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Not supported by SBC SWe Lite in this release.

The Application Solution Module (ASM) module is a separate, fully-functional server installed inside the SBC 1000/2000 chassis. Features of this ASM are managed from the Sonus SBC 1000/2000 Web Interface via the Sonus SBC 1000/2000 Communication Service.

An operating ASM has two software partitions:

Software application support on the Application Solution Module (ASM) is limited as follows:

  • Microsoft Lync Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA)
  • Microsoft Lync Resilient Branch Appliance (RBA) communicating with the Lync Front End
  • Quality of Experience (QoE) Agent Server Gateway

Software must be provided by Sonus and configured via the Sonus-provided provisioning and management interface.

ASM Modes and Sonus Support

The ASM operates in either of two modes, Appliance or Server.

  • Appliance mode, in which the SBA utilizes Sonus' security solution and the SBA default offering.
  • Server mode, in which the SBA relies on customer-installed software to provide alternative security/firewall protection or enhanced SBA operation. Operating in Server mode is valid.

By default, all ASMs are shipped in Appliance mode.

Server Mode

There are three actions that a customer can take to switch an ASM into Server mode: 

  • Installing third-party software that is not approved by Sonus.
  • Changing the Windows Role and Feature installed on the ASM in order to support additional Windows functionality. Using Remote Desktop or any other source.
  • Running Windows Update without using the Sonus UI or API (for example, using GPO or automatic Windows Update).

Customers can choose to operate in Server mode if:

  • They want to follow their own internal security and update processes rather than the Sonus standard processes regarding the Windows Server OS and/or the SBA application, or
  • They want to deploy a firewall or antivirus solution not supplied by Sonus, or
  • They wish to use a third-party application (Call Recording, Auto Attendant, or IP PBX for example) that is not currently approved for use with the ASM. This includes common open-source IP PBX applications such as those offered by Asterisk.

 

Note on Server Mode and Sonus Support

 

If a customer deploys in Server mode, Sonus will continue hardware and software support to the base SBC, and all call flows and operations that do not involve the ASM. However, support for the ASM will be confined to hardware and ASM connectivity.

Third-Party Applications Supported in Appliance Mode

When the ASM is deployed in Appliance mode, Sonus will provide support for the selected ("approved") third-party applications. Sonus has approved select applications from the following vendors for use in Appliance mode

Installing Unsupported Third-Party Applications

Refer to Best Practice - Common Use Cases for Repurposing the ASM for Third-Party Applications and Server Mode.

 

  • Please contact your Sonus service representative before installing any unsupported third-party applications.
  • If you install third-party applications that Sonus has not explicitly approved, and if you request ASM OS and application support (vs. hardware support only), Sonus reserves the right to request that the ASM be re-initialized and returned to Appliance mode. 

Windows Status Panel

The Support Mode value of Server in the Windows Status panel indicates that unsupported software has been installed on the ASM.

 

   

The only way to switch back to Appliance mode is to re-initialize the ASM.

Support Mode Definitions

Appliance Certified Mode: The ASM image contains v3.2 SbcComms or later and no third-party software has been installed.

Appliance Controlled Mode: The original ASM image was a version previous to 3.2 and has been upgraded.

Server: A third-party software installation has been detected by the ASM. Operating in Server mode is valid.

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