In this update:

  • 3CX version 16 update 7 Beta
  • 3CX Beta apps for iOS and Android
  • 3CX Partner Programme 2021
  • 3CX Technical Certifications
  • Latest tips and tricks
  • Hosted by 3CX
  • Annual shutdown and maintenance
  • Case studies – local stories to share?
  • Marketing materials
  • Firmware for IP phones
  • Join our LinkedIn VoIP community
3CX version 16 update 7 Beta

 

We are getting closer to the release of update 7. The Beta is now live with further improvements to the Live Chat feature. Work to improve the chat feature within the WebClient is also underway, along with improved conference scheduling and integrations with Microsoft 365. You can read the full details here. Stay tuned for the final release before Christmas. Please note that update 7 Beta is not intended for production use.

 

3CX Beta apps for iOS and Android

 

3CX haven’t forgotten about their mobile apps. There are new Betas available for both platforms previewing the new functionality coming in update 7. You can read about iOS here and Android here. All the functionality you enjoy on the WebClient, is also coming to your mobile. This enables team members to be just as effective on the go.

 

3CX Partner Programme 2021

 

As we edge closer to the end of 2020, 3CX are releasing information on the upcoming changes to their Partner Programme. In 2021 the revenue targets will increase for the Silver, Gold, and Platinum partners. Details of new targets are:

 

  • Silver – US$7500 retail per annum and an Intermediate Technical Certification
  • Gold – US$17500 retail per annum and an Advanced Technical Certification – this is a higher qualification requirement than previous
  • Platinum – US$35000 retail per annum and an Advanced Technical Certification

 

If you are close to moving up a partner level to end 2020, you can pre-purchase 3CX licenses from us. This will count towards your revenue BUT the licenses won’t start their annual countdown until you deploy the license. You can check your status by logging into the 3CX Partner Portal, as master users for your organisation. If you need help or advice, please reach out to Megan Twentyman before the 18th December 2020.

 

3CX Technical Certifications

 

As we head towards the end of 2020, it’s the perfect time to ensure that one or more members of your team hold the right 3CX Technical Certifications. All three certifications are available on the 3CX website here. Each topic has an option to view a pre-recorded webinar, as well as review the materials. Matt Carey, our Senior Engineer, recorded the basic sessions which are available in this playlist of short videos. These certifications show your customers that you are trained in 3CX, and can be a great sales tool. January is a great time to upskill the team, before everything gets too busy.

 

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:

 

  • Grandstream’s new USB headsets – in this blog, we give a brief overview of the new USB headsets in the Personal Collaboration suite of products. These are now in stock. The GUV3005’s point of difference is it’s busy light on the side. You can read more here, or reach out to our sales team for a quote today.

 

Hosted by 3CX

 

3CX have advised that their Hosted by 3CX service is no longer available for Australia and New Zealand. If you need advice about alternatives for hosting your clients’ 3CX instance, please reach out to us at voip@sofsol.co.nz.

 

Annual shutdown and maintenance

 

Soft Solutions will close for the year on Friday 18th December 2020 and re-open on Tuesday 5th January 2021. There will be a skeleton staff monitoring orders and e-mails throughout the shutdown period, as our team re-charge for 2021. January is always a great time to check your customers’ systems are running at an optimal level. Install any updates you haven’t quite got to, update firmware on phones and generally check-in that all is well. This previous blog that Matt wrote is still relevant and worth a quick refresh on recommendations.

 

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 Beta