In this update:
- 3CX version 20 latest news
- 3CX version 18 final update 9a
- 3CX version 18 to version 20 migration dates
- Blog – 3CX version 20: Top 5 features you need to understand
- Router phone configuration for 3CX
- 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 has gone live along with an updated Beta of the new Windows Softphone and an update to the iOS app. Key updates:
Update 1 for version 20 was released on 13th May and sees the following features available:
Scheduled reporting.
Active calls window.
Configure presence for Bridges.
Configure multiple Fax numbers that can route to different email addresses.
SRTP option per extension.
TLS for Generic SIP Trunks – upload a certificate and configure TLS on generic trunks.
50% faster backup and restore ie faster failover.
Exceptions to your out of office rules (OOO = Out Of Office) that apply to specific callers.
Integration with Pipedrive CRM.
The final release blog is available here.
New Windows Softphone Beta – last month the first update since official launch went live with the receptionist view, call queue view, drag and drop, and more going live. In the new beta this month we see:
- Control your deskphone from your softphone.
- Quick action buttons to: login/out of queues; know your registered device; ringer on/off; and keep on top.
- New installation option – MSIX instead of MS Store or website, but remember it’s your responsibility to keep it up-to-date and secure!
- Roadmap timeline for further features to the new Windows Softphone:
▪ Yealink headset support – awaiting the drivers from Yealink so very soon!
▪ Chat support – expected June 2024.
▪ Video and schedule conference support – expected July 2024.
This new Windows Softphone will soon have feature parity with the old legacy app but is already being used by many customers globally. See the beta blog launch here.
iOS App Beta – Apple CarPlay!
This is a big beta release for the iOS App. The focus is on integrations with Apple CarPlay – now you can call, chat and more from your dashboard while on the move! Check it out here and if you want to sign up to TestFlight do so from within that blog. There is a YouTube video linked in the blog or at this link.
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. 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 reiterate, there are currently two editions of 3CX considered as their current product – version 20 and version 18 update 9a. In due course 3CX will announce the deprecation plan for version 18.
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 version 18 final update 9a
Version 18 has a final update to 9a. 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.
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.
Blog – Enhancing security and safety: Leveraging the power of the 3CX SBC
The SBC is very important for instances hosted in the Cloud to be able to communication with IP deskphones onsite. In this latest blog, Asel Opata takes a look at what it is and why it’s needed. Along with this he looks at different options available to you. Check out the full blog at this link. For those that are not wanting to retire STUN in version 20 STUN is not supported – the SBC is the future and this blog will help explain the importance.
Want to know more? Reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Router phone configuration for 3CX
The Router phone is still a relatively new concept for many partners – effectively this is a phone configured with a specific firmware to have an SBC onboard. You can proxy up to 10 other phones to it but be aware of the power each unit has so you don’t over commit resources. If you are unsure of how to configure a router phone, check out this walkthrough on YouTube here.
Grandstream latest product announcements
Grandstream has expanded their switch offering further with the announcement of Layer 2 Lite switches. This series includes the GWN7711, which provides 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the GWN7711P, which offers 8 Gigabit ports with 4 ports providing smart dynamic PoE output. The GWN7711P also supports 24V DC passive PoE output. They support both desktop and wall-mount installation. See the launch announcement here.
Adding to the well-established portable WiFi range, are the new WiFi 6 models – WP816 and WP826. The new models support Wi-Fi 6 to provide market-leading wireless voice quality, range, and capacity, adding mobility and scalability to any voice solution. The full announcement is here and the YouTube launch video is here.
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
In our office in Ellerslie, we have three meeting rooms configured for MTR devices – all are Yealink, and all are different to showcase the technologies! This month Asel Opata takes a look at our two different Android configurations along with some of the advanced speaker tracking features. The units he’s reviewed are the A20 MeetingBar (currently the A20-025 is on special!) and the MeetingBoard 65”. The YouTube video is located here and well worth a quick watch. We use these devices on a daily basis in our office – if you want to pop by and check them out, please contact us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz to book a time.
The latest Yealink Headset to launch is the BH70 bluetooth unit. This is available as Dual (stereo) or Mono with a soft, light, and flexible headband, noise-cancellation, and more. There is an overview of the key features at this blog – this is a very cost-effective business unit and they’re flying out the door with more stock due into NZ soon. We do have a demo unit if you’d like to take it for a test drive – it’s the Mono version. Reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
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 Twentymanmailto:megan@bluechipit.co.nz 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
Jabra has launched their Room configurator tool to design your meeting room space. You can create your space from scratch or choose from one of the predefined options. Once you’ve completed the process you’ll receive a full configuration including the wiring diagrams! You can access the tool here or if you need assistance we’re happy to guide you. Scoping out a customer’s requirements is imperative to a successful solution recommendation and implementation.
Don’t forget that when it comes to headsets, 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.
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.
