Is there a better way to support multiple extensions?

[seantp]

I have a client who's support contract is coming up for renewal and they have a requirement for multiple extensions.

There has to be a better way than custom phone config files for each user, or just disabling autoconfig and manually configuring the phones individually.

Yes, I'm aware of ring groups, and I'm aware of outbound rules. I get stuck because I use Bandwidth and they limit trunks to one IP. So I can not set a prefix that dials out with an alternate CID. I also know that 3CX has the outbound caller ID issue on their roadmap, but there really isn't any clue as to what that's going to look like and the feature request has been open for years.

Anyways, for many people multiple extension on their phone is easier to wrap their heads around than remembering multiple prefixes to dial out with. Dialing a number and pressing a button is a lot easier.

Really hoping someone has a trick up their sleeve. Otherwise, I'll probably look into an alternative solution for them.

Using Yealink 5 Series

TY

 

[FS_Mathieu]

And Roadmap only talk about U6/7 as a maybe so it's still in months and not sure at all..

I don't have a trick for that instead of prefixes but I'll seek with you for one !

 

[Clément Rousseau]

Are agents working with a computer ? Can they go softphones instead of normal phones ? Because its an easy way to solve your issue with multiples web clients.
What is the context ? If agents need to change caller id quickly and make lot of calls, then I doubt they are not using computers too. Nowadays calls center agents works with computer and not normal phones and they is a reason for that, its easy to change phone configuration and manipulating phone. Can you describe what your client do and for what they are using their phones ?

 

[seantp]

No, its not agents. Think executives and office workers. Not technically savy. Softclients aren't really their thing. They have computers, but use them like 80's filing cabinets. Basically the goal is fool proof. They move a million miles an hour and just want a button to push. THey've had it before with older phone systems.

 

[seantp]

It's essentially a branding thing. Instead of departments they have multiple companies that they need to take and make calls from.

 

[Allen_Miller]

if you want it to be fool proof get rid of the pushing buttons idea - just put a half dozen phones on each desk and color code them for the CID they want.

 

[seantp]

LOL, Yes I've thought of that. I'm this close. Not sure the client would be a fan of the idea.

But like I said, I had actually done this before when I worked with this client a long time ago under a different MSP. We used Switchvox at the time and you could assign additional extensions just like you would assign BLF to a key. I'm supporting them directly now and trying to figure out how best to handle their other brands.

The other problem is how the CID is handled with my trunk provider. I basically need to use my Twilio account to handle the outgoing calls. Which is OK, but its just another service I have to track costs on.

 

[Clément Rousseau]

Sorry but I dont understand well what you said about your trunk provider. Why can't you do a set up with one sda for each trunk and set caller ID in trunk config, not in extensions and use outbound rule by user group and prefix to choose the trunk user want ? Why one ip per trunk is a problem for this ? Sorry but can you explain more for me please ?

 

[seantp]

Sorry but I dont understand well what you said about your trunk provider. Why can't you do a set up with one sda for each trunk and set caller ID in trunk config, not in extensions and use outbound rule by user group and prefix to choose the trunk user want ? Why one ip per trunk is a problem for this ? Sorry but can you explain more for me please ?

You know, for some reason I had the impression that I couldn't register multiple times from what my initial rep told me. Then your wink said it all. lol Just tried creating multiple registrations and the damn things works. I feel kinda dumb, but thank you.

I still want the ability to place a call using a BLF key. I know you can pick it up. There has to be a way to place a call too. Not sure why there is so much resistance to this considering other system can do it. Can anyone clue me in to why 3CX doesn't consider this feature?

 

[seantp]

I am curious what registration calls will come in on. How will bandwidth decide with multiple registrations?