Phone button templates and soft-key templates are both important
elements of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) that allow
administrators to control the features and functionality of Cisco IP phones.
However, they serve different purposes and have distinct differences.
Phone Button Templates:
A phone button template is a pre-configured set of button assignments that
define the features and functionality available on a Cisco IP phone. These
templates determine which buttons are available on the phone and what they
do, including speed dials, line appearances, and programmable buttons. Phone
button templates are typically assigned to devices or device pools in
CUCM.
Soft-Key Templates:
A soft-key template, on the other hand, is a pre-configured set of soft
keys that appear on the phone’s screen when certain conditions are met. Soft
keys are context-sensitive and provide users with quick access to features
and functionality that are relevant to the current task or call. Soft-key
templates determine which soft keys appear on the phone’s screen and what
they do.
Differences:
The main difference between phone button templates and soft-key templates
is that phone button templates define the physical buttons available on a
phone, while soft-key templates define the virtual buttons available on the
phone’s screen. Phone button templates are typically used to configure the
phone’s main functions, such as answering and making calls, while soft-key
templates are used to provide access to additional features, such as call
forwarding, call transfer, or conference calling.
Also, Check: Top 50+ Cisco VoIP IPT and above Level Interview Questions and Answers
Another key difference is that phone button templates are assigned to
devices or device pools, while soft-key templates are assigned to individual
phone lines. This means that phone button templates apply to all phones
within a device pool, while soft-key templates can vary depending on the
phone line and the user’s needs.
Importance:
Phone button templates and soft-key templates are both important tools for
administrators who need to configure and manage Cisco IP phones. By using
these templates, administrators can ensure that phones are configured
consistently across the organization and that users have access to the
features they need to do their jobs effectively. They also help to
streamline the process of managing and updating phone configurations, saving
time and reducing the risk of errors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, phone button templates and soft-key templates are important
tools for managing Cisco IP phones in a CUCM environment. While they serve
different purposes, both templates are essential for ensuring that phones
are configured consistently and that users have access to the features and
functionality they need. By understanding the differences between these
templates, administrators can make informed decisions about how to configure
and manage their phone systems to meet the needs of their
organization.