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In this update:
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3CX version 16 – update 5 Alpha
2020 has started how 2019 ended, with further development of 3CX version 16. Update 5 has been released to Alpha and brings yet more functionality for clients along with minor fixes. There is support for storing backups and archived recordings in Google Storage Buckets, further ability to manage calls directly from your desktop with a new 3CX browser extension for Edge (Chromium). This is an Alpha release with Beta yet to come. It is not recommended to install on production sites, but is a good idea to install and test on your test system. You can read more here.
Grandstream new releases for 2020
Grandstream has released new products within their GWN Wireless Access Point product family. We are looking at this range in our webinar on Wednesday 26th February. They work on a large number of new products, but are facing delays due to the health crisis in China. We will bring you more news as it comes to hand. We are expecting two new WiFi portable phones: the WP810 and WP850, along with further additions to the GWN range in the first half of 2020. Checkout the comprehensive product range found here.
3CX technical preview – SBC High Availability (HA) Clustering
3CX are working on SBC functionality, and have a sneak preview for technical teams to review. They are working on introducing a failover option for SBC – read more here. This is in development and not yet ready for production sites. But it’s well worth testing on your internal NFRs and providing feedback.
Grandstream featured products
A question our teams receive every week is: “Which is the best VoIP phone for my client”. We find that most customers settle on one model for their entry, mid and high level categories. They use these for all clients to make the management of sites much easier. The most popular phones we see are listed below, but this is just a small selection of Grandstream’s comprehensive range:
Remember, we have special price breaks available when you purchase; 5, 25, 256 or more phones in a single transaction. These don’t all have to be the same model. We take an entire order into account when providing special pricing. We also allow our partners to purchase one NFR (not for resale) unit of a specific phone model, at special pricing to allow for testing / demo purposes. Reach out to the team if you’d like more details or a quote.
3CX smartphone apps
3CX continues to develop smartphone apps for both Android and iOS. This makes it easier than ever to use 3CX from anywhere. The latest Android app is now in Beta and adds chat functionality. You can read more here.
Our most recent webinars
Each month Megan Twentyman our VoIP Brand Manager, and Matt Carey our Senior Engineer, run a couple of short “bite” webinars on key topics around our VoIP Brands. They send out personal invites to our VoIP partners to attend but also record each session. Check out our latest webinars below, and also subscribe to our Soft Solutions YouTube channel.
3CX Partner Programme – reminders
In our most recent webinar, we reviewed the 3CX Partner Programme and how it works. The programme is designed to help all active 3CX partners achieve higher partner status and therefore more discount off retail. The two keys to success being revenue from sales, and technical certifications held by your organisation. There were some key takeaways from this which are worth reiterating:
These are simple ways to ensure all revenue is attributed to you. Key dates to remember are 30th June and 31st December, when Partner Statuses are reviewed.
Blog articles
Our latest blog articles are live. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our blog here:
Case studies – local story to share?
2020 is the year we want to get NZ case studies on the 3CX website. We have a simple questionnaire you can work through with your customer. From there, the 3CX marketing team do the rest. From a reseller perspective, there’s nothing better to assist in getting a sale across the line than a local case study, that’s relatable to your prospect. It’s a great opportunity to touch base with your customers, to ensure everything is working as it should and see if they’d be willing to complete the questionnaire. If you have a customer you think that would be willing to participate, please get in touch with our VoIP Brand Manager, Megan Twentyman (megan@sofsol.co.nz). We’ll make the process painless.
Marketing materials
A number of partners took up the option to have datasheets customised with their logo. This is a service that Soft Solutions offer. We even share presentations that you can adapt for your potential customers. If this is of interest, reach out to Megan Twentyman (megan@sofsol.co.nz) for further assistance.
Firmware for IP phones
Remember it’s always important to keep checking for updated firmware for your VoIP hardware. Both major brands we work with, Grandstream and Yealink, release new firmware as it’s developed. The firmware is available free of charge from their respective websites. If you’re ever trouble-shooting any issue with 3CX, the first thing they will check is whether your hardware has the most up-to-date version. The beginning of the year is a great time to ensure that everything is up-to-date and working optimally.
Join our Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community group on LinkedIn
Our “Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community” LinkedIn group has been created for customers to discuss VoIP related topics and keep up to date with upcoming Soft Solutions events, VoIP updates and any other general VoIP news. Join the group here.
Thank you for reading.
The VoIP Team at Soft Solutions Phone: 09 306 0450, Freephone: 0800 733 233, E-mail: voip@sofsol.co.nz
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