cisco IP Phone Extension Mobility by controlling the login and logout process. ALM will automatically log off the connected phone at selected events, e.g. when the PC is locked or when the screensaver starts. The user or their administrator has the option to customize the settings. 

Benefits

The three key advantages of ALM software for Cisco IP Telephony are:

• Reachability: the solution makes it easy to check one’s status, for e.g. attendants and receptionists on the internal telephone lists, within Microsoft Office Communicator Server (OCS) and Live Communications Server (LCS) networks.
• Security: Your business telephony security is improved by preventing unauthorized phone calls.
• Flexibility: You can work wherever you want without having to worry about access to your desk phone.

Telisca SSO-EM / ALM cross reference

Below, we listed a cross-check between the Telisca key characteristics (based on the Telisca factsheet) and the ALM compliance.

• Telisca SSO (TSSO) is a Single Sign-On application for Cisco Extension Mobility. TSSO may be installed on Windows. It facilitates the use of Extension Mobility by logging in, enforces security by automatic session logout in the evening or when the workstation is locked. TSSO also reduces Help Desk tasks in managing forgotten PIN codes. ⇒ Compliant, the solution completely covers the previous TSSO functionality and also supports CITRIX and VDI solutions.
• When opening a Windows session, TSSO logs in on the IP Phone, without requiring entry of a PIN code. Depending on your configuration, the process can be made completely invisible to the user. ⇒ Compliant. The phone settings will be automatically uploaded at the start of your work session.
• Depending on the configuration, TSSO will also log out from the IP Phone when closing the session, on session lock; on hibernate; on LAN disconnect, at a defined time of the day or on user demand. ⇒ Compliant, logout triggers can be configured by the user, and the administrator.
• Several modes are available to detect the CUCM user (UserID) and to identify the IP phone on which one wants to log in. ⇒ Compliant, there are multiple scenarios supported, including via wifi, and via an app and QR-codes.
• When Extension Mobility log-in is completed, TSSO can launch an external application, such as a Call Center agent banner. ⇒ Compliant, ALM can not only automatically log users in on phones, or log them out again, but also activate other applications.
• The administrator may execute a report which displays the workstation-IP Phone associations and the positions connected in Extension Mobility. ⇒ Compliant: Analytics and Reporting Manager collects usage and configuration data. These data can, for example, be used to analyze workplace occupancy.

Replacing Telisca implementation?

In conclusion, RSconnect ALM provides a viable and supported replacement for Telisca SSO-EM by delivering comparable functionality, seamless Cisco integration, and continued vendor support, making it a strong option for organizations planning a migration. ALM is a client-only application, so there is no need to add or invest in new (server) hardware. The deployment is fully scriptable, and configuring the software is therefore easy. The Application Manager simplifies the management of large-scale installations. This supports a seamless migration from the Telisca SSO-EM solution.

Start your Telisca replacement with a demo

Want to experience these benefits yourself? Try our solution for 30 days for free, test all features, and assess how it replaces the existing Telisca solution.