VoIP Channel Update

by | Oct 28, 2020 | 3CX, Grandstream, Latest News, UC Update, Unified Communications

In this update:

  • 3CX version 16 update 7 Alpha
  • NZ 3CX Intermediate Technical Certification training
  • 3CX Partner Programme changes for 2021
  • Our recent webinars
  • Latest tips and tricks
  • 3CX blogs – did you miss them?
  • Case studies – local stories to share?
  • Marketing materials
  • Firmware for IP phones
  • Join our LinkedIn VoIP community
3CX version 16 update 7 Alpha

 

The next update for 3CX version 16 is in final testing – update 7 Alpha. This new update supports Facebook integration and business text messaging for supported SIP providers, as well as vast improvements to 3CX Live Chat. New reporting capabilities for chat are also being delivered in this update. 3CX as always, continue to make the admin’s life easier with improvements in the Management Console. You can find the full update from 3CX here and our latest blog around these features here. Please note that update 7 Alpha is not intended for production use.

 

NZ 3CX Intermediate Technical Certification training

 

It’s not too late to register for our next 3CX Intermediate Technical Certification training in November. The training will be delivered online via WebMeeting. It is scheduled for Wednesday 11th November and starts at 9.30am. This session will be interactive and run by our own Matt Carey (Senior Engineer). Questions will be encouraged throughout the training as each topic is covered. To register, please visit this link. Demand has been high during 2020 and spots are limited. It is a pre-requisite that those attending already hold their Basic Certification – this can be completed online. Matt’s recordings of the Basic sessions are available in this playlist. There are a series of short videos covering each module.

 

3CX Partner Programme changes for 2021

 

Earlier this year 3CX indicated that there would be changes to their Partner Programme for 2021. The first confirmed change was announced in mid-October and affects our Affiliate Partners. If you are an Affiliate Partner you will have a notification from 3CX. There are two key changes which are:

 

  1. If you have transacted revenue during 2020, you will remain an Affiliate Partner moving in to 2021 but your NFR licenses will be remove. 3CX would like all partners to focus on achieving Bronze Partner status.
  2. If you have not transacted revenue during 2020, your account will be converted to a Customer account at the close of business 31st December 2020. You’ll also no longer be able to manage customers’ licenses.

If you fall in to either of the above situations and would like some advice, please reach out to Megan Twentyman, Brand Manager.

The other change that was announced at the end of June, was that the cost of Perpetual License renewals would increase towards the end of 2020. We have not been given exact details around how much and the timing of this, but as soon as we hear we will update you.

 

We are expecting further announcements from 3CX in the coming weeks around the 2021 Partner Programme. Now is the time to ensure you have enough revenue to stay at your current partner status (or push to meet the next partner level!). You can see your status on the main page of your 3CX Partner Portal when logged in as the company. If you need help reach out to Megan directly.

 

Our recent webinars

 

Each month we host our “bite sized” webinars and store the recordings on our Soft Solutions YouTube Channel for easy access. Check out our October webinars below:

 

DateWebinar TopicYouTube link
14th October3CX Partner Programme – the end of 2020 is in sightClick here
21st OctoberVoIP Support from Soft SolutionsClick here

 

Latest tips and tricks

 

We add updates to our blog and YouTube channel regularly – this has become a great resource for our VoIP partners. It explores key features and common sales / technical queries around 3CX and Grandstream. You can also subscribe to the blog here or YouTube here:

 

  • 3CX v16 Update 7 Alpha – in this blog, Matt Carey takes a first look at what is coming in update 7 for 3CX. The update is still an Alpha release so not for production sites. Read all about it here.
  • How to get VoIP support with Soft Solutions – in this blog, Matt Carey runs through the free first level support we offer our VoIP partners. He also looks at how to contact 3CX and Grandstream directly if needed. Another key thing to remember, is what types of supporting logs you’ll need to submit a ticket with us or one of the Vendors. Read more here.
  • Grandstream’s new range aims at remote / call-centre workers – this quick overview blog takes a look at the new Personal Collaboration WebCam from Grandstream. Read more here.
  • 3CX Remote Instance Manager – in this YouTube video, Matt Carey takes you through the Instance Manager which is available within your Partner Portal to help manage all your Linux customers. View it here.

 

3CX blogs – did you miss them?

 

3CX have released a number of interesting blog posts during October – did you miss them? Here’s an overview and links through to them.

 

  • The Dangers of Using Multiple Collaboration Apps (And How to Avoid Them) – This blog makes for interesting reading and starts you thinking about your customers using multiple collaboration apps. Take a look at the challenges posed to organisations by having multiple applications.
  • 5 VoIP Calling Features Your Business Should Take Advantage of – in this featured article 3CX take a look at 5 key features that businesses should be taking advantage of in 3CX (NB: not all features available in all editions). It’s a reminder about some of the core functionality of the 3CX solution.

 

Case studies – local stories to share?

 

There is nothing better than a local and relatable case study to help you get a sale across the line. We are looking for more NZ stories to have turned in to case studies. Do you have a success story to share? We have a simple questionnaire you can work through with your customer – 3CX’s marketing team does the rest. It’s a great opportunity to touch base with customers and ensure everything’s working as it should. If you have a customer that might participate, contact our VoIP Brand Manager, Megan Twentyman. 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 for further assistance.

 

Firmware for IP phones

 

Remember it’s vital 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 version. Now is a great time to ensure everything is up-to-date and working optimally.

 

Join our LinkedIn VoIP community

 

Our “Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community” group has been created for customers to discuss VoIP related topics. Keep up to date with upcoming Soft Solutions events, VoIP updates and any other general VoIP news. Join the LinkedIn 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

 

update 7 Alpha