Not applicable to SBC SWe Edge.

Purpose

This document identifies common use cases for deploying a non- Ribbon supplied/third party application onto an SBC Edge Portfolio device with an ASM (Applications Solutions Module) originally shipped from Ribbon with an Skype for Business SBA (Survivable Branch Appliance) or CCE (Cloud Connector Edition) application from Microsoft®.

When an unsupported third-party application is installed, the ASM generally operates in Server mode. As a result, Ribbon confines support to the ASM's hardware and firmware, as opposed to supporting the hardware, firmware, OS and SBA/CCE application (Appliance mode of operation). If the ASM is deployed in Server mode, Ribbon will continue hardware and software support to the base SBC, and all call flows and operations that do not involve the ASM.  

Repurposing the ASM (SBA or CCE) for unsupported third-party applications and places the ASM in Server mode occurs when either one of the following conditions is true: 

  • The unsupported third-party application is not installed onto a VM, but is rather installed on the host OS.
  • A supported third-party application is not installed on the ASM according to Ribboninstructions.


Background - Third Party software deployment on the ASM

Third-Party Software installed on the ASM Host Operating System

Third-party software for the Ribbon SBC Edge Portfolio can be installed onto the ASM host operating system, categorized as:

  • Supported. Third-party applications supported on the ASM host operating system are listed here: Approved Partner Solutions for ASM. For these approved applications, the ASM runs in Appliance Mode (SBA default offering).

  • Unsupported. Third-party applications installed directly on the ASM that are not supported by Ribbon. When these applications are installed and deployed by customers, the ASM runs in Server Mode.


 The information in this page explains the deployment of unsupported third party software directly onto the ASM host operating system, resulting in server mode of operation and support.

Third-Party Software installed via VM

  • Deployment via Hyper-V VM. Unsupported third-party applications can be installed using a VM. For these applications, the ASM runs in Appliance mode. Ribbon is not responsible for the performance or support of third party applications installed onto the VMs. See Installing Unsupported Third-Party Applications on the ASM via VM. Refer to the respective VM supplier's documentation for deployment instructions.


For additional details on the ASM in Appliance or Server Mode, see Managing the ASM.

For installing supported third party applications onto the ASM, see Installing an ASM Package.

Common Use Cases for Repurposing the ASM (SBA or CCE) for Third Party Applications and Server Mode

When an unsupported third-party application is installed and running on the ASM host (for SBA or CCE), the ASM operates in Server Mode. Common use cases for running in Server mode include:

  • Installing non-Ribbonapproved security and update processes for the ASM's Windows Server® OS, Skype for Business SBA or CCE applications.

  • Deploying a firewall or antivirus solution not approved by Ribbon.

  • Deploying a third-party application (i.e., Call Recording, Auto Attendant, or IP PBX) that is not approved for use with the ASM. This includes common open source IP PBX applications such as those offered by Asterisk®.


Ribbon does not detail how to deploy 3rd party applications onto the ASM, due to the large number of mechanisms available for deployment. Refer to the product installation documentation for the non-approved application you wish to load onto the ASM.

Returning to Ribbon Cloud Link Usage

These instructions return an ASM originally shipped with the CCE application back to its original state.

If you need to revert back to the Ribbon Cloud Link, see below:

  1. Remove all third-party party applications from the system.
  2. Re-initialize the ASM using the Cloud Connector Edition (CCE) image found on the hard drive. See Re-initializing the ASM.

  3. From the ASM image type drop down, select Cloud Connector Edition. 

After re-initialization, the Ribbon SBC will now run as a Cloud Link and return to Appliance mode. All 3rd party programs must be removed.

Returning to SBA Usage

These instructions return an ASM originally shipped with the SBA application back to its original state.

If you need to revert back to the RibbonSBA configuration, see below:

  1. Remove all third-party party applications from the system.
  2. Re-initialize the ASM using the SBA image found on the hard drive. See Re-initializing the ASM.

  3. From the ASM image type drop down, select the SBA image. 

After re-initialization, the Ribbon SBC will now run as an SBA and return to Appliance mode. All 3rd party programs must be removed.