In this update: (December 2022)
- Wrapping up 2022
- Plan for the Christmas shutdown
- 3CX v18 update 6 Alpha
- StartUP PRO beta now supports IP phones
- Upcoming webinar: 3CX – v18 update 6 Alpha
- Summer holidays are around the corner… the best time for maintenance
- Latest blogs from 3CX
- Yealink’s W78H Premium DECT handset
- Grandstream’s latest releases
- 3CX partnership
- Join our LinkedIn UC community
- Happy Holidays!
Wrapping up 2022
2022 has been a busy year for the UC Team. We’ve seen a lot of product developments from 3CX. We also saw a lot of new products from our key hardware vendors Yealink and Grandstream. Our UC Team has evolved during 2022 with Anisha joining us in the Technical Specialist role in the middle of the year. Our focus for 2022 was on ensuring we were supporting our channel partners for success along with keeping you informed of what is happening from the key vendors. On behalf of our UC Team, we want to thank you for your dedication to the brands through the year.
Plan for the Christmas shutdown
Our Soft Solutions team will have a break over the festive season, with many of our team beginning their holidays at the end of this week. We will have team members working right up until 23rd December. The company is then closed and re-opens on Monday, 9th January. There is a staggered return to work but be assured we’ll have people available to look after your needs. It’s important to think ahead now for any orders you need to be processed for licenses, or if you need hardware for projects, order early to avoid the inevitable courier delays.
3CX v18 update 6 Alpha
The much-anticipated Alpha of update 6 has been released. As expected, there are some major updates within this release. The key things to note are:
- SBC-capable phones from Yealink and Fanvil are available with a firmware update to specific models.
- New management interface for the WebClient Admin’s – updated look, feel and functionality.
- IP phone configuration and management – moves into the WebClient for those with Admin rights to administer.
- New Group functionality – this is a feature we’re looking closely at as you can have different groups working with different time zones, in different locations etc.
- New “roles” for users – simplification of what each role can and can’t do.
You can view the full blog release here with much more detail and a link to the updated manual.
This update has so much coming that it’s like a major release! It is the coming together of all the changes that have been worked on since May.
Please remember that this is an Alpha release, so not recommended for production sites, but perfect to test out on your internal test system. We’ve installed it for our test system and are already trying it out.
StartUP PRO beta now supports IP phones
Update 6 also enhances the StartUP Cloud PBX beta. You can now connect IP Phones to the PRO edition (free at present while still in beta). The SBC onboard models are compatible with StartUP as well. Review the blog here. The StartUP FREE edition will continue to only allow connection via the apps and headsets.
Upcoming webinar: 3CX – v18 update 6 Alpha
The end of the year is nearly here, but 3CX development is full speed ahead. Update 6 Alpha has just been released, and we’ll walk through the key features and changes so far. Please join Megan and Anisha on Thursday, 15th December 2022, at 1:30 pm. You can register here now.
If you know you cannot attend the webinar due to prior commitments, you should still register, and you’ll receive a copy of the recording 24 hours after the webinar. If you have any immediate queries, reach out to us at uc@sofsol.co.nz.
Summer holidays are around the corner… the best time for maintenance
With the summer holiday season, it’s the perfect time to look at what maintenance is required on your customers’ 3CX systems. Things to consider:
- Are they on the current v18 update 5 version?
- This is the only version that connects to the activation server due to the updated SSL certificates at the end of November 2022.
- Do you have customers still on old, unsupported versions? What are their objections to moving? From a security perspective, getting them to move up as soon as possible is very important.
- Have you done a system audit with your customers?
- Do they have enough SIP lines?
- Do they need their call flows reviewed?
- Is their hardware up-to-date, or does it need reviewing? Do they have the latest firmware on them?
- Do they want to implement any of the newer 3CX functions, such as LiveChat for their website or WhatsApp Business messaging?
This is just a small list of things to consider and open new conversations with your customers.
Latest blogs from 3CX
3CX continues to add to its extensive blog posts. Check out these blogs now to stay informed:
- Android and iOS Apps – we’ve just seen Beta’s out for both app platforms. These add further chat management and functionality. See the beta details for iOS here and Android here. The Android app also integrates with Google Assistant – “OK, Google, call XYZ using 3CX”. Check out this new enhancement here. The apps have now gone live for easier chat management – review the final release blogs for iOS and Android.
- Offer your clients innovative ways to get in touch – this blog looks at the multi-channel options for communication that 3CX has to offer. There are some great things to take into consideration and open new conversations with your existing and potential customers. Check it out here.
- Investing in resilience – this blog looks at Hosted by 3CX, which is gaining in popularity in NZ after its launch earlier in 2022. Have a read at this link.
Yealink’s W78H Premium DECT handset
The W78H DECT portable handset has just arrived in NZ! This Premium handset features a 2.4″ colour screen, built-in Bluetooth for headset connectivity or a 3.5mm jack, quick charging and up to 21 hours of talk time. The first stock is available now – the unit pairs with the W70B and above base stations. Reach out to our team at sales@sofsol.co.nz if you’d like pricing or a quote. We expect the first stock to be snapped up quickly.
Grandstream’s latest releases
Grandstream innovations continue with the announcement of their new range of Network Layer 2+ Switches and a new intercom/SIP speaker. Stock is expected in mid-Q1 2023, and we’re taking pre-orders now.
The GSC3516 is a SIP/Multicast Talk-Back Speaker that offers 2-way voice functionality. It has both a high-fidelity 15W HD speaker and 3 directional microphones with Multichannel Microphone Array Design (MMAD) and one omnidirectional auxiliary microphone that offers a 4.2-metre pickup distance. This adds to the existing range of popular units but note it’s a 15W model that is much more powerful.
The new Layer 2+ managed network switches allow small-to-medium enterprises to build scalable, secure, high-performance, and smart business networks. They are fully manageable and supported by GWN.Cloud and GWN Manager, Grandstream’s Cloud and on-premise Wi-Fi management platform. 8, 16 and 24 port models with option for PoE or non-PoE models. See this great launch video from Grandstream here.
For more detailed information and specifications, reach out to us at uc@sofsol.co.nz.
3CX partnership
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.
Join our LinkedIn UC community
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.
Happy Holidays!
From the UC Team and the entire Soft Solutions Team, we want to thank you for your support in 2022 and wish you a safe and relaxing festive season. Enjoy your time with family and friends as you recharge for what 2023 has in store for us all. We look forward to working with you throughout 2023.
The UC Team at Soft Solutions
Phone: 09 306 0450, Freephone: 0800 733 233, E-mail: uc@sofsol.co.nz.
