Solved Questions on converting Pro 8SC to ..free editions?

[Mocabi]

Hi There,

1. Currently: We have a 8 SC Professional Perpetual license running on 16.0.676 version. Our license with MA will be expired on 10/30/2019 license. (we purchased as a 3cx software system + consulting & deployment fee + annual subscriptions)

2. System was working great for few years as we renewed the subscriptions but now we decide that we are going to deploy another system.

3. Main issue was regarding the android client push as most of our clients are android apps.
( similar to https://www.3cx.com/community/threads/android-app-does-not-launch-on-push.67847/page-2 )

4. So we have tested other systems and its apps and decide to deploy it mid of this month

5. We want to keep the 3cx as our backup solution. However, after checking with our reseller, I am quite confused.

6. I was told that after our license expired, we will have 90 days gracing period in case we decide to turn back time and renew subscriptions.

7. After that, they will need to convert our license to an annual type and it will last for another year. ( I assumed he is referring annual type to a free edition?)

8. But then we were told that after a year, our system will be no longer updated. Then if there are updates on mobile app, it will no longer works with our outdated 3cx system. Says if any user accidentally click update APPs, he wont be able to use 3cx to connect to our 3cx system anymore. (Says iOS users where they can install old APKs like android users)

9. Therefore, could someone advise if my understanding from the reseller is correct? It seems the amount that we paid for the software means nothing as the 3cx is actually running as SaaS service based on a subscription fee? If so, then it was my misunderstanding since the beginning when we procured the 3cx system. I thought that with our outdated 3cx server, it will still be compatible with newer mobile app version.

10. In this case, the best bet for us to keep the system as back up is - do nothing, dismiss the server for other purposes as it wont do any good. Important thing is to keep the backup configurations files. If we need to use it later, we'd better install and apply for a free editions then later upgrade, correct?

Many thanks and pardon for my poor English.

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Hello @Mocabi ,

3. Main issue was regarding the android client push as most of our clients are android apps.
This has been addressed with V16 update 3 + Newest mobile app. you should be able to have them working now. If they still don't work, the correct action is to contact support because clearly there is an issue somewhere in your setup that is preventing proper operation, and support can help you get it resolved. If you are referring to very specific devices where killing the app blocks PUSH, then this is a problem the specific device manufacturer must address.

6. I was told that after our license expired, we will have 90 days gracing period in case we decide to turn back time and renew subscriptions.
Correct. With Annual maintenance is included. With perpetual you have to pay maintenance, you can choose to not have maintenance but you will lose out on features like FQDN+Certs, security and feature updates, fixes, and new firmware and new phones support. Or you can move to annual and always have the latest versions and updates. Consult your 3CX partner, it could be more cost effective for you to go Annual.

7. After that, they will need to convert our license to an annual type and it will last for another year. ( I assumed he is referring annual type to a free edition?)
No, Annual gets you whatever type of license you want (and it includes the maintenance all in one package)

8. But then we were told that after a year, our system will be no longer updated. Then if there are updates on mobile app, it will no longer works with our outdated 3cx system. Says if any user accidentally click update APPs, he won't be able to use 3cx to connect to our 3cx system anymore. (Says iOS users where they can install old APKs like android users)
Correct, but we released a legacy app that will work with V16 Update 2 and older V15.5 systems.

9. Therefore, could someone advise if my understanding from the reseller is correct? It seems the amount that we paid for the software means nothing as the 3cx is actually running as SaaS service based on a subscription fee? If so, then it was my misunderstanding since the beginning when we procured the 3cx system. I thought that with our outdated 3cx server, it will still be compatible with newer mobile app version.
The amount you paid got you a perpetual license for the current version you have now, but perpetual requires maintenance fees to keep getting updates. You can keep this version if you want, but I explained above how it affects you

10. In this case, the best bet for us to keep the system as back up is - do nothing, dismiss the server for other purposes as it wont do any good. Important thing is to keep the backup configurations files. If we need to use it later, we'd better install and apply for a free editions then later upgrade, correct?
You have some options actually:

• Stay as you are - no maintenance, things will work as they work now, no extra money paid. Use legacy app instead of latest app. You will lose FQDN, Certificates, Security and Feature updates
• Stay as you are - pay maintenance, things will work as they are now and you will be able to update and get latest mobile apps too which will be compatible for the life of the V16 series.
• Switch to Annual - You can keep upgrading after V16 is retired, you can use the latest apps that will continue to improve and work with later PBX versions

 

[Mocabi]

Hi John,

Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. Allow me to reply below
3. Main issue was regarding the android client push as most of our clients are android apps.
This has been addressed with V16 update 3 + Newest mobile app. you should be able to have them working now. If they still don't work, the correct action is to contact support because clearly there is an issue somewhere in your setup that is preventing proper operation, and support can help you get it resolved. If you are referring to very specific devices where killing the app blocks PUSH, then this is a problem the specific device manufacturer must address.

[Mocabi] Previously we have consulted this issue several times with our reseller several times and the conclusion from them was: others are working fine only happened with us. That was why we decided to call other vendors to do a trial. For this update, I will try seek to try as we will still keep 3cx as a backup solution.

6. I was told that after our license expired, we will have 90 days gracing period in case we decide to turn back time and renew subscriptions.
Correct. With Annual maintenance is included. With perpetual you have to pay maintenance, you can choose to not have maintenance but you will lose out on features like FQDN+Certs, security and feature updates, fixes, and new firmware and new phones support. Or you can move to annual and always have the latest versions and updates. Consult your 3CX partner, it could be more cost effective for you to go Annual.

[Mocabi] Understood, i will study to config our own FQDN and SSL cert in order to keep the service going as perpetual.


8. But then we were told that after a year, our system will be no longer updated. Then if there are updates on mobile app, it will no longer works with our outdated 3cx system. Says if any user accidentally click update APPs, he won't be able to use 3cx to connect to our 3cx system anymore. (Says iOS users where they can install old APKs like android users)
Correct, but we released a legacy app that will work with V16 Update 2 and older V15.5 systems.

[Mocabi] Are those legacy apps available on the apps stores and google play stores?

9. Therefore, could someone advise if my understanding from the reseller is correct? It seems the amount that we paid for the software means nothing as the 3cx is actually running as SaaS service based on a subscription fee? If so, then it was my misunderstanding since the beginning when we procured the 3cx system. I thought that with our outdated 3cx server, it will still be compatible with newer mobile app version.
The amount you paid got you a perpetual license for the current version you have now, but perpetual requires maintenance fees to keep getting updates. You can keep this version if you want, but I explained above how it affects you

[Mocabi] I clearly understood now.


10. In this case, the best bet for us to keep the system as back up is - do nothing, dismiss the server for other purposes as it wont do any good. Important thing is to keep the backup configurations files. If we need to use it later, we'd better install and apply for a free editions then later upgrade, correct?
You have some options actually:

• Stay as you are - no maintenance, things will work as they work now, no extra money paid. Use legacy app instead of latest app. You will lose FQDN, Certificates, Security and Feature updates
• Stay as you are - pay maintenance, things will work as they are now and you will be able to update and get latest mobile apps too which will be compatible for the life of the V16 series.
• Switch to Annual - You can keep upgrading after V16 is retired, you can use the latest apps that will continue to improve and work with later PBX versions

[Mocabi] noted. but i will need to decide with in my 90 gracing period right?

 

[JohnS_3CX]

8. It is available through the app store. You can find the legacy app linked in this article.
https://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/android-app/

10. Yes correct. After, this you can trade in the old license for Annual if you wish to continue.

 

[Mocabi]

Many thanks to you @JohnS_3CX
Great support!

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Glad to assist!