If your business relies on a 3CX phone system, you’ve likely been nudged – perhaps persistently – by 3CX or your IT provider to upgrade to Version 20. The urgency might seem overblown, but this upgrade isn’t just another routine update; it’s a significant overhaul affecting both your Operating System (OS) and the 3CX software. Here’s what you need to know, without diving too deep into the technical details.
Why Is the V20 Upgrade So Important?
Unlike typical updates, 3CX V20 is more than just a few tweaks and new features. It’s a major upgrade that involves substantial changes to the server’s OS (Operating System) and the phone system software itself. If ignored, your current setup could become unstable or even stop working properly, leaving your business communication in disarray.
Your Upgrade Options: Choose What Fits Your Situation
Plan A: The DIY Approach
If you’re technically inclined and like to keep costs low—potentially at zero—doing the upgrade yourself might seem tempting. However, be prepared for some hiccups. For example, incoming calls may not route correctly, or greeting messages might go awry. If you’re confident you can troubleshoot these issues, go ahead. But remember, if things get out of hand, you might find yourself switching to Plan B.
Plan B: Let Your IT Provider Handle It
If your phone system is managed by a Telco company or an IT provider, it might be wise to let them handle the upgrade. They likely have experience upgrading other clients and know the correct sequence of steps to avoid common pitfalls. Depending on your support contract, this might be a complimentary service or come with a fee. The upgrade is usually done after hours to minimize disruption, as the system will be down for 30 minutes to a few hours.
Plan C (for CALLPRO): Expert’s Assistance
If you don’t have a valid support contract or want a reliable third party to manage the upgrade, CALLPRO is here to help. We offer professional upgrade services tailored to your specific needs. Costs range from $190 to $990, depending on the complexity of your installation. For a straightforward, single-site setup, the cost is under $200. However, if your system involves multiple locations with complex call routing, the time – and therefore the cost – will increase. Additional charges may apply for non-standard or manual installations and confighurations.
What You Need for a Smooth Upgrade
To ensure your upgrade to 3CX V20 goes smoothly, keep these essential points in mind:
- Supported Telco and SIP Trunk Provider: Make sure you’re using a 3CX supported and compatible Telco and SIP trunk provider. If not, consider porting your numbers and services to a preferred provider like Breeze Connect. This will help avoid potential issues with compatibility and service disruptions.
- Admin Access Requirements: You’ll need full admin access to your server or hosting environment. For example, if your 3CX system is hosted on Amazon AWS, you’ll need to provide root or IAM admin access. This is necessary to perform the upgrade and make any required configurations.
- Transition to the Admin Console: After upgrading to V20, the legacy 3CX management console will be replaced by the new Admin Console. An Owner account/extension will be required to log in, so ensure the System Owner extension has a unique email assigned to it, which isn’t used by other extensions.
- Changes to IN/OUT of Office Dial Codes: Some familiar features, like IN/OUT of Office dial codes used to switch between DAY/Night statuses, are no longer available in V20 and have been replaced by a different logic. If this is important to your business, make sure to consult your support team to understand the new setup.
- Access to the 3CX Portal: You’ll also need access to the 3CX Portal (login.3cx.com) using the registered email associated with your license. This is crucial for managing the upgrade and accessing support if needed.
Useful Resources
Below are a few helpful links regarding the 3CX V20 upgrade:
If you have any questions or need assistance with your upgrade, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to ensure your transition to 3CX V20 is smooth and worry-free. Contact us for a free consultation or quote today!
