In this update:
- Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Wednesday 30th October
- 3CX version 20 latest news
- Christchurch Partner Event – Gladiator 2 Movie Premiere
- 3CX End of Year planning – don’t leave things too late!
- MTR for Meeting Room Spaces
- Grandstream Partner Conference Recap
- Yealink product feature and promotions
- 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
Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Wednesday 30th October
Our Monthly webinar is coming up on Wednesday 30th at 11am. In this Webinar we’ll look at the latest update 3 for v20 which is now live, along with recent license changes. The need to migrate from v18 to v20 before the end of 2024 is getting closer and we’ll discuss this. 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
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 now in October update 3 has moved to live. 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 have also been a few licensing changes that were introduced on 9th October when update 3 went live. These are:
- All new licenses sold from 9th October 2024 onwards are v20 licenses and will only activate v20 instances.
- If you need to increase the simultaneous call count of an instance, it must first be on v20 before the pro-rated upgrade 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.
Update 3 for v20:
The Update 3 release has been focused on making the Admin staff’s lives easier! Along with product enhancements, better system performance, and timesaving functions for both Admins and Users. Let’s recap the changes:
- Addition of the Call Processing Script Store – quick access to add the new scripts.
- Easier remote storage and archiving – back up off instance in Google, SharePoint, FTP/FTPS/SFTP. NB: It is highly recommended to back up off instance and not within the instance itself.
- Two-way syncing of 3CX and Teams status – update 2 brought in the one-way sync, this update brings in both ways! All by simply having your M365 integration configured correctly.
- CRM integrations add call transcriptions – adding info to the customer record got simpler!
- Admin’s lives got easier – multi-edit is back to allow admins to copy configurations between extensions; sharing reports to multiple e-mails; simplified outbound rules; export BLF config; and lots more – check out the full blog!
- Removing restrictions for Hosted by 3CX – in this update, 3CX starts the process of removing some restrictions of the Hosted by 3CX platform including now allowing local MCU; templates allowed; and custom templates are allowed. More to follow in future updates including CFD (Call Flow Designer) being allowed!
- Call routing scripts – as you’ve seen a number of scripts have been released and more are to come.
- You can view the full update 3 Alpha launch blog here, the Beta blog here, the Release Candidate blog at this link and the update 3 launch blog here. This is a Release Candidate only and not yet ready for production systems, test internally in preparation.
Update to the Android Mobile App:
Android 15 went live last week and the new Beta Android App from 3CX was released for testing within a few days. The new Beta fully supports the new OS version. The new app aims to deliver better performance and keep users connected without interruption. You can read the full details on the blog 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.
To reiterate, while there are currently two editions of 3CX considered as their current product – version 20 update 1 or above and version 18 update 9a. V18 will go fully EOL at the end of 2024 and as mentioned above new keys are only for v20 along with if you want to increase your simultaneous call count. This final part of 2024 is for migrations and with the end of support for Debian 10 for the v18 build it’s time to plan and complete your customers’ 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.
Christchurch Partner Event – Gladiator 2 Movie Premiere
Are you joining us on Thursday 14th November for the premiere of Gladiator 2? The event starts at 4pm with networking, complimentary nibbles and drinks, and we’ll have product on display from our sponsors who include Yealink and Fanvil – Megan is attending for UC. The movie starts just after 5pm. It’s not too late to register at this link.
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.
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.
MTR for Meeting Room Spaces
It’s fair to say that a lot of UC conversations today start with how to equip clients meeting rooms with the right collaboration tools. While we have units for MTR (Microsoft Teams Room), Zoom Room, and BYOD the majority of those conversations revolve around MTR. Most room spaces in NZ are small to medium spaces.
We’ve recently upgraded our main meeting room space to the newest Yealink technology – you can check out a quick video that Akhila Vushke made of the upgrade at this link.
As part of Akhila’s ongoing learning, exploring the meeting room space licensing and requirements has led her to write a blog focused on whether clients meeting room spaces are fit for purpose and takes a deep dive into MTR technology including the AI features. Check out her blog here.
While it can be daunting – if you’re not selling equipment to your customers for their meeting rooms, someone else is. We have demo equipment available to view in our Ellerslie office, some units in demo that you can borrow and take for a try out, as well as our team with expertise to assist you. If you’d like to know more, you can reach us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz. We’re happy to chat and advise you.
Grandstream Partner Conference Recap
In September, Grandstream held their inaugural Partner Conference in NZ – the good news it that it was very successful and plans are underway for 2025! A key takeaway that is backed by our own sales statistics, is that over half of Grandstream product sold in NZ is within the GWN networking product set. The first Access Point from Grandstream launched in 2017 and now it is the go-to range for WAPs, routers, and switches!
Grandstream has put together a montage video of the event – and look who features at the opening!
If you’d like to learn more about the Grandstream range or take some products for a test drive, reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz or your Bluechip NZ Account Manager.
Yealink product feature and promotions
It’s hard to believe we’re in the middle of Q4 already – 2024 has flown by with some great new products and promotions from Yealink. 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 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 – we do have a couple of A20 ex-demo units for sale, 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!
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.
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.
