In EasyCall 2.1, Citrix introduced the very first Citrix virtual appliance.  Citrix will soon discontinue the EasyCall hardware appliances. Which means customers can download the EasyCall VA for free and run on top of XenServer express, which is also free!  Login is requred at  ">http://www.citrix.com/English/ss/downloads/results.asp?productID=683164 

Some bullet points..

•First Citrix virtual appliance
•Simplified evaluation and demonstration
•Based on XenServer 5
•Reduced deployment and management costs
•Increased capacity
  •Failover
•Multiple Gateway Administration
•Capacity for large customers

A brand new feature that is included in EasyCall 2.1 is EasyCall Conferencing.

EasyCall Conferencing is a web assisted call back service. You simply click on a URL and enter your phone number to join a conference call. You no longer need to enter two sets of numbers (conference bridge, access code) to join the conference.

Most employees, even for internal conferences, utilize toll free conference solutions for meetings. That's incredibly expensive.

EasyCall Conference uses your company phone system to join people together. When people inside the company uses EasyCall Conference, there's no cost whatsoever. And even if the phone system dials out to an external caller, the company only needs to pay the long distance charge, which is typically around $0.03 per minute.

Improvements in EasyCall 2.0

EasyCall 2.0 contains many of the improvements you have suggested:

-         Simpler phone selection

-         Simpler directory search, which now searches both the corporate directory and your  Outlook contact t the same time

-         New call status and cancel features

-         Further improved number recognition

 EasyConference Tech Preview

A new feature called EasyConferencewill enable you to use EasyCall for audio conferences. 

New EasyCall Directory

You can leave the new Directory Bar on your desktop so you can use it anytime. Just start typing a name, a few letters of the first name space then the last, or now last name comma first name.
 

More EasyCall 2.0 Tips

-         Use EasyCall to call telephone numbers in Email signatures, GoToMeeting invites, Salesforce.com contacts, Outlook Contacts, etc.

-         Use EasyCall to place calls from your office or even the conference rooms you frequent.

-         Use EasyCall whenever working remotely for business calls. No more long distance charges on your home phone. No more international calls on your mobile phone. No more airtime overages.

-         Use the EasyCall Directory to look up and call coworkers. Finding phone numbers has never been faster.

 

-         If you don't want to share your home or mobile number with the folks you call, use the Hideoption. The folks you call will see the main number and not your personal numbers as your calling line ID.
-         If you are using EasyCall from the campus environment, you can save the company a little more money by configuring your extension as one of your location options. 

-         Make sure you enter "X" or "ext" before your five digit number.  Everywhere else, just use your regular office telephone number. 

 

Configuration of the EasyCall Gateway

1	Connect to the Specify server via the default url Https://10.20.30.40:8443 Username = root Password = rootadmin   Click Login.
2	After login completes you will be presented the Dashboard screen.
3	Select the Network Configuration tab on the left menu.  Enter new network information.  At this time you do not need to configure interface 2
4	Select the Static Routes tab which shows information which is entered automatically when the network configuration is completed.  You should not need to enter any data at this time.
5	Select the DNSHost tab is used to enter the network DNS servers.  Enter current data and select the Submit button
6	To specify license server information  *1. In the administration tool, click *License Management.  2. Enter the IP address or the host name of the Citrix License Server.3. If you are using Citrix Presentation Server (XenApp) Platinum Editionlicenses for the EasyCall Gateway, select the Use Citrix PresentationServer Platinum Licenses checkbox.4. Click Submit.For more information, refer to "Pointing to a Citrix License Server" in the_EasyCall Gateway Administrator's Guide_.
7	To define the properties of your trunk  *1. In the EasyCall Gateway administration tool, click *Trunk Configuration.    2. Select the switch type to display the settings specific to the switch and thenenter the settings provided by your telephony specialist.3. Click Submit.For more information, refer to "Configuring the Trunk" in the EasyCall Gateway_Administrator's Guide_
8	The Trunk Configuration Advance tab lets you select external IP, Local network, user name, and secret password.  These fields are not needed at this time.
9	To configure call handling 1. In the administration tool, click Call Configuration. 2. From Country, select the country in which the EasyCall Gateway islocated. 3. The International Dial Prefix will be pre-populated based on the country selected. 4. The Domestic Dial Prefix will be pre-populated based on the Country selected. 5. In Area Code, enter the local area code for the EasyCall Gateway. 6. In Trunk Access Code, enter the prefix that must be dialed to access an outside line from the corporate telephony system. 7. In Voice Mail Extension, enter the access number for the telephony system's voice mail. 8. Click Submit. For more information, refer to "Configuring Call Handling for the EasyCall Gateway Locale" in the _EasyCall Gateway Administrator's Guide_
10	To configure a directory source  *1. In the administration tool, click *Directory Source Configuration.  2. Click Add and then on the Server Configuration tab, select the Source Type that you will configure, either LDAP or CSV. For detailed information on the LDAP and CSV settings refer to the EasyCall_Gateway Administrator's Guide_.
11	Server Configuration tab, select the Source Type that you will configure, either LDAP or CSV. For detailed information on the LDAP and CSV settings refer to the EasyCall_Gateway Administrator's Guide_.
12	Select the Attibute Configuration tab.  This page will show you the current fields and the parameters that are entered by default.  Changes are only necessary if fields do not match current environment.
13	Select Maintenance > Backup/Restore and follow the backup process on that page to backup the system configuration files. Section not needed during POC setup.
14	Select Upgrades tab.  Follow instructions on the page to select the upgrade image and then select Upgrade.  The image will be loaded on the EasyCall gateway and the system will prompt you to reset the gateway.
15	Select Services tab to view current status and also to shutdown or restart the EasyCall Gateway.
16	Select Date/Time tab to set current time for the EasyCall Gateway.  Select Submit to activate the settings
17	Select Password tab if it's needed to change the default password for the user root..

Installation of the EasyCall Gateway

 
The EasyCall Gateway is an easy to implement and manage solution that communication-enables the enterprise applications.  The EasyCall Gateway appliance is deployed as an adjunct to the corporate telephone system.  The EasyCall Gateway client software is installed, streamed, or published to user desktops to communication-enable Windows XP or Vista applications.   
Note: For detailed information on the EasyCall Gateway features and configuration, refer to the EasyCall Gateway Administrator's Guide.

Unpacking the System

 Inspect the box in which the EasyCall Gateway was shipped and note if it was damaged in any way. If the appliance itself shows damage, you should file a damage claim with the carrier who delivered it. Verify that the contents of the box match the packing list. If an item on the packing list is missing from the box, contact Citrix Customer Care.
 

Materials Needed for Installation

• An ethernet cable to connect the appliance to your network.
• If using QSIG integration with the telephony system, one to four crossover voice DS1 cable(s). Your telephony system vendor can specify the number of cables required.

EasyCall Gateway Implementation Guidelines

EasyCall Gateway implementation must follow these guidelines:
• EasyCall Gateway integration supports only one protocol (QSIG or SIP) at a time. A site that uses more than one protocol will need one EasyCall Gateway per protocol type.
• You cannot share a EasyCall Gateway between two telephony systems, even if the two systems use the same protocol.
• The number of EasyCall Gateways needed for a site is based on the user load and the trunking used for integration. You can implement multiple EasyCall Gateways to support larger user bases.
• In a private network with multiple telephony systems, the EasyCall Gateway can be installed at a central location to serve users at satellite locations
  

Setting Up the Hardware

The EasyCall Gateway connects to your network inside the firewall. The connection can be through a hub or switch. The EasyCall Gateway does not support connection to a server load balancer or a connection that straddles two networks.
"Interface 1" refers to the left-most ethernet port when facing the front of the EasyCall Gateway.

To physically connect the EasyCall Gateway

1.     Install the EasyCall Gateway in a rack if it is rack-mounted.  For more information, see "Rack-Mounting the Appliance" on page 11.
2.     Connect the power cord to the AC power receptacle. For power requirements, see "Appliance Specifications" on page 19.
3.     Physically connect the EasyCall Gateway to your network. The interface used for connection depends on the trunking type and whether you will use DHCP to assign an IP address to the EasyCall Gateway. For SIP trunking, always use Interface 1. For QSIG trunking, use Interface 1 to initially configure the appliance using its default IP address (10.20.30.40) or use Interface 2 to use a DHCP-assigned IP address.
 • To initially connect to the appliance via its static IP address, configure its IP address on the 10.20.30 net (netmask 255.255.255.0) and connect the appliance to your network with an Ethernet twisted pair cable.
 • To assign an IP address to the appliance through DHCP, provision the host name of the EasyCall Gateway on your DHCP server and connect the appliance to your network with an Ethernet twisted pair cable.
4.   To access the administration tool, open https://10.20.30.40:8443 in a Web browser.
      For instructions on changing the preconfigured IP address, see "Configuring TCP/IP  
      Settings" on page 4.
5.   Connect the PRI span in the EasyCall Gateway to your telephony system. Consult
      your telephony system vendor regarding the number of connections required.
6.   Power on the EasyCall Gateway.

Introduction

This document assumes the administrator is familiar with the basic concepts and components of Citrix EasyCall. This document is targeted to the steps and requirements for successfully building a Citrix EasyCall Proof-of-Concept environment and does not address all the intricacies or interactions of XenApp environment. The goal is to provide a working example of the technology.  
An EasyCall Proof-of-Concept environment is expected to be isolated from the production environment (if possible). 
A successful EasyCall Proof-of-Concept environment has five parts. The five parts covered in this document are pre-installation check list, installation of the EasyCall Gateway, configuring the EasyCall Gateway, installation of the EasyCall agent (agent can be installed local, streamed, published, and a web services API), and call test scenarios. Each of these parts is discussed in the sections below.

Pre-Installation Requirements

 
The successful Proof-Of-Concept (POC) begins with simple preparation, if completed correctly will allow for the completion of the POC in a timely manner. Below is a list of pre-installation requirements that are recommended.  

Firewall Requirement

 
The firewall used for the EasyCall Gateway must allow TCP traffic over port 8443 for communication with the EasyCall Agent or Web Services API.

If SIP trunking is used, the telephony system and the EasyCall Gateway must not be separated by a firewall or NAT. 

Basic Network Connectivity

• Interface 1 IP address:

(By default, Interface 1 (left port) is configured with the static IP address 10.20.30.40 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and Interface 2 (right port) is configured for DHCP.  Interface 1 must always be used for SIP trunking.)

• Subnet mask:
• Default gateway IP address:
• DNS server (s): 
   

Citrix License Server

 
Review Citrix License Server documentation at http://support.citrix.com/licensing/.

One of the first question is to ask if the site has a current Citrix License Server.  If they have a current server we can use it and install evaluation licenses.  The preferred method would be to setup a new Citrix License Server just to support the POC.  That way when the POC concludes the Citrix License Server can be removed without effecting production.  
The items below are setting for the EasyCall Gateway UI for Citrix License Server: 

• Do you have a Citrix License Server? (yes/no)
• Citrix License Server IP address:
• Citrix License Server host ID/MAC address:
• Use Citrix Presentation Server Platinum Licenses? (yes/no)  
  Citrix Licenses can be downloaded through the following url and links:

http://www.citrix.com >support >downloads >licensing components  

Telephony System

 
EasyCall Gateway listens for SIP messages on UDP port 5060 (default port).  The PBX side of the port is configured by the customer.  See the EasyCall Gateway Integrator's Guide for specific PBX requirements.

Select the telephony system used at the site: 
Please see EasyCall PBX Integration list for currently supported PBXs and configurations. 

Call Setting Configuration

Settings below are from the EasyCall Gateway UI:

• External Trunk Access Code: (example 9, 8, 0)
• Country Code: (example 1 for U.S., or 44 for the U.K.)
• Area Code:
• International Dial Prefix: (example 011 for U.S. or 00 for the U.K.)
• Domestic Dial Prefix: (example 1 for the U.S.) 

Call Setting Customization

Other local area codes or overlays: (this is used if there are multiple local area codes for large cities/areas) :

• Area code: (does local dialing require the area code? Yes/no), (Domestic prefix? Yes/no)
• Numbers to be recognized as extensions: (example 3, 4, or 5 digits)
• Extensions preceded by: (example #, /, Ext., Ext:, other) ("Ext" includes all variations of capitalization)
• Extension prefix?
• Dial private network numbers as an: External or Internal number 

Directory Source Configuration

Settings below are from the EasyCall Gateway UI, you can also add multiple directory sources within the EasyCall Gateway configuration.  During a POC it would be best to add one LDAP source either from an Microsoft Active Directory connection or a CSV file located on a FTP server.

• LDAP server IP address and port number: (LDAP server port defaults to 389.  If you use an indexed database, using port 3268 will significantly speed the LDAP queries.)
• LDAP Bind DN and password: (example - ou=administrator,dc=ace,dc=com)
• LDAP Base DN: (example - ou=Users,dc=ace,dc=com)
• LDAP Attribute Fields: (example - Display Name=cn, Surname=sn, FirstName=givenName)  These fields will vary depending on the setup the LDAP environment.

New EasyCall release adds robustness and features Submitted by David Coleman, Director, Product Management Citrix® EasyCall™, which enables you to make calls on your phone of choice by simply clicking a phone number in any application, now offers increased robustness and new features. The latest product version, EasyCall 1.2, was released to manufacturing on May 20. EasyCall is included in the Platinum Editions of Citrix XenApp™ (the new name for Citrix Presentation Server™), Citrix® NetScaler®, and Citrix XenDesktop™. EasyCall is also available as a standalone product.

This technology benefits Citrix customers by streamlining the process of placing phone calls and enabling users to take advantage of their company's negotiated phone rates instead of racking up costly cell phone or long-distance charges when traveling or working from home. Calls can be made from any application, whether delivered with a Citrix solution or installed on a PC, without any changes to the phone system or the application. Innovator Award recognition Integrating communications and applications is an important IT trend designed to improve user productivity and satisfaction. Recognizing Citrix's innovation in this arena, VON Magazine honored EasyCall with a 2008 Top Five Innovator Award as an advanced communication system. (Read the article here.) What's new? Client publishing: The EasyCall client can now be published in non-load-balanced environments using XenApp in addition to being streamed or locally installed.

Broadened support for telephone systems: o Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise Version 8.0 (QSIG and SIP) o Asterisk 1.2 and 1.4 (SIP) o Avaya S8300/S8700-Series (QSIG) o Bandwidth.com (SIP) o Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Versions 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, and 6.0; Cisco Unified Communication Manger Express, Versions 3.2 and 4.0 (SIP) o Nortel Meridian Series and Nortel Communication Server, versions 4.0 and 5.0 (QSIG and SIP)

EasyCall client now localized in French, Spanish, and German

A user-friendly download page for installing the EasyCall client on each EasyCall Gateway How EasyCall works When you hover the mouse over any phone number in any application, the EasyCall phonebar will fade in. You then simply click on the green phone button to initiate the call. EasyCall via the EasyCall Gateway signals the PBX to place a call to your phone. Once you answer the call, the PBX dials the destination phone number. Because all of these calls are initiated by the corporate PBX, the calls are made using the company's negotiated phone rate.

For more information about EasyCall, please contact David Coleman at david.coleman@citrix.com, or visit www.citrix.com.

Citrix Presentation Server
Platinum Edition
EasyCall Overview

EasyCall is an innovative new feature of Citrix Presentation Server™ 4.5 Platinum Edition that adds communications capabilities
to any application that is virtualized, streamed, web based or installed locally on a personal computer. This feature
is activated by the Citrix Communication Gateway and enables users to 'Click-to-Call' any telephone number in any application.
Any telephone can be used as the originating device, including a mobile phone, home phone or office phone. EasyCall
also provides a simple corporate directory with automatic directory synchronization and a call log that provides a easy way to
redial commonly used numbers.

The Challenge - Limited Click-to-call solutions Current solutions are limited by their specific integration with a
limited number of applications . They usually work only with desk telephones — often IP devices only — from a single telephone
system vendor.

High communications costs - The cost of calls while outside the office is high. Long distance
calls, especially international, are expensive when users are out of the office and using mobile phones. Although call costs from
home telephones may not be unduly high, there is an administrative overhead in having to expense these charges.

Mobile workforce - With more and more employees telecommuting or working as 'road warriors', they need secure remote access to the corporate
telephone network

High Volume calling - For groups or departments tha have high volumes of outbound calling, it is difficult and costly to automate this process.

Softphone complexity - Installing IP soft phones is resource intensive, prone to errors,
and can result in application conflicts. IP voice traffic is subject
to quality of service (QoS) issues that can degrade voice quality
to a point where it is unusable.