Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7-21
CDR Records Logged to a Kiwi Syslog Server
The output shown on the syslog server is the same messages received in the buffered log-
ging. Although it is easier to read than scrolling through wrapped terminal output, the
messages are just as cryptic. For this reason, many third-party vendors created CDR inter-
preters that format the syslog data into easy-to-understand spreadsheets and HTML pages.
Tip:
Cisco offers a web-based utility that can show many third-party software applica-
tions geared around CDR interpretation. You can find the partner search application at
It is common for an organization to use these CDRs for billing purposes. Businesses track
the long-distance and international calls to the department level to assist in budget ac-
counting. Although it is possible to keep track of the extension numbers that are in each
department and the calls they make, the call data is easier to manage if CME can flag the
CDR with an account code.
Businesses can distribute account codes to each department in the organization. For ex-
ample, the East Coast sales group might get account code 1850, the West Coast sales
group 1851, management 1852, and so on. You could then train the users in each depart-
ment to enter this account code each time they make a long distance or international call
by pressing the Acct softkey on the phone. This softkey appears when the IP phone is in
the ring out or connected state, as shown in Figure 7-22.
After the user presses the Acct softkey, an Acct prompt appears at the bottom of the
phone, where the user can enter their department account number followed by the pound
