As of February 2023, 3CX has announced significant changes to its licensing model, specifically regarding the availability of free licenses for self-managed and on-premise installations. This shift impacts businesses and hobbyists who have been relying on the free standard license for their telephony solutions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the changes and how to navigate them.
The Key Changes
- Discontinuation of Free Licenses:
- New free self-managed or on-premise licenses are no longer available.
- Existing free licenses issued before December 15, 2022, will not be extended.
- Free licenses issued on December 15, 2022, or later will be valid for only 60 days.
- Introduction of StartUP:
- The new free offer is the StartUP edition, designed for small businesses.
- StartUP Free and StartUP PRO options are available, with the latter providing more advanced features.
Solutions for Current and New Users
For Current Users:
- Upgrade Existing Licenses:
- If you hold a free license issued before December 15, 2022, it will not be extended, and you should consider upgrading to a Pro or Enterprise license.
- Existing free licenses will be maintained for one per customer account, with additional free licenses available for partners (Bronze level and above) within reasonable limits.
For New Users:
- Opt for StartUP Edition:
- The StartUP edition offers a professional PBX managed by 3CX, including free hosting.
- This edition supports configuration of IP phones, SIP trunks, WhatsApp, and other integrations, making it a robust choice for small businesses and educational purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transition to StartUP or Pro License
- Evaluate Your Current License:
- Check the issuance date of your current free license to determine if it qualifies for an extension or requires an upgrade.
- Choose the Appropriate License:
- If opting for StartUP, decide between StartUP Free or StartUP PRO based on your business needs.
- For those needing more control and features, consider purchasing a Pro or Enterprise license.
- Upgrade Your License:
- Visit the 3CX management console to upgrade your license key.
- Follow the prompts to complete the purchase and apply the new license key.
- Configure Your System:
- If transitioning to StartUP, configure your IP phones, SIP trunks, and other necessary integrations using the 3CX web client.
- For Pro or Enterprise users, ensure all advanced features are properly set up according to your business requirements. If you’re not sure what you need, contact Fidalia’s 3CX Support Team and we’ll help guide you.
- Request Support if Needed:
- For assistance with the transition, reach out to 3CX support or consult with a 3CX partner for expert guidance.
For more information about 3CX and to purchase licenses and support, visit: Fidalia 3CX.