In this update:
- 3CX End of Year planning – don’t leave things too late!
- Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Wednesday 27th November
- 3CX version 20 latest news – update 4 in Beta!
- Has your 3CX NFR been downgraded?
- Yealink Device Management via Cloud
- Yealink product feature and promotions
- Grandstream new Layer 3 Multi-Gigabit Network Switch announcements
- CommBox product range – new announcement
- Jabra product range
- Fanvil product range
- Demo equipment
- 3CX Technical Certifications – exams available to take!
- 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 End of Year planning – don’t leave things too late!
The Bluechip NZ elves have had a very busy 2024 and our team will be taking a well-deserved break over the holiday season. Our last day for 2024 is Friday 20th December and we’ll return on Monday 6th January 2025.
For 3CX partners it’s imperative you’re checking if you’re on track to meet your required revenue targets to maintain your current partner level, or if you’re about to move up a level what you need to get across the line. Your partnership level earnt by the end of 2024, will carry with you through to 2025. 3CX reset revenue for the new year early in 2025 – their tracking year is a calendar year 1st Jan to 31st Dec.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to get your orders in ahead of the last day of the year and if you have renewals due in early 2025, order in advance. Remember that 3CX instances lock if the license has not been renewed on time.
The quieter January period is also a great time to undertake system reviews and maintenance – albeit you’ll have done a lot of this with your v18 to v20 migrations.
Should you have queries or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Megan Twentyman our UC Brand Manager.
Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Wednesday 27th November 2024
Our Monthly webinar is coming up on Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 11am. In this Webinar we’ll look at the latest update 4 for v20 which is in beta. We’ll also cover off important end of year topics like partner targets, ordering cut-offs, multi-tenant license requirements and more. The need to migrate from v18 to v20 before the end of 2024 is now imminent so we’ll touch on this briefly as well. As usual we’ll wrap the webinar with a Q&A section. Please join us by registering from the link on our website page here. Click on the bright blue title on the webpage and “subscribe” to the event.
3CX version 20 latest news – update 4 in Beta!
Version 20 officially launched at the end of Feb 2024, in May we saw update 1 go live, in July update 2 went live, and in October update 3 went live. The development of v20 is progressing extremely well and this month, 3CX unveiled update 4 Alpha and now Beta which focuses on AI with their own solution. It’s important to plan and progress your migrations from v18 to v20 in this latter part of 2024 – v18 goes end of life at the end of 2024.
Along with the product changes that update 3 brought, there were also a few licensing changes that were introduced. We’ve also seen 3CX confirm the license size requirement for multi-tenant instances. The key details are:
- All new licenses sold from 9th October 2024 onwards are v20 licenses and will only activate v20 instances.
- If you need to increase or alter the simultaneous call count of an instance, it must first be on v20 before the pro-rated upgrade (or a downgrade) can occur.
- The OpenAI (Whisper) Call Transcription and Call Analytics (sentiment) features are now only available in the Enterprise Edition of 3CX. NB: Call Transcription for Google only is still available in the Pro Edition.
- The multi-tenant option that was introduced in update 2, is confirmed as for 16-SC Pro licenses and above – if you’ve been testing on a smaller license, it’s time to ensure it’s on a 16-SC Pro or above. Our team can assist with pro-rated upgrades. To see the full announcement (issued 18th Nov 2024) from 3CX on multi-tenant visit this link.
Update 4 Alpha & Beta for v20:
This feels like a drum roll moment…… enter 3CX AI! 3CX has a specialised AI team whose core focus is to bring the benefits of AI to 3CX users in record time and at an affordable cost!
Review the full Alpha announcement and the Beta announcement from 3CX’s Blog. Key takeaways:
- AI transcription features require an Enterprise license – these new transcription and analytic features will in the future require an upgrade and separate license. It’s free to test with an Enterprise license on the Beta for now.
- Reducing costs is a key focus for 3CX – in-depth call transcription and analytics is resource heavy and therefore gets costly due to the reliance on expensive GPU processing. By building their own model 3CX will deliver a more cost-effective solution.
- Initial features – the focus is on the basics first, i.e. full call transcription and sentiment analysis.
- What does the future hold, a look ahead to update 5 – 3CX has announced that in update 5, 3CX AI will go beyond basic transcription. Upcoming features announced include the below with all of these metrics being available through a powerful new reporting interface that is currently in development for update 5:
- Customer Sentiment: Accurate ratings of customer satisfaction.
- Agent Effectiveness: Evaluations of operator empathy and performance.
- Content Analysis: Breakdown of Q&A, suggested follow-ups, products or companies mentioned, discussion topics, keywords, and resolution insights.
- Call Analysis: Classification of call type, intent, participants, and urgency ratings.
- Suggested Follow-Ups: Actionable recommendations and next steps.
- Granular Transcription Settings – ability to enable/disable transcription at a department level.
- New Web based call control API – this API lets you manage and process live calls for example initiating calls from CRM.
- Record all prompts via IP phone – this feature has been asked for since v20 went live and now recording prompts via phone is enabled across all parts of the interface, addressing the previous limitations.
- And more updates – be sure to read the blogs above!
Update to the v20 Windows Desktop App – Beta release:
In the latest Windows Desktop App beta release, we see the focus on easier call handling and improved contact management. Saving contacts just got easier with being able to categorise them as personal, company, CRM, or M365. For those supervising or training those with the right permissions can help to manage a team members call straight from the app. You can now track and manage missed and abandoned calls on queues. Lots of additional features – check out the full info at this link.
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.
V18 will be fully EOL at the end of 2024 and the end of 2024 is nearly here.
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.
Has your 3CX NFR been downgraded?
3CX’s deadline of needing to have NFRs running v20 has passed (was back in August) – as of 14th November any NFRs not on v20 were downgraded to 2-SC and are missing the Pro and Enterprise features. However, you can easily get your NFR instance re-instated to what your partnership entitles you to, by getting your NFR on to v20. Once your NFR is back on v20, you’ll have to wait for 3CX to run the next script to re-instate your entitlement – they do this weekly on a Monday and Friday so you may experience a few days delay, but it will get back to a full Enterprise once that happens. See the full blog here.
Yealink Device Management via Cloud
This month Akhila, our UC Sales Engineer, is taking a deep dive into Yealink’s Device Management platform. YMCS (Yealink Management Cloud Service) is where you can manage your IP Phones, Headsets, and Video Conferencing devices. The blog found here takes you through the benefits of central management along with how you can reach out to uc@bluechipit.co.nz or your Bluechip NZ Account Manager.
Yealink product feature and promotions
The end of 2024 is in sight, the Yealink Q4 promos are still available but time is running out! A key promotion from Yealink at present is for anyone that’s not yet sold a MeetingBoard! Check it out below – if you want to see a MeetingBoard in action you’re welcome to set a time and visit us in Ellerslie and see our one! For more info on the hot pricing for this one time, one unit offer reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
The new generation headsets are in stock now! Yealink’s BH70 Bluetooth headset delivers exceptional voice quality, comfort, acoustic shield noise cancellation, and reliable performance. Meanwhile, the Yealink WH64 DECT Hybrid headset also integrates Bluetooth technology into the headset, meaning it supports DECT and Bluetooth in one device! This is Megan’s new “go to” unit and we have stock of both the WH64 DECT/Hybrid and the BH70 Bluetooth units. We also have a great NFR offer available for partners (T&Cs apply).
See the full Q4 promotions 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 – we do have a couple of A20 ex-demo units for sale as this model has now gone EOL and is replaced by the A40, if you’d like information reach out to megan@bluechipit.co.nz to discuss.
- 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 will run through to the end of Q4. Deal register the opp and close the deal receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher PLUS for each unit sold receive a $200 Prezzy Card voucher! 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!
- 10 x BH70 Dual with 2 x free charging stands – this great promo on the new and popular Bluetooth BH70 Dual unit is a crowd pleaser.
- 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 20th December 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!
Grandstream Layer 3 Multi-Gigabit Network Switch announcements
Grandstream has announced the GWN7821P and GWN7822P, Layer 3 Multi-Gigabit Network Switches. They provide 8 or 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 or 4 Gigabit SFP+ ports to enable enterprise-grade speeds up to 152Gbps. With complete end-to-end quality of service and flexible security settings, the GWN7820 series are the ideal managed PoE switches for medium-to-large businesses. First stocks should arrive early 2025 and of course you’ll be able to manage these from Grandstream’s free managed cloud platform. Full product specifications are on the Grandstream website now at this link.
CommBox product range – new announcement
We’re pretty excited about the CommBox commercial displays and looking forward to introducing many of you to this product range. Megan had the pleasure of attending a recent company update webinar from CommBox where they unveiled the new S5 screen. The S5 is a game-changer, designed with a strong focus on cyber security and packed with innovative features like pressure sensing, palm rejection, quad-core neural processors, Google Play Store compatibility, and much more.
This new product will launch in 2025 so expect to see a lot more information soon. In the meantime, if you have a requirement for commercial displays from basic to touch to LED or large format, reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz and we can share the CommBox solutions with you.
Jabra product range
We have limited stock at special pricing for the below key units within the Jabra range – grab the stock before it’s all gone:
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. They also have the fantastic Panacast 50 video conferencing solution available as various options. Want to know more or have an opportunity we can help with? Reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz.
Fanvil product range
The Fanvil range of phones are often popular for customers that require lots of BLF buttons along with the 3CX SBC built-in to the firmware ie a router phone. Have you taken the Fanvil range for a test drive as yet? We have demo units available to loan from basic entry deskphones through to advanced reception units.
If you’d like to know more around any of the Fanvil units, reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz – we have demo stock available for you to take for a test drive!
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 to take!
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 ….. Akhila is fine-tuning her skills to be able to lead the NZ based training. Stay tuned.
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.
