VoIP Channel Update

3CX version 16 – Update 1

Update 1 for version 16 went live on the 16th May. This update has focussed around the new Call Flow Designer (CFD) to take advantage of the new v16 scripting engine. Another key area of improvement is around the Chat and Live Chat & Talk functions – new features along with the ability to archive the chats. Read the full update here.

3CX Technical Trainings

3CX Technical Trainings are an integral part of the solution for 3CX Partners. This shows you have a level of expertise around the solutions. It’s also a core focus of the 3CX Partner Programme, the certifications along with revenue goals are required to move up the programme. Thank you to our partners in Invercargill and Auckland who attended our trainings during May. We are now looking at dates for another training in the Lower North Island – so stay tuned for more information.

Accor Hotels and Grandstream

Click through for a case study to learn how this Hotel used Grandstream to develop a modern unified communications solution for its staff and guests.

Changes to 3CX price discounts

3CX is urging all distribution partners globally to fully implement their Partner Programme. For NZ, we’ve been implementing every aspect of the programme except the discount structure for the partners from Academy, Affiliate and Bronze levels. From 1st July, we will be following the prescribed discount rates of 15% for Academy and Bronze partners and 10% for Affiliate partners. The keys to moving up the 3CX Partner Programme are achieving revenue targets and holding the appropriate certifications. We are delivering technical trainings to assist in the certification side of things and will continue to do so. The overview of the 3CX Partner Programme can be downloaded here. You can view your revenue based on US/EUR retail pricing on the home page of your Partner Portal under the master login for the company. Demotions occur at the end of June and December and promotions occur as soon as you qualify for a new level.

3CX Skills Based Routing

A much requested feature of Skills Based Routing is available in 3CX version 16. This is in the Enterprise edition only. Matt Carey has created an overview video available here to have a first look and why you would want to use this feature.

Grandstream launches GRP series IP phones

Grandstream has launched their new carrier-grade GRP series of IP phones. NZ pricing is expected in the next 10 days with first shipments in Q3. One key with this series of phones is the move to unified firmware. Grandstream have a new GDMS cloud platform for auto-provisioning and managing the units. For larger customers there will be the option to have custom face-plates (minimum quantity starts from 500 faceplates) with your own logo printed. You can read more about the units here.

Lessons your VoIP phones can learn from the movie Interstellar

Our Senior Engineer Matt Carey wrote an interesting blog about both VoIP and the movie Interstellar. Click here to read more. We’ve seen an increase of clock drift issues and this article explores the impact.

How to practise better VoIP security?

How seriously do you take the security of your PBX? This article explores the key issues and how 3CX already addresses this along with how security conscious 3CX are. Read the article here – this is another reason to ensure your customers’ PBXs are on the latest version 16 product and to take advantage of their up-to-date security.

Firmware for IP phones

Remember it’s always important to keep checking for updated firmware for your VoIP hardware. 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 firmware.

Case studies – local stories to share?

There is nothing better to assist in getting a sale across the line than a local case study that is relatable to your client. We are looking for NZ success stories to share. If you have a customer you think would be willing to participate please get in touch with our VoIP Brand Manager, Megan Twentyman. We want success stories around 3CX, Grandstream or even both working together.

Soft Solutions Weekly Bulletin

Are you receiving our Weekly Bulletin each Thursday? This is where events such as webinars, in person catch ups, technical trainings are advertised first. If you’re not on the list contact our team to be added so you don’t miss out on the latest news each week.

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: 0-9-306 0450, Freephone: 0-800-733 233, E-mail: voip@sofsol.co.nz