1. Introduction The United Nations is a global organization with offices in over 190 countries and is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from qualified vendors regarding solutions for its on-premises video conferencing platform. The solution is made up of four distinct inter-related areas: • Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) (Currently using Cisco CMS) • SIP Registration and Firewall (FW) Traversal (Currently using Cisco Expressways) • Endpoint (Codec) Management Tool (Currently using Cisco TMS or Webex Admin Portal) • Scheduling Tool (Currently using an in-house solution) Additionally, the organization is seeking information on: • A solution to enable traditional Cisco codecs (SIP and H.323 endpoints) to connect natively to 3rd party conferencing solutions such as Microsoft TeamsWebex/Zooms/Pexip/Google/AWS Chime or with Interprefy / Interactio / KUDO. • A solution to provide dual registration where, depending on the destination address, one of two routes is taken, for example internal UN managed network for internal calls or internet for Online meeting platform. • Real time video conference traffic Monitoring Tool that would allow proactive intervention. This RFI aims to gather information to assess the feasibility, scope, cost estimate, timeframe, and resources required for implementation. The information gathered will focus on a comprehensive solution covering all components listed above or can address only individual areas and include how the solution(s) can integrate with the existing standard-based systems in the market. Licensing and support models must be included as well. The information gathered from this RFI will help the UN assess options for upgrading or replacing its current on-premises video conferencing infrastructure and guide the organization in identifying the most suitable on-premises approach. Following this RFI, the UN anticipates requesting online demonstrations of suitable submissions and possibly issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). 2. Background The organization's current on-premises video conferencing infrastructure is aging and requires modernization to meet present and future demands. Except for the scheduling tool which is built in-house the solution is completely Cisco based. The organization seeks a modern on-premises solution that enhances user experience, performance, security, and scalability. The replacement system/s must support virtual and hybrid work environments, deliver robust conferencing capabilities allowing support teams to be in control of the end-to-end call setup, and provide ease of management for both IT staff and end-users. It must allow at a minimum for connectivity for legacy systems (SIP/H323) and browser based (WebRTC) from personal computers and mobile devices. 3. Scope of Information Requested We are interested in obtaining detailed information about products and solutions to evaluate their suitability for our requirements. We kindly request the following: • Product Overview and Technical Documentation o Detailed data sheets and specifications. o Any supporting technical or operational documents. o highlighting built-in security of the solution • Use Case Scenarios o Case studies or testimonials from organizations in similar industries. • Licensing Details o Information on licensing models, including types (e.g., subscription, perpetual), terms, and conditions. • System Management & Support o An overview of how the system is managed and supported post-implementation. Including extra support services. • Pricing Information o General list pricing or links to view pricing details. o Any insights into pricing tiers based on usage or organization size. Please include any relevant brochures, links to online resources, or additional materials that would support a better understanding of the offerings. Vendors are asked to provide information either for the entire solution or for specific components. 4. All components must be on premises. Additional requirements include: 4.1. Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) Key requirements include: • Deployment in multiple geographic locations • Redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure high availability and global reachability • High-definition video and audio capabilities. (720p30, 1080p30, and 4K) • AES Encryption and other relevant security standards • Multiple meeting categories (ex. standard, confidential, strictly confidential) with varying levels of accessibility requirements. • Support for multiple video protocols, including SIP, H.323, and WebRTC. • API accessibility / SDK client integration • Meetings with Interpreter features and 7 languages minimum • Multi-tenant option • Management and application networks isolated • LDAPS, SSO user login for administration • Availability to generate video streaming feeds with multiple audio from meetings using SRT, RTMPS, NDI • Availability to generate custom meeting layouts • Management interface using web and ssh 4.2. SIP Registration and Firewall Traversal Key requirements include: • Support for registration of any standard SIP and H.323 endpoint • Ability to function through firewalls and NAT (Network Address Translation) devices using protocols like STUN, TURN, or ICE. • Zone based call routing with search rules and zones • Encryption of media and signaling traffic. • Implementation of MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) if needed • Accessible call and event logs • High availability and failover for business continuity. • Protocol conversion • QoS management • Bandwidth and traffic control and balancing • Management and application networks isolated • LDAPS, SSO user login for administration • API accessibility • Management interface using web and ssh • Full on-premises solution 4.3. Endpoint (Codec) Management Tool Key requirements include: • Centralized management of all standards-based video endpoints, including provisioning, monitoring, and updating. • Permissions management or access control using folder permissions to isolate inventory and viewing by entity • Support for both hardware and software-based endpoints. • Real-time performance monitoring and analytics on endpoint usage, video quality, and connectivity. • Management and application networks isolated • LDAPS, SSO user login for administration • API accessibility • Management interface using web and ssh • Multi-tenant administration (RBAC- Role Based Access Control) and permission assignment 4.4. Scheduling Tool The Scheduling Tool should streamline the process of organizing video conferences, selecting support staff such as assigning moderators. Key requirements include: • Web based • SSO integration • Integration with existing calendar systems (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar). • Integration with MCU and endpoint management tool for seamless scheduling. A scheduling and meeting join feature that simplifies the process of joining scheduled meetings by allowing users to join with a single touch or button press on their video conferencing device using meeting and calendar integration. • Customizable and detailed usage reports • Management and application networks isolated • LDAPS, SSO user login for administration • API accessibility • Management interface using web and ssh 4.5. Solution to connect SIP/H323 codecs to Online meeting platform namely MS-Teams, ZOOM, WebEx, Google, Pexip, etc. A solution is required to enable SIP and H.323-based endpoints to connect natively to 3rd party platforms like MS Teams, etc.. Key requirements include: • A clear licensing model preferably based on concurrent connections, so licenses are re-usable as the organization has locations in many time zones. • Support for high-definition video and audio. • Secure media encryption and end-to-end security. • Support for OBTP (One Button to Push) towards easy join option for online meeting 4.6. Real time video conference traffic monitoring tool Key requirements include: • The monitoring tool should be permission based and allow geographically dispersed teams to monitor both outgoing video traffic from their local location to external sites and incoming video traffic from external locations to their local site. • Real-time traffic monitoring with visibility into video quality, latency, and packet loss. • Customizable alerts for network performance issues, such as dropped calls or poor video quality. • Detailed usage analytics and reporting for proactive maintenance. • Integration with the endpoint management system for troubleshooting at the codec level. Respondents are encouraged to provide a succinct summary of their approach and concept for the on-premises videoconferencing solution. The proposed platform should encompass one or more of the components outlined in this RFI, with the possibility of an online demonstration upon request. Respondents should provide an estimated timeline for delivering an online demonstration of the suggested solution.