In this update:
- 3CX version 20 latest news
- REMINDER: 3CX version 18 final update 9a
- 3CX version 18 to version 20 migration dates
- 3CX announces multi-tenant option for v20
- Grandstream latest product announcements
- Yealink product feature and promotions
- Jabra product range
- Demo equipment
- 3CX Technical Certifications – exams available but resets to come!
- 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. During May, update 1 went live and we covered the key features in our last update. For June we see the first Alpha of update 2 and what an update it promises to be!
Update 2 Alpha launched on 12th June with a focus on advancing the 3CX AI capabilities, as well as expanding the enterprise features. It’s indicated that we’ll see Beta’s and Release Candidates with update 2 slated for before the European summer holiday in August. Keep watching for the next updates but check out the Alpha on test systems and look at these key enhancements:
- 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:
– We saw the Alpha last month and when update 2 goes live so will the official Windows installer. 3CX has stressed that the delay with the Windows installer release was purely due to workload – the link is in the blog! - 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. - And more – read the full Alpha release blog at this link.
New Windows Softphone released – last month we looked at the Beta which added deskphone control, and the new quick access panel. This update has now gone live making the new Windows Softphone take another significant leap forward. The full launch blog is here.
The new Windows Softphone for v20 will soon have feature parity with the old legacy app but is already being used by many customers globally as most features are now available!
iOS App – Apple CarPlay!
The new iOS app has gone live with full support for Apple CarPlay. You can now call, chat and more from your dashboard while on the move! Check it out here.
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 and version 18 update 9a. V18 will go EOL fully by the end of 2024 – this year is for migrations!
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.
REMINDER: 3CX version 18 final update 9a
Version 18 had a final update to 9a during May. This extends functionality of the following to these dates:
- Android PUSH – extends to end of 2024.
- iOS PUSH – extends to 25 April 2025.
- License certificate renewals – extends to 28 February 2025.
See the full blog at this link. Please ensure all of your v18 instances are on this latest build.
3CX version 18 to version 20 migration dates
Migration deadline dates are as follows:
- V18 will go end of life at the end of 2024.
- 1st July 2024:
– NFR instances must be upgraded to v20.
– 4-SC Standard FREE licenses must be on v20 to get the final extension until the end of 2024. - 1st September 2024:
– Instances on Hosted by 3CX must be upgraded to v20.
It’s important to plan for your migrations during 2024 and not to leave them until right at the end of the year when life gets so busy.
3CX announces multi-tenant option for v20
3CX v20 update 2 Alpha includes the option for multi-tenancy. This allows partners/MSPs to host multiple customers on one instance. Each company is a “Department”. You’ll need to consider each customers needs to establish if this will be right for them or a stand-alone dedicated is better. This is aimed at partners/MSPs with 10 or more customers, with 20 or less extensions, they’d want to put on one system – a minimum simultaneous call count will apply and this is to be confirmed by 3CX – probably 64-SC, possibly from a 32-SC. If customers need integration with MS365 this won’t work for them but for small instances this will make the partner/MSP experience so much easier. Read the full blog and access the configuration guide at this link. Note this is part of the Alpha of update 2 so not yet ready for production but definitely the perfect time to be testing! If you have queries, reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
3CX v20 Quality Monitoring Tool overview video
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. 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.
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.
Grandstream latest product announcements
Grandstream developments continue with the announcement of a new DECT handset to add to their existing DECT offerings. The DP725 provides up to 400 meters outdoor range, 50 meters indoor range (when paired with DP755 base), 20 SIP accounts per handset, 50 hours talk time, 500 hours standby time, and more. 10 minutes of charging gives 4 hours of use. Check out the highlight video on YouTube here.
First stock is due into NZ early July, you can find more product specifications on the Grandstream website or reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Yealink product feature and promotions
Yealink has announced a first of its kind hybrid wireless headset – DECT and Bluetooth in one model! Introducing the WH64 which will be available as a Mono or Dual option and is designed with business communication in mind. First early stocks to NZ are due mid-July with more stock late July/early August. This is going to be very popular, so pre-orders are going to be essential.
The WH64 features DECT to cover high-density workplace environment and Bluetooth to keep working on your mobile or laptop when away from the office; acoustic shield technology 2.0 utilising three built-in microphones to block surrounding background noise; light and comfortable for all day use; compatibility with mainstream platforms and desk phones. What’s not to like? If you’d like to know more or get a quote, reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Q2 is coming to an end but great promos continue right until the end of June. 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!
Jabra product range
Save 5% on three popular Jabra SKUs while our stocks last (Speak2 55 UC stock is inbound).
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! We’re just waiting on the last piece of the puzzle from 3CX which is for them to reset everyone’s certification levels so that you can prepare and take the new exams. If you can’t wait and are happy to create a new account with a different e-mail address you can sit the new exams now but it won’t be long and you’ll be able to do it under your existing 3CX account and e-mail address.
For now, you can start preparing 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 are planning training for 2024 and will advise dates of in person and online as soon as we have the green light from 3CX! We’re inching closer and not much longer to wait!
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.
