In this update:
- 3CX v18 update 8 Alpha
- Soft Solutions Monthly 3CX Webinar
- Expanding our UC hardware portfolio
- 3CX Security Forum
- 3CX mobile apps
- 3CX Meeting – your free video conferencing
- 3CX Technical Certifications update
- Jabra promotional spotlight
- Grandstream GWN product range expands further
- How to create VLANs with Grandstream GWN7800 switches
- Yealink promotions
- 3CX partnership – not a partner yet? Come and join us!
- Case studies – stories sell products!
- Demo equipment
- Join our LinkedIn UC community to see news first
3CX v18 update 8 Alpha
3CX’s development is progressing with security and functionality being at the very heart of every development. In update 8 Alpha we continue to see the migration of features from the Management Console across to the WebClient Admin Panel. The WebClient Admin Panel is now known as the Admin Console. Update 8 has a number of big features which include:
- MS Office 365 integration – taking advantage of the new API makes configuration easier and allows users to create a new contact in MS365 from a new caller ID along with being able to search MS365 contacts via the WebClient.
- SharePoint for backups and recordings – a much asked for feature will be delivered when the update goes live.
- Admin Console Reports – the reports are getting an overhaul. Reports are being merged and simplified and will be available to extensions with a Manager or Owner role. Can also be locked down by IP address so added security.
- CRM server side integrations – with a complete revamp of the code there are some key enhancements including the ability to add contacts to the CRM from an inbound call.
- Headset integrations – Jabra and Poly (Plantronics) are back after some changes on their end – all support via the hardware manufacturer.
- TAPI – if you know about TAPI you’ll be excited to hear it’s in the Desktop App for update 8 Alpha!
- And much more – there is a lot of detail and change in update 8 Alpha. Read the full blog release here.
Soft Solutions Monthly 3CX Webinar
Join us on Thursday 29th June at 11.30 am to review update 8 Alpha in more detail, look at the roadmap information that was recently shared and of course we’ll answer your questions as well. To register for the webinar please visit this link.
Expanding our UC hardware portfolio
We’re pleased to announce that we’re expanding our UC hardware portfolio. A key focus for our UC Team is what products our customers need access to and how we can assist. To this end you’ll be hearing more from us around both Fanvil and Jabra products. Both Fanvil Technology Co., Ltd (Fanvil) who are a leading provider of IP phones and facility access products and Jabra who specialise in audio equipment and more recently videoconferencing systems are well known brands in the NZ market.
If you’d like to know more immediately you can reach us on uc@sofsol.co.nz. You’ll start to see products popping up on our website and featured products within our LinkedIn UC group and in this newsletter.
3CX Security Forum
Last month 3CX released a blog here and announced a new dedicated forum for security alerts to be reported. Please bookmark the forum link for future reference. The purpose of this forum is to ensure prompt investigations and actions happen, it’s monitored 24/7 and partners or end customers can report alerts. This is already in action with several reports (all false positives) to date. There are escalation plans in place to the CEO/CTO for emergency situations.
3CX mobile apps
At the end of May the new iOS app was launched. 3CX have warned that soon the iOS app will only support iOS 15 and higher versions – that’s an iPhone 6S, SE or newer and an iPad Air 2, Air 3rd generation or higher
This month the new Android app has gone live. It has a fresh new look but is still familiar for those of us that use it all the time. It’s also faster and has a range of new call handling features. Call management is easy and the new ability to easily manage multiple calls makes life easier. Read the full blog which has more detail here. The updated app is available in the Google Play Store now.
3CX Meeting – your free video conferencing
As you’re aware each 3CX instance includes the 3CX Meeting platform – maximum participants are restricted based on the license type. For Dedicated licenses this is 100 on the Pro and 250 on the Enterprise. For StartUP FREE or Pro this is 25.
3CX Meeting has recently had some updates. Meeting organisers can now easily manage participants via the mobile apps, for Android users there is now Chromecasting/Screen Mirroring available, and the popular Whiteboarding feature has some additions to improve participant engagement. Behind the scenes there has also been security enhancements and optimisation of resource utilisation which for those running larger meetings in particular will see an improvement. Check out the full blog here.
For those that regularly record their meetings, you know the download link comes in the Meeting Report but what happens if the report doesn’t arrive? Never fear, 3CX have released a new blog with how to find it!
3CX Technical Certifications update
As previously advised, 3CX are in the midst of updating their technical certifications. We’re moving from 3 levels of certification to just 2 and everyone will be required to re-certify. It is highly encouraged that all 3CX Partners have at least one staff member fully technical certified. The refreshed exams aren’t quite ready -3CX are working on updating the Portal and they’ll be ready “soon”. 3CX has started to release updated training preparation pages on their website. You can access these at:
Stay with us as we await portal updates and slide decks so we can get the training rolling throughout NZ on a regular basis. We’ll run each level as a one-day course, and we’ll have options for in person or online.
Jabra promotional spotlight
Currently Jabra has three of their popular Evolve 75 SE models on special. You can choose between the UC build with or without charging stand and the MS Teams build with charging stand. These are Bluetooth models and very popular for office workers. The SKUs are below and available strictly while stocks last and will then revert to standard pricing:
- 403039 Evolve 75 SE UC Stereo USB-A + Link 380 with Charging Stand
- 403040 Evolve 75 SE UC Stereo USB-A + Link 380
- 403041 Evolve 75 SE MS Stereo USB-A + Link 380 with Charging Stand
Jabra has a full range of headsets to choose from -if this model isn’t quite right for your requirements, reach us on uc@sofsol.co.nz to discuss what you need and we’ll match you up with a headset to meet your needs.
Grandstream GWN product range expands further
Last month we announced new unmanaged network switches from Grandstream – stock due in NZ during Q3. This month Grandstream has unveiled their latest GWN7662 WiFi 6 Indoor Access Point and GWN700X Multi-WAN Gigabit VPN Routers – stock also due during Q3.
The new GWN7662 is a high-performance 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 access point that supports blazing-fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 5.38 Gbps while providing powerful features including 4×4:4 MU-MIMO (5GHz), support for 256 concurrent clients, 175-meter range and more. By also providing an advanced QoS, mesh networks, captive portals and an integrated 2.5G network port, the GWN7662 is the ideal Wi-Fi AP for wireless deployments with medium-to-high user density. This slots in alongside the existing WiFi 6 AP’s and expands the range further. The Grandstream indoor access point website landing page is updated now.
The GWN700X units are Multi-WAN Gigabit VPN routers with built-in firewalls that allow businesses to build comprehensive wired, wireless and VPN networks for one or many locations. By providing high-performance routing, VPN support, powerful security protection and easy-to-use network management tools, they are ideal for a wide variety of deployments to businesses. Those that are familiar with the previous GWN7000 unit will be particularly happy to see the introduction of these units. For more detailed specifications on each of the 3 models visit the Grandstream routers landing page.
If you’d like to know more about any of the GWN range, contact us on uc@sofsol.co.nz.
How to create VLANs with Grandstream GWN7800 switches
Grandstream’s latest blog around their Layer 2+ switches looks at the features and functionality available within the units. You’ll find some great tips and tricks on configuration along with links to an earlier video series on the switches. The landing page is here. These are proving very popular with our customers and are in stock now. If you’d like more information, you can reach us at uc@sofsol.co.nz.
Yealink promotions
Q2 is almost completed – it’s been a busy start to the year from Yealink along with great promotions. Our Q3 promos are going live now and you’ll find a quick rundown below. For full details visit this link:
- A30 or A20 MeetingBar + CTP18 + FREE VCH51 – these very popular MS Teams certified MeetingBars will continue with the special pricing until 31st July 2023 and you receive the VCH51 sharing box for FREE. These suit many organisations requirements and fly out the door – we have a demo unit of the A20+CTP18+VCH51 and a WPP30 wireless sharing dongle that you are welcome to take for a test drive! Reach out to us uc@sofsol.co.nz if you want to try it out.
- MVC840 Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) system bundle specials. These bundles have been created especially in NZ with added features to a base system. Check out the ready made bundles on the promo sheet OR reach out if you’d like to equip your own meeting room and we can do a build your own option at hot pricing. Contact Megan for more details.
- WH66 Dual DECT Wireless Headset Workstation with WHC60 wireless charger – almost half price while stocks last. This is a current model – and what Megan uses every day!
- Deal registration promotions – contact uc@sofsol.co.nz for assistance with these:
1. MTR – deal register an opportunity receive a $20 Uber Eats Voucher, close the deal by 30th September 2023 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. The new A10 has hot NFR pricing!
- Yealink Microsoft Certifications – complete any of these and tag Soft Solutions on LinkedIn to receive a spot prize!
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. Soft Solutions 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@sofsol.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.
Demo equipment
Here at Soft Solutions, we hold a demo pool of Grandstream and Yealink products. This ranges from IP phones, DECT phones to headsets, WiFi Access Points and more. We loan these units out to you our valued partners. 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.
Join our LinkedIn UC community to see news first
Our “Soft Solutions NZ 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 Soft Solutions events, UC-related updates and any other general UC news. Join the LinkedIn group here.
The UC Team at Soft Solutions
Phone: 09 306 0450, Freephone: 0800 733 233, E-mail: uc@sofsol.co.nz
