In this update:

  • 3CX version 16 – update 5
  • Grandstream – loyalty price tiers
  • 3CX WebMeeting capacity extended
  • Coming out of lockdown with 3CX
  • Our most recent webinars
  • Latest tips and tricks
  • 3CX technical certifications
  • Case studies – local stories to share?
  • Marketing materials
  • Firmware for IP phones
  • Join our LinkedIn VoIP community
3CX version 16 – update 5

 

Just over a week ago, update 5 for 3CX version 16 was released as final. This is a significant update for a few reasons. The key one to draw to your attention to is the infrastructure required to run the latest update. This enables Apple’s new PUSH technology for the upcoming iOS release. Matt wrote a blog which you can find here around this key point. The next iOS is still in beta but will bring video calling to the mobile app. You can read 3CX’s full detailed release here. In this video Matt walks through the key changes in Update 5 (3CX version 16) and why they’re important to take note of. He shares tips and tricks around each key point. Well worth a morning coffee break to watch this 13-minute video.

 

Grandstream – loyalty price tiers

 

As people return to the workplace, we’d like to help by offering 5+ pricing on all single or small unit sales during May 2020. We thought now is a good time to re-iterate our loyalty programme around Grandstream’s VoIP hardware. Grandstream has used the catchphrase “Connecting the World”. This is more vital than ever, as the world battles with Covid-19 and a new normal. Their aim is to create products that enable businesses to be more productive. Grandstream has a wide range of IP Voice telephony devices that cover desk phones, portable phones (both DECT and WiFi), video phones, audio and video conferencing and more. At Soft Solutions we offer price breaks on hardware at 5, 25 and 256 units. This is also applied when a mix of models is on one transaction, to reach a price break level. For larger deals (more than 50 units) please do talk to either your Channel Manager or our Brand Manager for assistance. Email voip@sofsol.co.nz and our team will take care of the details for you.

 

3CX WebMeeting capacity extended

 

3CX announced on the 24th April that for the next 3 months, they’re increasing WebMeeting’s capacity for each edition of IP PBX. The Standard Edition jumps from 25 participants to 100, Professional from 100 to 250, and Enterprise from 250 to 500. 3CX are helping out while we work in our new “normal”. WebMeeting has seen a 1200% increase in usage during the Covid-19 crisis globally. You can read the full release from 3CX here.

 

Coming out of lockdown with 3CX

 

We currently don’t know when NZ will get back to a new “normal” as the situation is evolving. This blog Matt wrote about ticking items off the VoIP checklist, is a good one to revisit at this time. Ensure your clients’ 3CX systems are working as they should be. Scheduling maintenance to ensure they’re ready to go, would be a good way to keep in touch with your customers during this time. We’re here to help. So, if you need to check anything with our technical team please do reach out via voip@sofsol.co.nz.

 

Our most recent webinars

 

Each month, Megan Twentyman (VoIP Brand Manager) and Matt Carey (Senior Engineer) run a couple of short “sound bite” webinars on key VoIP topics. They send personal invites to VoIP partners to attend, and also record each session. Check out our latest webinars below. Also subscribe to our Soft Solutions YouTube channel. During April, we launched the new Grandstream WP810 portable WiFi phone and looked at upselling with 3CX.

 

DateWebinar TopicYouTube link
16th AprilGrandstream WP810 LaunchClick here
29th AprilUpselling with 3CXClick here

 

Latest tips and tricks

 

Our latest blogs from April are live now. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to our blog here:

 

  • Push technology is coming in 3CX v16 update 5 – update 5 is now here. With the new iOS app in beta it’s time to prepare the infrastructure that update 5 requires. Read more here.
  • How to enable remote offices over home-based WiFi – this blog takes a look at longer term remote working solutions, Grandstream Access Points and portable WiFi. Read more here.

 

3CX technical certifications

 

3CX technical certifications are important for a number of key reasons. These show your customers that you have good knowledge of 3CX. They also help move you up the partner levels, when combined with revenue targets. Our very own Senior Engineer, Matt Carey, has recorded the Basic Training for you to work through. He adds his tips and knowledge along the way and these are an excellent resource. These videos are only available from the links below. You can also share these with your technical teams.

 

TitleYouTube link
3CX Basic Training Part 1Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 2Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 3Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 4Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 5Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 6Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 7Click here
3CX Basic Training Part 8Click here

 

Case studies – local stories to share?

 

2020 is the year to get NZ case studies on 3CX’s website. We have a simple questionnaire you can work through with your customer – 3CX’s marketing team does the rest. From a reseller’s perspective, there’s nothing better to get a sale across the line than a local, relatable case study. It’s a great opportunity to touch base with your customers and ensure everything’s working as it should. Also see if they’d be willing to complete the questionnaire. If you have a customer that may 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. The beginning of the year 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

 

3CX version 16