Cisco currently has prototypes to demonstrate the capabilities of the new software but no trials as yet. Target trial customers include those in the supply chain and manufacturing verticals, O'Sullivan says.

The system will allow users to build hybrid on-premises/on-demand intercompany collaboration networks which combine the capabilities of Cisco's Unified Communications Manager IP telephony platforms and WebEx Internet conferencing system. Video will also be a key component of the system but may not be accessible from mobile devices due to bandwidth limitations of wireless networks, O'Sullivan says.

Sales of Cisco's Unified Communications products grew 22% year-over-year in the company's fiscal first quarter. Cisco has deployed 18 million IP business phones since entering the market in 1999; O'Sullivan says there's an opportunity to deploy 320 million more.