In this update:
- 3CX’s Latest Product News
- Blog: Why Firmware Updates matter more than you think
- Yealink product updates
- Grandstream News
- CommBox product updates
- Fanvil product updates
- Jabra product updates
- Demo equipment
- 3CX Technical Certifications – August bookings nearly full
- Case studies – stories sell products!
- Join our LinkedIn UC community to see the news first
3CX Latest Product News
Update 6 with the new reporting is the most anticipated release of 3CX v20, we’re nearly there now! This month there is a Release Candidate 3 which is expected to become the final release and further updates around CDR 2.0. Below is a recap around each of the update 6 releases, but before you read all about it there has been an important Security Assessment statement released.
V20 Product Security Assessment from Mandiant – a part of Google Cloud – Now Published – as part of 3CX’s ongoing commitment to product security, 3CX engaged Mandiant, a part of Google Cloud and leader in cybersecurity consulting, to conduct a thorough and extensive, multi-phase security assessment of the 3CX Phone System V20. The blog announcement found here has a good overview on what has been reviewed. The full report is available at this link and the Security Landing Page of 3CX’s website is fully updated.
Update 6 development progress and new CDR (Call Data Record) tables explained – below are the links to each of the blog releases along the development of update 6 which is focused on the new reporting.
- NEW Release Candidate 3 – this was made available last week and includes 7 new Grafana dashboards as well as fixes to 3 existing dashboards. A few more refinements and tweaks are also included in RC3. The RC3 blog is found here.
- CDR 2.0 UPDATE – this blog reviews the changes already announced in a prior blog and looks at further enhancements including a great explanatory video from Nicholas Borg the 3CX Product Manager. The revised CDR tables will go live when update 6 goes live – we’re nearly there. View the blog here and review the included video.
- Release Candidate 1 and Release Candidate 2 – both RC versions include improvements and fixes based on the testing process. See each of the blogs for the details along with the changelog links. The wait is coming to an end for a whole new generation of reporting.
- Alpha Blog – the first look at update 6 introduces a rewritten CDR mechanism and 4 new standard reports. The new reports are focused on inbound calls; outbound calls; user activity; and call distribution. Another key area is around more granular information. Other enhancements in the update 6 Alpha include an ability to switch to multi-tenant from a normal installation; recordings filter; remote access for troubleshooting; improvements to the M365 and Google integrations; and more. Please review the full blog for the key detail and explanations from 3CX.
- CDR Deep Dive Blog – in this blog, the 3CX team deep dive into why they have spent significant time redeveloping the Call Data Records (CDR) to enable much more accurate and comprehensive reporting. The team break this down in great detail and we highly recommend you review. By rebuilding the CDR table 3CX is again future proofing their solution.
- Beta Blog – the update 6 Beta delivers a major step forward in call reporting from 3CX. You can now sync 3CX with Google BigQuery and leverage Grafana for all kinds of reporting, dashboarding and visualisation capabilities. The key that was announced sometime ago and is now in Beta is the ability to be able to make your own reports. This reporting is available for customers with an 8-SC Pro license or higher. Links within the beta to download the setup guide and Grafana templates.
Live Chat now supports Shopify
Using a lightweight code snippet, you can now add 3CX Live Chat to Shopify. For a full rundown on the options and other Live Chat plugins view the blog at this link.
Multi-tenant or Multi-Company Mode
A further enhancement coming in update 6 is the ability to switch to “multi company” mode – this is only available for 16-SC Pro or higher licenses. Since multi-tenant was introduced in update 2 it’s proven a very popular way for 3CX partners to group lots of small customers “tenants” together. Many NZ partners have successfully implemented this – looking after one instance instead of lots of 4-SC instance is much better. The latest blog found here, recaps the developments and new features about to unveil in update 6. There are links to the updated guides, and this is well worth a read. Our NZ partners, that have transitioned customers off 4-SC licenses into their multi-tenant have reported increased profitability even though there is a bit of work to do the migration as a one-off. For adding new customers it’s a breeze. If you’d like to discuss more, reach out to Megan our UC Brand Manager.
V20 Windows Softphone, iOS App, and Android App all version 5.1 go live
early in June all three apps went live with their new 5.1 version. Each app had a different focus.
– Windows Softphone 5.1 – blog announcement found here. Those with Receptionist Rights can set status for other users, drag & drop attended transfer on active calls, and have a new panel view.
– iOS App 5.1 – blog announcement found here. The new feature on iOS takes advantage of the new iOS 18 feature of “limited contacts access” feature.
– Android App 5.1 – blog announcement found here. This app introduced the “edit before call” feature which helps users to make calls faster.
Upgrading to v20:
Important reminders before upgrading to version 20 – if you do nothing else, please ensure that you read these two very important documents:
- Upgrade from v18 to v20 Configuration Guide – this guide is kept up-to-date by 3CX and part of the Administration Manual.
- Upgrade checklist & FAQ Blog – this was released in early January 2024 to cover all the important steps you must do before proceeding with an upgrade. Remember you’re moving from Debian 10 through to Debian 12 and there is no roll back from the upgrade. License keys move from being v18 to v20 keys as part of this process.
IMPORTANT – SET YOUR SYSTEM OWNER! We’ve had a few cases of customers locking themselves out during the upgrade process and new charges will be incurred if you need 3CX’s support teams help.
Blog: Why Firmware Updates matter more than you think
In Akhila’s latest blog, she explores why firmware updates are important across your UC products from handsets, headsets, wireless units, video conferencing and more. It’s a good reminder to ensure that client’s hardware is being kept up to date. Dive in for a read here.
Yealink Product News
The requirement for meeting rooms to be fitted continues to accelerate and Yealink has a solution for all spaces.
Our next generation MeetingBoard Pro is now installed at our Ellerslie office – we’ve gone for a 65” but you can also get a 75” or 86” if needed. The new design is sleeker and has an upgrade across the board (love that pun!). Many customers are enjoying the first generation, but the second-generation takes a step up – here’s a few key highlights:
- Adding in a 75” option – 3 sizes, 65”, 75”, and 86”.
- Clearer display – 350nit/8% haze becomes 400nit/25% haze.
- Computing power increases by a whopping 164%!
- Camera clarity – we jump from a 8MP with option 6x or 12x PTZ to 3 50MP triple camera system and even the optional 12X Pro PTZ.
- Optimized speakers – hearing is clearer than ever!
- Slimmer/sleek design – the bezels have shrunk, and it’s lost 20% in weight!
- Choose your mount – purchase a trolley stand or wall mount, the choice is yours.
You can visit our YouTube clip here to see us putting it together in record time! A picture of it all setup and waiting for you to view it in our Kilobyte Meeting space.
If you haven’t yet checked out the A40 Android MeetingBar designed for small to medium rooms, we have one of our rooms equipped and it’s the fastest moving unit at present. Akhila took the opportunity to write a blog about the unit and our own meeting room upgrade in a quick video – check it out here (video is linked from the blog).
Already in 2025, we’ve seen a real focus from businesses to fit out their spaces with the appropriate equipment especially in that small to medium space. We are here to guide you with ensuring you suggest the right equipment for the space and your client’s budget. We also have partnered with installers who can help you with installation if you don’t have inhouse resources to do so. Reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz or give us a call via 0800 733 233.
We also have a deal registration promotion for both Android and Windows Meeting Room equipment – we do the registering of the deal for you and then a couple of months after you win the deal, you’ll get some vouchers to share with your customer!
Headset news: Yealink’s NFR promotion ends on the 30th June – just a few days to go to secure units for your team.
Having a fit for purpose headset is essential in the hybrid work and open-plan office spaces we encounter on a daily basis.
We’re excited about the recent launch of the new WH68 DECT Hybrid Headset. For those familiar with the very popular WH64, this is the next step-up featuring Hybrid ANC four-mic noise cancellation. The first limited stock is due in NZ this week with more to follow.
Grandstream news
Earlier this quarter, Grandstream launched their largest reseller reward promotion ever. In September 2025, Grandstream will host their Global Partner Conference in Bali. Partners reaching purchasing thresholds from 1st April to 31st July 2025 will win significant prizes to help with the cost of attending this event. Check out the full details below and ensure to pick Bluechip Infotech NZ as your preferred Grandstream Distributor!
A customer recently asked me which is the most popular Grandstream networking item – I couldn’t answer as our customers’ requirements are so diverse. The range is so vast that we have the right fit product for each specific scenario – from their WiFi 5, 6, and VPN Gigabit Routers, to their wireless Access Points you can choose models right for your customer! The switches range from unmanaged through Layer 2 Lite, Layer 2+, Layer 3 and Layer 3 Aggregation. Key message – talk to our team about Grandstream networking solutions – all GWN products feature a 3-year warranty and can be managed by the free GDMS Cloud.
Grandstream Tutorial: Wi-Fi Deployment – Plan, Install, Config
In this latest video tutorial, Grandstream covers the basic guidelines for optimising wireless performance on your Grandstream GWN devices. They explain how to manage and configure radio frequency settings to ensure reliable and high-performing wireless connectivity. The configuration is implemented through GDMS – Grandstream Cloud Management Platform. You can check out the 16-minute tutorial at this YouTube link.
CommBox product updates
CommBox’s Commercial Displays are well known in the ANZ market. One of the key comments from customers looking at equipping a meeting room is “a TV from JB or Noel Leeming will be fine right?”. The answer is no it’s not. Commercial Displays are designed to be on 24/7 and CommBox back theirs with a 5-year warranty. Commercial Displays are also designed to display at the correct ratios for Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms and for video conferencing equipment to interact with. Have you ever been in a meeting where a consumer TV is in play and part way through the meeting it doesn’t detect any presenting and turns off the meeting? This can happen. There is a perception by customers that Commercial Displays are far more expensive – this is simply not the case. CommBox have solutions from Meeting Room Displays to Intelligent with Android on board, through to interactive and onwards to large format and LED.
If you’d like to know more about any of the CommBox family of products, reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Fanvil product updates
Fanvil has a vast array of business SIP phones that meet many different customer requirements. For our 3CX partners many of the units can also act as a router phone (SBC onboard) option. There are limits of how many phones can connect via the various models, but these give a great option for customers with a Cloud hosted instance of 3CX. Last month we featured the V62 Pro unit with the Bluetooth wireless handset. Below are some of the most popular XU and V series units at present.
A little-known model is the X305 Big Button phone pictured below. This phone has 3CX interop for our 3CX partners and proves very popular in the retirement sector. Often a key requirement for residents is an easy-to-use phone with larger buttons – we’ve got you covered!
Jabra product updates
Jabra have you covered for all your headset requirements from wired; Bluetooth wireless; and DECT wireless options. They also have the fantastic video conferencing solutions available.
The Panacast 20 goes beyond a standard webcam, this 4K Ultra-HD video unit with picture perfect AI-enabled image enhancement is also flexible as it’s so light and portable! Akhila has been using our unit during delivery of 3CX Technical Trainings as it’s such a clear picture but also allows her to demonstrate with equipment for the remote participants. A feature I particularly like is the picture-in-picture option. These units are very popular and are in stock now – our SKU is 403186.
If you’d like to know more about it or any of the Jabra offerings contact our team on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Demo equipment
3CX Technical Certifications – August Bookings nearly full!
The 3CX Basic and Advanced certifications have been updated for version 20! 3CX have now made the new v20 exams available to everyone that holds the v18 certs. You’ll see the “Take the Basic Exam” option at the top of your page again.
Be sure to prepare by visiting the Academy landing page and the Basic and Advanced pages. There are links to all the relevant guides. The current exams are accessible from your Partner Portal and/or your own personal login to the portal (create a login at this link and you can link it back to the Company Partner Portal via the “Company Users” menu). It is a requirement of the 3CX Partner Program that all 3CX Partners have at least one staff member fully technical certified – it’s recommended to have two.
The 3CX training preparation pages on their website are updated and you can access these at:
Our next training is coming up in August and will be delivered online. The dates are:
- Wednesday 13th August 9am to 4.30pm – 3CX Basic Certification Training and Exam – online
- Thursday 14th August 9am to 4.30pm – 3CX Advanced Certification Training and Exam – online
Case studies – stories sell products!
Join our LinkedIn UC community to see news first
