3CX SMTP server Access denied: License key maintenance expired

[omgshootme]

Hi there,

We have a 3CX server that was on a previous version of 3CX in which we were using our own STMP server. All was well.

With the recent forced requirement to upgrade to v15.5 SP2, we can now no longer use our own SMTP server.
When attempting to test with the 3CX SMTP server, we get the following message:
AuthenticationInvalidCredentials: 5.7.0 License key maintenance is expired

From other posts I have read, the response has been that if you have a Standard or higher license, you should be able to use this service.
We have a Standard Perpetual license.
Does the use of this service still require a maintenance contract?

Thanks.

 

[eddv123]

3CX SMTP is mandatory for the FREE/Standard version of 3CX, using your own SMTP server is allowed in the PRO and Enterprise licences only: https://www.3cx.com/ordering/pricing/

confirm what exactly the licence is showing from the status screen on the PBX itself, also confirm the upgrade path taken when upgrading.

 

[omgshootme]

Hi eddv123,

I understand that configuring of your own SMTP server is only available in Pro versions.
The information I am after is if a maintenance contract is required for the use of the 3CX SMTP server, as indicated in the error message received above.

The license as specified in the License Settings page is as specified above, Standard Perpetual.
The upgrade path was that as specified by 3CX. Backup the configuration, uninstall the previous version, install the new version, perform a restore of the backed up configuration.

Thanks.

 

[cobaltit]

Yes you need to have current maintenance to use any of the 3CX provided features which is 3CX SMTP, 3CX FQDN, hosted firmware updates, etc. So you can either renew your license or you can try replacing it with a new 'free' license.

 

[omgshootme]

Yes you need to have current maintenance to use any of the 3CX provided features which is 3CX SMTP, 3CX FQDN, hosted firmware updates, etc.

So the functionality we previously had has been removed in the version that we were forced to upgrade to The only 2 options are to either:

A. Pay to upgrade our license to Pro in order to unlock the functionality we previously had
or
B. Pay for a maintenance contract to use the 3CX SMTP service our license level is locked to.

Is this correct?

So you can either renew your license or you can try replacing it with a new 'free' license.

As previously stated, our license is a Standard Perpetual license. It should not need renewing.
From what I understand, a 'Free' license is bound to the same limitations of a non-Pro license, where only the use of the 3CX SMTP service is permitted.

Thanks.

 

[cobaltit]

Yep, I read your post and I gave you your options. Your perpetual license will continue to provide PBX functionality but the extras require current maintenance as there is an ongoing cost associated with those (FQDN, SMTP, etc). The free license is a standard license but if you only need 16SC or less it is a no cost option to get SMTP working for you and then you have a year to find a cheaper option than 3CX. And if you only need 4SC then it should be perpetually free according to 3CX.

 

[cobaltit]

Also, you are not renewing your license. You would be purchasing maintenance. Your license did not expire, your maintenance did.

Maintenance is applicable on Perpetual licences only and entitles you to one year of free updates, tested phone firmwares, security updates and the smartphone clients (which are licensed by year only and require valid maintenance)

3CX did say somewhere that folks using the custom SMTP feature at the time of the upgrade could continue to use it, but I don't know if that was predicated on having current maintenance or not.

 

[omgshootme]

3CX did say somewhere that folks using the custom SMTP feature at the time of the upgrade could continue to use it, but I don't know if that was predicated on having current maintenance or not.

Thank you. I will follow up with 3CX on this.

 

[YiannisH_3CX]

Hello @omgshootme

Please contact our costumer support team through the link below and explain that you upgraded from a previous version that you were using your own custom SMTP and you no longer have this ability. They should be able to assist you with that. Also you need to upgrade to the latest 3CX version as you can no longer activate your key on previous versions of the PBX.
https://www.3cx.com/company/contact/