UC Channel Update – September 2024

In this update:

• Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Monday 30th September
• 3CX version 20 latest news
• Wellington Partner Event – Joker II Movie Premiere
• Grandstream Partner Conference Recap
• Yealink Webinar – 10th October 1pm NZT
• Yealink product feature and promotions
• Jabra product range
• Fanvil product range – 3CX SBC on board
• Demo equipment
• 3CX Technical Certifications – exams available now!
• 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 – Monday 30th

Our Monthly webinar is coming up on Monday 30th at 11am. In this Webinar we’re covering the most recent 3CX v20 information including update 3 (which was in Beta at time of scheduling this webinar and is now Release Candidate), the mobile app and Windows app updates, along with upcoming support changes for v18. We’ll of course wrap the session 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 September we have the update 3 that has just moved to Release Candidate. 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. There are upcoming changes to the support offerings on v18 in October.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• 31st July 2024 was the deadline for:
  • NFR instances need to be on version 20.
  • FREE 4-SC Standard editions need to be on version 20 or they dropped to 2-SC. These are EOL at the end of 2024.
• 15th August 2024 was another important date for instances to be on the latest build:
  • V18 instances need to be on update 9a (build 18.9.9.31);
  • V20 instances need to be on update 1 (build 20.0.1.731) or above;
  • To continue to connect to the 3CX Activation servers.
• 1st September 2024 – was an important date for those using the Hosted by 3CX service:
  • Hosted by 3CX instances need to be on version 20.
• 15th October 2024 – this is fast approaching:
  • V18 4-SC and 8-SC license support will cost $100 USD/EUR/GBP per incident.
  • V18 licenses of all sizes will no longer have access to 3CX’s Level 3 support.
  • System Owner – if you don’t set your System Owner and upgrade to v20 and lock yourselves out there will be a $500 USD/EUR/GBP per instance charge. System Owners were introduced at update 6 of v18 back in March 2023!
  • Akhila, our UC Sales Engineer, wrote a blog on these changes and how we’ll be supporting you – check it out here.

Update 3 Release Candidate for v20:
In the update 3 Release Candidate the focus is on making admin lives easier! Check out the key changes coming in update 3:

• 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.
• 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 and the Release Candidate blog at this link. This is a Release Candidate only and not yet ready for production systems, test internally in preparation.

Updates to the Windows Softphone and Mobile Apps:
September has seen new Windows Softphone and Mobile App move through Beta to live production. Here’s the information for each application:

• Windows Softphone App – this latest update adds Chat transfer and the ability to forward media and content to other team members. There is also an enhancement to the user interface making the softphone more compact. Beta blog is here and the go live launch blog is here. Get if from the MS Store now.
• iOS Mobile App – the latest iOS update is getting ready for update 3 of v20. There is some under the hood updates including a 75% faster reconnection time from WiFi to roaming. The beta blog is here and the go live blog is found at this link.
• Android Mobile App – the latest Android update makes adhoc conference calls on the fly a breeze. Check out the beta blog at this link and the final release is here.

To reiterate, 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 EOL fully by the end of 2024 – this year is for migrations and with the end of support for Debian 10 for the v18 build it’s time to plan and start migrating!

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.

Wellington Partner Event – Joker II Movie Premiere

Are you joining us on Thursday 3rd October for the premiere of Joker II? 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.

Grandstream Partner Conference Recap

Last week Grandstream held their first NZ Partner Conference in Auckland. The morning started with GCP (Grandstream Certified Professional) training for those that were the quickest to register. The technical training sold out quickly – the feedback to Grandstream has shown the requirement and we look forward to future events! Akhila Vushke our UC Sales Engineer attended the training to expand her own learning. The conference started with a lunch and lots of excited partners packing into the JW Marriott. Grandstream flew their team in for the event including Hieu Huynh, Director of Support NA & APAC, Rachel Saunders, Executive Director of Sales NA & APAC, Ben Miall, Director of Sales Oceania, Efren Morga, Technical Trainer, and Ashrith Logan APAC Marketing. During the conference sales updates, technical overviews, case studies and roadmap were shared with the audience. A key takeaway 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! A massive thank you to our partners who attended and the Grandstream team who flew from the US, Australia, and the Philippines for the event. A couple of quick snaps are below that we can share of the setup of the conference and people beginning to find their seats.

If you’d like to learn more about the Grandstream range, reach out to us on uc@bluechipit.co.nz or your Bluechip NZ Account Manager.

Yealink Webinar – 10th October 1pm NZT

🔈 The upcoming Yealink “Ask Me Anything” Webinar is Coming!
👀 Want to boost your business and unveil Yealink’s latest products?

Join our webinar where you can:
✔Stay ahead with insights on our upcoming products.
✔Gain exclusive selling tips for Yealink’s star MeetingBoard product.
✔Experience a live demo of Yealink’s latest solutions.
✔Learn about our latest promotions and services.

This webinar will fill up fast – don’t delay Register here and we’ll see you there! You even have a chance to win prizes!

Yealink product feature and promotions

Q3 is almost done and Q4 is around the corner. The promos keep rolling from Yealink and the MeetingBoard offer for those that have never sold one before is a real charm! 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! Stock of both the BH70 Bluetooth and WH64 Hybrid DECT/Bluetooth headsets is due this week, 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:

• 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 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!
• Buy 10 UH37 DUAL headsets and receive an extra 1 for free – The Yealink UH37 USB Wired Headset Series, is a professional USB headset with industry-leading designs and technologies for office users and remote workers who require a stable interactive voice experience. When you purchase 10 x UH37 DUAL headsets, you will receive one for free. The part number for ordering: 487635. This promotion is valid until 30th September 2024.
• 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.

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. One model that is very popular is the X6U-v2 High-End IP Phone. It features a 4.3-inch main colour screen and two 2.4-inch extended screens for DSS keys. The 12 DSS keys on the extended screen allow up to 60 DSS keys via 5 pages. It also features bult-in Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, and up to 20 SIP lines. You’ll find we have stock of SKU 401609 ready to ship out today!

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 but resets to come!

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:

• 3CX Academy landing page
• 3CX Basic preparation materials
• 3CX Advanced preparation materials

We’re now planning for running the technical trainings ….. Akhila joined us in early August and is learning quickly so she’ll be able to deliver these in Q4. 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.