In this update:
- Welcome to Akhila Vushke
- 3CX Strategic Direction
- Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Thursday 29th
- 3CX version 20 latest news
- Grandstream Partner Conference – Auckland 19th September
- 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
Welcome to Akhila Vushke
This month we’ve been joined by Akhila Vushke who is our new UC Sales Engineer. Akhila has experience with other UC technologies and is embracing her training around 3CX, Yealink, Grandstream, Jabra and Fanvil. You’ll find Akhila starting to pop up on webinars and keep your eyes peeled for blogs and videos to follow. Welcome Akhila, we’re very happy to have you on our team.
3CX Strategic Direction
Late last month, 3CX released a blog around their Strategic Direction. This is a high-level overview – key takeaways are:
– Medium to Large customers are the 3CX sweet spot – 25 to 1000 users.
– SMB designed for smaller users OR the new MCM multi-company solution.
– Hosting options – hosted by 3CX vs self-hosted. Both are here to stay!
– Key focus areas – contact centre, AI, API access and beyond.
There is a big push around making admins lives easier (see below for update 3 Alpha for v20) and this is reflected with their strategic direction blog which is found here. The multi-tenant option introduced in v20 update 2 is a game changer – would a 3CX partner rather manage 10 individual instances of 4-SC or 1 larger 48-SC instance to house all those clients? The Departments and being able to separate them is going to make admin so much easier for partners. If you haven’t checked out the MCM option, it’s available now on v20 update 2 – 3CX will confirm later any size restrictions of the instances but as at the time of writing no limits are in place.
Bluechip’s 3CX Monthly Webinar – Thursday 29th
Our Monthly webinar is coming up on Thursday 29th at 1.30pm. In this Webinar we’re covering the latest 3CX v20 information including update 3 Alpha (Alpha as at time of scheduling); the latest on the Windows Softphone for v20; and more. We’ll of course have a Q&A section at the end. 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 August we have the update 3 Alpha. It’s important to plan and progress your migrations from v18 to v20 in this latter part of 2024 – while 3CX has not yet announced the EOL date for v18 it is expected to be by the end of 2024.
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 – fast approaching is the next deadline:
- Hosted by 3CX instances need to be on version 20.
Update 3 Alpha for v20:
In the latest Alpha release the focus is on making admin lives easier! Check out the key changes coming in update 3:
- 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. This is an Alpha release only and not yet ready for production systems, test internally in preparation.
New Windows Softphone:
The latest v20 Windows Softphone release has the Yealink headset support along with native chat and call recordings features. No longer do chats move you back to the WebClient. Check out the full information at this link.
3CX SBC Updated:
3CX has upgraded the Raspberry Pi OS for 3CX SBCs to Lite Bookworm, both for arm64 and armhf(32 bit) architectures. The full information is on the latest blog here.
AI Call Transcription:
The latest blog reviews the capabilities that the OpenAI Whisper integration with 3CX brings for automatic call transcriptions. This feature was introduced in update 2 and I know of customers here in NZ that are embracing the technology already.
Important reminders before upgrading to version 20 – if you do nothing else, please ensure that you read these two very important blogs:
- Version 20 Launch Blog – this has a key summary of what the significant changes have been and a few peeks at the future.
- Upgrade checklist & FAQ Blog – this was released in early January 2024 to cover all the important steps you must do before proceeding with an upgrade. Remember you’re moving from Debian 10 through to Debian 12 and there is no roll back from the upgrade!
- IMPORTANT – SET YOUR SYSTEM OWNER! We’ve had a few cases of customers locking themselves out during the upgrade process.
To reiterate, there are currently two editions of 3CX considered as their current product – version 20 update 1 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!
Grandstream Partner Conference
As a valued Bluechip partner we would like to invite you to attend Grandstream’s New Zealand Partner Conference 2024 in Auckland. This event is taking place on Thursday 19th September and will feature Hieu Huynh, Director of Support NA & APAC, along with Rachel Saunders, Executive Director of Sales NA & APAC, and Ben Miall, Director of Sales Oceania. Advanced solutions has been key to Grandstream’s growth, especially in their networking product line, which began with their first access point in 2016. Grandstream’s growth trajectory is impressive and now features over 150+ products in Networking, Unified Communications, and Convergence Solutions technologies.
In the morning, prior to lunch, Grandstream’s technical expert Efren Morga will lead a GCP Networking: Routing and Switching Certification Course. Attendees will take an official exam and receive the certification on successfully passing. There is a charge for the GCP certification payable to your Grandstream Distributor and in return you’ll receive the equipment needed to complete the training on the day.
Note: Limited to 30 participants. Training is chargeable and expressions of interest are taken on the registration page for the conference.
The conference will culminate with an exciting lucky draw, offering attendees the opportunity to win an iPad and a selection of premium Grandstream products. Don’t delay, register today at this link which has all of the information including a detailed agenda. We look forward to seeing you at the JW Marriot on the 19th September!
Yealink product feature and promotions
Q3 is here and the promos keep rolling from Yealink.
The new generation headsets are hitting the country 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 – 3CX SBC on board
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 X210 Enterprise IP Phone. It features 10 DSS keys on a 4.3″ main colour display, up to 96 DSS keys (32 physical) on 2×3.5″ side color displays, X210 has up to 106 DSS keys in total to set for BLF. You’ll find we have stock of SKU 373448 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….. we have a new staff member joining us in early August.
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.
