In this update:
- 3CX version 20 latest news
- The 3CX Deployment Wizard is back!
- Do you need commercial displays for your clients? CommBox has you covered!
- Time to power up promotion on hardware
- Yealink product feature and promotions
- Grandstream video guide part 10 of the GWN78xx switch series: Storm Control
- Jabra product range
- Demo equipment
- 3CX Technical Certifications – exams available now!
- 3CX partnership – not a partner yet? Come and join us!
- Case studies – stories sell products!
- Join our LinkedIn UC community to see news first
3CX version 20 latest news
Version 20 officially launched at the end of Feb 2024, in May we saw update 1 go live, and now in July update 2 is live. In this second part of 2024 it’s important to plan and progress your migrations from v18 to v20.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- 31st July 2024:
– NFR instances need to be on version 20.
– FREE 4-SC Standard editions need to be on version 20 or they’ll drop to 2-SC. These are EOL at the end of 2024. - 15th August 2024:
– V18 instances need to be on update 9a (build 18.9.9.31);
– V20 instances need to be on update 1 (build 20.0.1.731) or above;
– To continue to connect to the 3CX Activation servers. - 1st September 2024:
– Hosted by 3CX instances need to be on version 20.
Debian 10 has gone end of life:
The 3CX v18 Linux edition is built on this platform and with Debian 10 now being end of life there will be no further security updates released by Debian. 3CX’s latest blog covers off the importance of now migrating customers to version 20 with handy links to the check list to use before upgrading.
Update 2 for v20:
In June we looked at the key features of update 2 which is now live. To re-cap:
- AI features – OpenAI, Summary & Sentiment Analysis:
– Whisper API support – transcribe calls and voicemails without using Google Drive/Transcription.
– Summary and sentiment analysis – transcribed calls also receive a sentiment score.
– Additional info added to reports and you’ll start to build a picture of how a particular queue or ring group is being perceived! - Microsoft Teams presence syncing:
– You can now sync without the Direct Routing integration, you just need MS365 integration configured correctly. - Windows installer for version 20.
– More Administrator controls:
– Granular per user control of call information, presence, and call operations.
– See who’s connected – check any active browser login, review and if needed terminate the connection!
– The Activity Log is back!
– High Priority packet setting for better voice quality – a new “high priority” traffic option that if recognised by the firewall will greatly improve voice quality. - Private Video Conferencing:
– For organisations that need to keep voice and also their video within the organisation there is now an option to configure your own Video Conferencing Server – see the links within the blog. - You can view the full update 2 launch blog here. Within this blog are links to the Alpha and Beta release highlights for all the details in the progression to the live update!
New Windows Softphone beta – the latest beta for the new v20 Windows Softphone adds Yealink headset support. You’ll note in the blog it mentions that Chat and Conferencing will be coming soon to the app.
Important reminders before upgrading to version 20 – if you do nothing else, please ensure that you read these two very important blogs:
- Version 20 Launch Blog – this has a key summary of what the significant changes have been and a few peeks at the future.
- 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!
– IMPORTANT – SET YOUR SYSTEM OWNER! We’ve had a few cases of customers locking themselves out during the upgrade process.
To reiterate, there are currently two editions of 3CX considered as their current product – version 20 update 1 and version 18 update 9a. V18 will go EOL fully by the end of 2024 – this year is for migrations and with the end of support for Debian 10 for the v18 build it’s time to plan and start migrating!
If you haven’t been testing version 20 already, we’d highly recommend you use your NFR license for a test system and become familiar with the changes. If you need technical help reach out via ucsupport@bluechipit.co.nz or if you just need some advice on planning your customer migrations, you can reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
3CX v20 Quality Monitoring Tool now in the mobile apps – In version 20 there is a very user-friendly tool to help trace where an intermittent issue call quality issue is occurring. It gives you clear information on where to start to resolve it. This feature has now been added to the latest iOS and Android app releases. Nicholas Paras, 3CX’s Global Trainer, takes you for a walk through this tool in the latest blog released from 3CX. The walk-through video includes showing where you find the information on reports etc and even how to activate the tool on mobile applications. If you need to know more, reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
The 3CX Deployment Wizard is back!
With the re-introduction of a new Deployment Wizard, deploying a self-hosted 3CX instance is easier than ever! The sign-up process has also been streamlined separating the SMB solution from the Pro and Enterprise. Check out the full blog including links to the supported cloud providers of Digital Ocean; Google Cloud; Microsoft Azure; Amazon AWS; and Amazon Lightsail now.
Do you need commercial displays for your clients? CommBox has you covered!
With the meeting room space being a huge growth area, having a high-quality commercial display is a key component to cover with your clients. We have access to the CommBox range of displays and can assist you with the right fit product for your customers.
CommBox has options from their MR displays; through their Android options; through touch and interactive like the Classic S4 featured below; large format; LED and more. They even have a range of furniture and stands available.
A little more about the very popular Classic Interactive S4. It features an upgraded user experience, infinite whiteboarding, clever tools, and a suite of interactive apps, make teaching, learning, meeting, and collaboration easier than ever! Pair it with your favourite brand meetingbar and you’re away!
All CommBox units come with a 5-year warranty.
Pricing is loaded in our system now for the most popular models and our website landing page is coming soon. Want to know more? Reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Time to power up promotion
There is a great promo we’re running on hardware – qualifying purchases of UC hardware will enable you to be able to purchase a CyberPower UPS at a 10% discount. See the below flyer info or reach out to our CyberPower team on cyberpower@bluechipit.co.nz.
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Grandstream video guide part 10 of the GWN78xx switch series: Storm Control
Grandstream release fantastic video guides around their products. The latest in the GWN78xx switch series covers Storm Control. The video found on YouTube here covers what Storm traffic is and how to enable the security feature to protect you. Do you want to know more about the Grandstream Layer 2+ and Layer 3 range of switches? Reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz for more info. PS. Don’t forget they come with a standard 3-year warranty and can easily be managed by the free GWN.Cloud!
Yealink product feature and promotions
Q3 is here and the promos keep rolling from Yealink. See the full brochure at this link. The requirement for meeting rooms to be fitted out is increasing and Yealink has a solution for all spaces. The Android meeting room range covers small to large spaces:
- A10, A20 and A30 MeetingBar bundles with the CTP18 and WPP30 have been priced to include the WPP30 for FREE. We have the A10 and A20 in our demo stock for you to take for a test drive or come and visit our new office in Ellerslie and check out the A20 in action. We also have a MVC windows system you can check out as well! If you would like to know more reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
- MeetingBoard 65” or 86” the promotion has changed and will run through to the end of Q3. Deal register the opp and close the deal receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher PLUS for each unit sold receive a $200 voucher of either Uber Eats or Prezzy Card! This all-in-one collaboration unit is great value for money. You’re welcome to come and visit with us and see our one in action!
- MTR Deal registration – contact uc@bluechipit.co.nz for assistance with any MTR opportunity. Deal register an opportunity receive a $20 Uber Eats Voucher, close the deal by 30th June 2024 and receive a further $30 Uber Eats Voucher.
- NFR’s – contact Megan Twentyman if you’d like to equip yourselves with NFR’s of any Yealink gear so you can show it to customers. Special pricing will apply as will limits on units.
- Yealink Microsoft Certifications – complete any of these and tag Bluechip Infotech NZ on LinkedIn to receive a spot prize! The 2024 updated versions have just launched!
Buy 10 UH37 DUAL headsets and receive an extra 1 for free
The Yealink UH37 USB Wired Headset Series, is a professional USB headset with industry-leading designs and technologies for office users and remote workers who require a stable interactive voice experience. The unit is MS Teams certified and with dual-microphones noise cancellation and Yealink Acoustic Shield technology, UH37 intelligently shields the noise and only picks up the speaker’s voices. Even if in a crowded workplace, it can significantly reduce interference, allowing both sides of the call to enjoy excellent quality.
When you purchase 10 x UH37 DUAL headsets, you will receive one for free. The part number for ordering: 487635. This promotion is valid until 30th September 2024. For more information, contact our UC Team.
Jabra product range
Save 5% on three popular Jabra SKUs while our stocks last.
The Evolve2 40 SE UC Stereo headset is a popular entry level solution for all-day-wearing comfort. The Panacast 20 Webcam can be paired with a headset or the Speak2 55 UC Speakerphone for a great small area/home office video conferencing solution. Each device also excels at its purpose on its own.
Jabra have you covered for all your headset requirements from wired; Bluetooth wireless; and DECT wireless options. We have the Evolve, Evolve2, Biz, Pro, and Engage headset ranges. Want to know more or have an opportunity we can help with? Reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Demo equipment
Here at Bluechip Infotech New Zealand, we hold a demo pool of Yealink, Grandstream, Jabra and Fanvil products which are available to borrow. Having just moved offices, it’s been great having the space to display a small portion of our demo stock. We have IP phones, DECT phones, headsets, WiFi Access Points, facility access and more available to borrow and test. It’s a great way to be able to test out units and see if they meet the needs of your clients. A great way to evaluate new offerings ahead of purchase. If you’d like to borrow anything, please reach out to Megan Twentyman our BDM – UC in the first instance.
3CX Technical Certifications – exams available but resets to come!
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. It is highly encouraged that all 3CX Partners have at least one staff member fully technical certified. The 3CX training preparation pages on their website are updated and you can access these at:
We’re now planning for running the technical trainings….. we have a new staff member joining us in early August.
3CX partnership – not a partner yet? Come and join us!
If you’re not a 3CX partner, now is a great time to explore how effective the 3CX IP PBX unified communication platform is. We’re sure it will fit several of your client’s requirements – with options for Cloud hosted / on-prem and Linux / Windows installations, it’s highly flexible. 3CX has recently updated its website, but a great overview is straight on their landing page at 3cx.com. To chat about becoming a partner and what 3CX’s expectations are, please reach out to our UC BDM Megan Twentyman. Or, if you’re ready to sign up – use this specific link. Bluechip Infotech New Zealand will help speed up your application.
Case studies – stories sell products!
We value the opportunity to work with you to produce case studies on success stories with our UC brands. If you have a good story to share, please reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz and we can work with you. Case studies help sell the products to another customer. Grandstream have an incentive for GWN case studies but for case studies that we produce we’re happy to shout your team a pizza lunch. Get in touch so we can help you grow through sharing successes.
Join our LinkedIn UC community to see news first
Our “Bluechip UC Community” group has been created so our customers quickly get all the latest news. We post regularly and welcome new members to the group. Keep up to date with upcoming Bluechip Infotech New Zealand events, UC-related updates and any other general UC news. Join the LinkedIn group here.
