In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at 3CX’s recent name change and explore the exciting updates it brings. We’ll delve into the new features and enhancements and discuss how resellers can leverage these changes to their advantage and unlock valuable benefits for their businesses and customers.
- StartUP Free now becomes 3CX Free
3CX Free – Earlier know as Startup FREE is a perfect plan for small businesses and comes with no licensing cost. As the 3CX website says, “it’s always free”. This solution is your license and hosting all for FREE up to 10 users. With “Always Free,” your users can have configured 1 SIP Trunk, 1 Ring Group, 3CX talk links, WhatsApp Integration, and even Video Call capabilities, highlighting its potential for enhancing communication and collaboration. A maximum of 3 desk phones can be configured but the apps and mobile apps can be used by all 10 users.
- StartUP Pro 10 or 20 now becomes 3CX SMB
3CX SMB – Small Business edition is designed specifically to meet small business requirements with two options of: up to 10; or up to 20 users. This is a per user license. It was launched as Startup Pro 10 or 20 and has been re-named. It offers all the value and features of the 3CX FREE plan but with the addition of features such as call queues, multilevel IVR to greet your customers and get the call and chat reporting to analyse your business needs and comes with full desk phone support.
- 3CX FREE and 3CX SMB – Key things to know:
- Only supported interop 3CX SIP providers are able to be used for this per user model. In NZ this consists of 3 providers only, you cannot use a SIP provider of your choosing that is not on this list. We would highly recommend contacting Ufone, or we can introduce you.
- These products are bands of users – for example if you have 12 users, you will need 3CX SMB 20 and the 3CX FREE is only available for up to 10 users.
- If IP phones are being used at the site, an SBC (Session Border Controller) will be required. This can be a dedicated SBC or via an SBC capable IP phone (router phone) which is the most common method.
- 3CX Pro – Professional (Hosted or On-Prem)
This is the traditional or dedicated licenses that many partners are used to. Licensing is on the per simultaneous call count model. Any call between point A and point B is one simultaneous call – this includes external and internal calling, calls on hold, calls awaiting a call back etc. The additional features offered in 3CX Pro make it an attractive and flexible solution for your customers. These features cater to larger installations and provide enhanced communication capabilities, productivity tools, and customer engagement options. By showcasing the benefits of Dedicated Installation, Call Recording, CRM Integration, Hot Desking, Microsoft 365 Integration, and SMS & MMS, resellers can capture the attention of businesses looking to improve their communication systems. The ability to self-host or use 3CX’S chargeable hosting services adds flexibility for resellers to cater to all customer preferences.
- 3CX ENTERPRISE (Hosted or On-Prem)
For enterprise-level organisations – all the functionality of the Pro solution but additionally adds features such as: MS Teams integration; skill-based routing in a call centre; advanced call recording functionalities; and failover. These features are tailor-made to suit the demands of large-scale organisations, ensuring seamless communication and enhanced collaboration.
- 3CX Pro and Enterprise – Key things to know:
- 3CX advise partners of smaller licenses (4-SC up to 32-SC) to use their Hosted by 3CX service (chargeable option) and offer free support on this. They will not offer support on these smaller licenses, but Soft Solutions will offer first level support via ucsupport@sofsol.co.nz.
- Interop SIP providers are recommended and supported by 3CX. Partners can choose to use SIP of their choosing but support is not offered from 3CX around non-interop providers. Soft Solutions will support as they are able.
- If IP phones are being used at the site, an SBC (Session Border Controller) will be required. This can be a dedicated SBC or via an SBC capable IP phone (router phone).
3CX has a solution to meet all business requirements and budgets and now with streamlined naming conventions. 3CX partners can deploy the right solution for each of their clients.
It is also to be noted that the previous 3CX FREE/Standard 4-SC free licenses are based on the dedicated license model and currently have an expiry date of 31st December 2023 with it already announced that those licenses (as long as they meet the 3CX registration rules) will be extended out to 31st December 2024. Any new FREE licenses created from 1st January 2023 will be the StartUP FREE or now known as 3CX FREE. If you’re not sure which license is which, reach out to uc@sofsol.co.nz with your license key and we can help you.
Start a 2-Month Free Trial from your Partner Portal
The Partner Portal has had a facelift recently, but you can still create a Trial from your account which is automatically linked to your Partner ID. You can choose a trial of the FREE/SMB or Dedicated Pro licenses for free for 60-days. Hosted by 3CX on Dedicated trials is also free for the first 60-days. Better yet, you can turn trials of any edition into a live solution by contacting us to get them upgraded to live. Let your customers make use of the 2 months free trial to test drive the system. We’re here to help, contact us on uc@sofsol.co.nz for more information, help creating trials or pricing.
