UC Channel Update – March 2024

by | Mar 27, 2024 | 3CX, Latest News, Unified Communications

In this update:

  • 3CX product updates – v20 is live!
  • 3CX announce price increases – effective 1st May 2024
  • 3CX Standard 4-SC FREE licenses
  • 3CX Hot Desking
  • How to use Grandstream Device Management System
  • Yealink product feature and promotions
  • Jabra product range
  • Demo equipment
  • 3CX Technical Certifications – exams available, but updates 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 product updates – v20 is live!

 

 

Version 20 officially launched 28th February 2024 local Cyprus time – we saw it on leap day here in NZ! The first preview released on 29th September 2023 and since that time we’ve been on the 5-month journey as version 20 has been unveiled from preview all the way through to Release Candidate 4 and go live. There have been a significant number of blog posts and announcements with what is changing from 3CX and in a lot of cases why things were changing to pave the way for a more agile product for the future. We’ve shared these updates via our newsletters, LinkedIn, and webinars.

 

The key highlights for version 20 are that it’s been re-engineered for today and beyond. They’ve paved the way for future development while also focusing on what is needed now:

 

  • Hardened security.
  • New SIP call manager – they haven’t forgotten their telephony roots!
  • New native Windows Softphone downloadable from the MS Store more to be added and the intent is to replace the legacy softphone app and the Desktop App.
  • New Admin Console – goodbye Management Console. Remember this is just a webpage – the Management Console was our friend as we were used to it, but for new partners to 3CX they found it confusing, and the Admin Console has tried to apply more logic as to where things now live.
  • Departments – these are a very powerful upgrade from the groups in v18 and allow for future roadmap items.
  • AI foundations – AI is taking the world by storm and 3CX has started with call transcription and reporting in v20 but allowed for where this will evolve in time.

 

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. A roadmap is due to be released at some point soon as well.
  • 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!

 

To be clear, there are currently two editions of 3CX considered as their current product – version 20 and version 18 update 9. In due course 3CX will announce the deprecation plan for version 18.
3CX announced that scheduled reporting would be back in update 1 or 2 so if you need this feature – just pause and wait to upgrade. Version 20 is only available for Linux at this time, a Windows installer will come, and an Enterprise license will be required. 3CX has said a roadmap will be released soon as well.

 

Since the launch of version 20, there have been some further key updates announced:
  • Updates to IP phone firmware – check out the blog here.
  • New APIs released – allowing a few simple controls without needing to use the CFD:
      • Call processing scripts – allows you to route calls on time, DID, or caller ID; get caller input via DTMF. Check out the full blog.
      • Call control for v20 – sample scripts include extension status; force PBX hours; personal parking with auto-return; queue agent status; user input IVR.

 

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 announce price increases – effective 1st May 2024

As you will have seen via direct e-mail from 3CX, they have announced that they will have a price increase of between 10-20% effective 1st May 2024. This will be across the subscription licenses and the hosting services. At the time of writing, Distributors don-t yet have this new pricing – we will share updated pricelists as soon as we are able to.

 

3CX is still a very cost-effective solution and I’m sure you’ll all agree that the significant investment in development to bring out version 20 will see the solution up for the future.

 

3CX Standard 4-SC FREE licenses

As 3CX has been indicating for quite some time now, the 3CX Standard 4-SC or original FREE licenses are in their end-of-life phase. The expiry was showing as 2nd March 2024, these were extended out to 2nd July 2024 if the license is registered correctly and on a current build that can connect to the Activation Server (version 18 update 8b or update 9).

 

IMPORTANT: There will be a final extension until the end of 2024 closer to the July expiry date – the requirement is that all licenses are upgraded to version 20 before then and registered correctly in the end customers domain e-mail.

 

It is imperative that you work with your customers this year to decide on a transition plan for them. There are two key options:

 

  1. Staying with the dedicated license, you can upgrade to a paid Pro 4-SC license, and no re-configuration is required.
  2. You can move your customers to the new per-user FREE license from 3CX. This requires a new deployment from scratch; you cannot convert from their current to this license. There are restrictions with the license of 1 SIP trunk and a maximum of 3 IP phones. You must also use a very specific SIP provider for this service. In NZ, UFONE can offer this option to you.

 

We are more than happy to discuss with you the options and offer guidance – reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz if you need help.

 

3CX Hot Desking

With remote working and shared workspaces being the new normal, we thought it was a great time to re-look at the Hot Desking feature in 3CX. Hot Desking made it into the final build of version 20 and is in version 18 update 9. Asel, our Sales Engineer for UC, has a dive into the feature in his latest blog post here. If you haven’t used hot desking before or are thinking about the possibilities, it’s a quick read over you morning or afternoon coffee. If you’d like to know more, reach out to Asel directly on asel@bluechipit.co.nz

 

How to use Grandstream Device Management System

As we announced last month, Grandstream have merged their Cloud Management platforms. Their cloud management is a powerful platform to manage all devices, SIP or Networking, from before; during; and after deployments. If you’re new to Grandstream hardware this overview blog gives you a good insight to the power of the management platform. For those that have used Grandstream for some time, if you’re not using the management platform and just the GUI it’s a great time to take another look, if you are using the platform, it’s a good update on changes etc as well. Check out Grandstream’s blog here.

 

Yealink product feature and promotions

Have you explored the Yealink Bluetooth headset range since we featured it here last month? Asel our Sales Engineer for UC got his hands on the BH76 Plus headset and you can view his overview video here.

 

 

Great news – the Q1 promotions have been so popular that they’ve been extended for Q2. 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. The 65″ all-in-one collaboration MeetingBoard’s also come with a FREE WPP30 wireless content sharing dongle! 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 or the 65″ MeetingBoard 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.
  • 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!

 

Jabra product range

 

As IT professionals we clearly understand that there is a key difference between consumer and commercial solutions. The Kiwi attitude of “it’ll be OK” is one we need to constantly educate our customers on to help them get the best out of their investment. Consumer is not necessarily cheaper but doesn’t work as seamlessly with business tools. Headsets are such personal devices that most companies will give users a choice of solutions – I highly encourage this but also that the choice is from appropriate for their position. Last month we looked at the questions to ask around helping to find the right headset. This month, I’m jumping back to highlight one of my all-time favourite Jabra headsets the Evolve2 65 Flex.

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This is a Bluetooth wireless headset designed for a business user on the move – it’s light and comfortable but also folds up into its snazzy little carry case. It comes with a USB dongle to ensure the best results when working with your PC – there is a UC build and a MS Teams build available. We have one in our demo stock so you can take it for a test drive by reaching out to uc@bluechipit.co.nz.

Jabra have you covered for all 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.

 

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3CX Technical Certifications – exams available, but updates to come!

Late in 2023, 3CX released the revised two levels of Technical Certification exams. We moved from three levels of certification to just two – Basic and Advanced. Further updates are due very soon for version 20 and everyone will be required to complete the new certifications. Keep watching this space for more information as we have it.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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