Revision as of 14:45, 12 December 2022

Introduction

MessengerCTI.Mobile Slican Software is mobile application dedicated for Android operating system, which allow to make incoming or outgoing calls, access to phone book, call history, view status of other subscribers and chat.
Application can work together alongside desk phone and smartphone already in use by PBX subscriber.

Application have advantage of being integrated with phone book saved in PBX. MessengerCTI.Mobile is using phone book stored in PBX but phone book entries can be modified only by using system phone or by computer with MessengerCTI.Desktop application or WebCTI. Additionaly MessengerCTI.Mobile Slican software operates as internal messenger-chat. Messenger can be use by all subscribers of particular PBX if required licenses are supplied.

Application advantages

• application available(for free) from Google Play store - only CTI.plus license applied to PBX is required
• phone book with access to subscribers availability(chat, phone status, text status)
• option of adding and removing subscribers from favorite group, synchronised with MessengerCTI.Desktop
• history of recent calls/messages sorted chronologically
• logging with phone simultaneously as desk phone or as separate MessengerCTI subscriber(NCP PBX only)
• chat/messenger
• chat history with phone call history
• voice calling through GSM(two connection options- capture or parallel)
• flexible configuration of audio notifications
• access to PBX services configuration from phone
• rapid access number for fast call forwarding
• option of setting up busy status of desk phone if GSM is buy (on by default)
• option of setting up incoming call denying on GSM if desk phone is busy
• option of copying text from chat
• support of DualSim smartphone or two phones simultaneously (private or business)
• convenient access to opening door/gate if receiving call from doorphone DPH.IP or from context contacts menu
• additional desktop widget for fast access to open DPH.IP doorphone doors
• automatic delay of notifications for MessengerCTI.Mobile if desk phone or MessengerCTI.desktop is active
• option of copying contact from local phone book to PBX phone book

Basic functionalities

Using a smartphone, the application user gains mobility and still has the option of using the PBX as an internal subscriber.

VoIP and GSM client MessengerCTI.Mobileparallel telephone, associated with the desk telephone equipment, landline (FXS, CTS, SIP). The application can work as a VoIP or GSM client. The user decides on which device to answer the call and make the call - phone or smartphone. A new feature is the ability to use the application as a standalone phone in NCP PBXes (from PBX firmware version 1.11). The CTIuserPlus license is required for its proper operation.

Configuration in VoIP mode - basic configuration for using the application. Both conducted calls and other information, e.g. about the caller's number, contacts in the directory, subscriber statuses, chats - are sent via the IP network (WiFi, Internet LTE/HSPA)

Configuration in the GSM mode - it is most often used if the access to the IP network or the Internet in a given location is weak (insufficient for making VoIP calls) or unstable. All information and signaling - are still sent via the IP network (WiFi, LTE / HSPA), but the calls themselves are carried out by the GSM operator. With poor quality of IP transmission, it should be taken into account that information may not always be displayed.

Switching between VoIP and GSM mode can be performed by the user from the application level (provided that he has the appropriate configuration on the PBX).

Contact book

A great advantage of the software is easy and convenient access to contacts from the PBX telephone books and displaying them on the user's smartphone. MessengerCTI.Mobile uses only the books stored in the PBX. Contacts can be grouped according to user requirements. Entering new subscribers and modifying existing entries can be made both from the system phone and in a more convenient way, from a computer - MessengerCTI.Desktop or WebCTI. The modification is visible immediately after its introduction. Access to the directory allows you to easily and conveniently search for the number of the person you want to call in the database. On the other hand, during incoming calls, clear information about the caller is displayed on the smartphone screen.

Call history The user of the program has access to the history of all his calls, both received and missed. It is saved in the Slican central. Using MessengerCTI, you can display it, obtain information about the order of calls, date and time of their execution, as well as about the sum of missed calls made from the same number.

CallCenter In conjunction with NCP PBXes for Call Center agents, the functionality of handling queues has been introduced. It allows e.g. logging in to one of them, viewing its status, answering and making calls, calling back lost and abandoned calls, enabling the status of temporary breaks in work.

Text messages

Using MessengerCTI.Mobile, you can send text information - from an internal communicator (chat) via a computer network - to another person who has MessengerCTI.Desktop or MessengerCTI.Mobile. The chat can be used by all subscribers of a given PBX and PBXes linked to it with the eSSL ver.2 system. This functionality is particularly attractive for those companies that, having Slican exchanges, do not allow the use of public messengers for security reasons. To ensure parallel access from different devices (computer, smartphone), chat history is saved directly in the PBX and synchronized with the MessengerCTI applications on an ongoing basis. An extension of this functionality is the ability to chat with many users at the same time, i.e. the so-called text conference.

Text and voice conferencing

A functionality that allows you to exchange messages / talk to many users at the same time.

File transfer Between MessengerCTI application users (desktop, mobile) it is possible to send files, e.g. photos, documents

Location Sharing

Due to mobility - the user can make the observation of his location available to selected people. An authorized person gains the ability to observe its location.

Support for cameras and DPH.IP doorphone

The introduction of DPH.IP doorphones with camera support for sale forced the creation of an option for displaying video images from them. Such a possibility was introduced in the MessengerCTI.Mobile application. In the case of a connection from the doorphone to the application user, the image from his camera appears in the window. After receiving and carrying out the call, and without the need to talk to the person at the doorphone, only after visual identification, you can open the door, gate or barrier using a special button. Also in the opposite direction, when calling the doorphone or any other extension number associated with the camera, the image from the camera appears on the monitor screen. This allows for temporary observation of the surroundings of the installed camera, e.g. the person we are calling. It is also possible to select and observe the image from any camera without the need to make a connection, just by indicating the associated icon in the application. Using MessengerCTI.Mobile it is also possible to use cameras from other manufacturers, but they must support video formats and codecs compatible with VLC application libraries. Opening the door using the context menu or widget is available only after starting the ACS system.

Works with the desktop version

The application can also be used in parallel and synchronized with MessengerCTI.Desktop, i.e. the version for a computer with Windows.

Minimum requirements

MessengerCTI.Mobile application - is available to download from Google Play store.

For installing application minimum requirements must be met:

• Android operating system
  • minimum version: KitKat 4.4.4
  • minimum recommended version: Nougat 7.0
  • PBX and application must have access to internet

Phone with lower version of operating system then 4.4.4 won't be able to install application.

Application installation

MessengerCTI.Mobile usage is licensed do purchasing of proper license is required. Purchased serial code is used during PBX configuration, serial code defines number of users that are able to use application. Application licensing doesn't interfere with installation. During the installation, you are prompted to provide some permissions and change phone settings. They may differ, depending on the Android version and phone type. You can accept them all or select only those related to the functionalities that will be used:

• Camera - for scanning the QR code and taking and sending photos
• Location - to share the location
• Microphone - for making calls in VoIP mode
• Internal storage - for saving photos, transferring files and using the clipboard
• Telephone - to use the application in GSM mode
• Contacts - for copying contacts to the local phone database (only used in some versions of the application)
• Displaying above other applications - should be made available so that you can answer the call correctly when the application is, for example, dormant
• Disable battery optimization - Battery optimization for the app must be disabled to prevent it from going into deep sleep

After installing application, it must be configured for connecting to PBX: Settings->Account (described below).

Starting application

MessengerCTI.Mobile application runs just like any other application working on Android operating system. During startup application is logging to PBX(according to setting from Settings->Account tab). After successful login synchronising between application and PBX starts(call history and chat history).

Configuring application

For proper communication between application and PBX, CTI account information and other functions must be configured properly. Configuration menu is placed in bottom left corner of application window. From drop down menu Settings menu can be chosen.

Settings

Fields required for configuration can be found here:account, notifications, handy numbers.

Account Configured with information configured by PBX administrator.:

• Your telephone number: internal subscriber number(extensions) with access to CTI communication
• password: CTI user password
• Host:port : domain address or IP address of local PBX(public IP address for users outside LAN) : port used for communication with PBX - by default set to TCP 5529
• Encrypted transmission: encryption of the XML protocol
• Self-signed certificate
• Read data from QRCode: instead of manual configuration - the ability to scan the QRcode sent to the user's e-mail box when configuring the CTI settings in the NCP PBX or from the WebCTI website

After entering the data, confirm with the save and connect button

Notifications

Configuring call notifications:

• ringtone: ringtone from available ones can be chosen.
• missed call: notify about missed calls on status bar.

Configuring chat messages notifications:

• message tone: tone from available ones can be chosen.

Handy numbers

List of handy numbers available during active call, they can be user for fast forward to another number from handy list.

Other

Configuring phone busy status depending on incoming call direction(GSM or CTI call):

• during GSM talk, internal number will be busy
• reject GSM when internal number is busy

Solving issues with proper software operation:

• debug - administrator option which is turned on on software vendor suggestion, for analysing issue logs.

After turning on debug option additional Send logs field will appear in main menu. After choosing e-mail client, application logs will be sent to software manufacturer.

Services

Configuring application services related to connections/calls:

• DND: Do not Disturb
• forwarding calls:all will be forwarded to chosen number when busy or doesn't answer(must be noted that at first number is given, then forwarding happens)
• silence application: silent mode

My description

Setting text status that will be visible to other MessengerCTI.Users or on screen of CTS-330 system phone.

About software

Information about:

• current software version
• type of connected PBX
• PBX firmware version
• Own number: CTI account number(internal PBX extension)
• Own comment: user comment made by administrator

Updating application

Application is applying updates automatically, user can set on or off automatic updates in similar manner to other Google play store applications on phone. If new softwar version will be available in Goole Play store it will automatically download or notify about recent version.

Application structure

Main window

Main application windows give access to two tab:

• Last/Recent - history of calls, chat messages and users statuses.
• Contacts - access to PBX phone book with sorting options:favourites, internal, external.
• login icon status with text status
• searching contacts
• applications settings menu

Icons meaning

MessengerCTI.Mobile gives users intuitive preview of telephone status with seperate icon for every contact or call history event. These icons allow to chose action, check call status or inform about error/issues.

Icons and symbols

"Last/recent" starting application windows is showing history of calls. Icons located here are:

• left side: application status of other MessengerCTI.Desktop/Mobile users or call history
• right side: information about call direction and message status
  

Table 1 describes meaning of particular icons informing about application status of other MessengerCTI.Desktop/Mobile users:

• PBX internal subscribers - icons showing status of logged application, touching icon allows to start chat or check call history
• DPH.IP doorphone - door position, touching icon allows to check history

Ikona	Icon meaning
	user logged in
	status: "Be right back"
	status set by user "Do not disturb"
	user logged our, not available or status is set to "Hidden"
	Desktop application status with configured Mobile version
	calls and messages history
	DPH.IP doorphone: door open
	DPH.IP doorphone: door closed

Table 1: Icon shows status of application, users and doorphones.

In case of phones being PBX extensions, icon will show phone status.

Ikona	Icon meaning
	number is busy
	calling number or making outgoing call
	number is not available or faulty
	DND service is on

Table 2: Icons displaying phone status

Table 3 shows meaning of icons displaying calls status:

Icon	Icon meaning
	incoming call
	outgoing call
	new missed call
	missed call

Table 3: Icons displaying calls.

Table 4 shows icons displaying message status:

Icon	Icon meaning
	Message received
	Message sent, read
	New message, received
	Message sent, not read
	Message sent, read - dialogue window view
	message sent, not read - dialogue window view
	Message sent to logged out user - dialogue window view

Table 4: Icons showing message status.

Notification	Meaning
	No connection: check network connection
	Wrong login or password: check account settings
	App not allowed in PBX: contact PBX administrator

Table 5: Error icons meaning.

Supporting messages and calls

For call between two users necessary are:

• proper account configuration of application and PBX
• full connection between application and PBX(full data synchronisation of application with PBX) - application icon should have green color
• installed Slican system phone, VoIP or analog phone for IPx, MAC or NCP PBX or configured MessengerCTI subscriber((only NCP PBX)

Making calls

Two ways of making calls:

• from Contacts tab - choosing subscriber from particular group (if applicable), or from "All contacts" group. Call is made by touching contact tab, then choosing icon from drop down menu.
• from Contacts tab- searching for phone number in Search field by using keyboard then touching lower right corner of keyboard

• from Last/Recent - find subscriber which we had shared call(he called or we called him) and then make call by touching middle part of contact tab and choosing action from drop down menu

Connecting calls are displayed with call screen just like calls made using GSM. Application at first is connecting call to PBX dedicated number for MessengerCTI.Mobile users, configured by PBX administrator. Then PBX is connecting by transit to number chosen by MessengerCTI.Mobile. Due to that reason, required city line for PBX must be at least ISDN BRA.

Incoming calls

Incoming calls are displayed with popping up call window and ring tone configured in application notifications settings. Calls are received by sliding icon with green handset, if we want to reject call it can be done with sliding red handset. If additional handy numbers were set, call may be forwarded to them by sliding icon with handy number. Process of receiving incoming calls works by making a return call with GSM line to application access number defined by PBX administrator.

Missed calls are displayed with icon . Going to call history or calling back will clear information about amount of missed calls.

Messages support

Application allows to send and receive text messages between MessengerCTI.Desktop/Mobile user (internal chat). To send message user status icon must be touched or from drop down menu and touching contact tab, then choosing chat.
Receiving messages is displayed on notification bar by proper icon and defined ring tone.
If subscriber is using both versions of MessengerCTI, messages history is stored locally in MessengerCTI.Dekstop application.
Below is example of chat window:

Contacts

Contacts tab allow to display and search for actions related to particular contacts. Numbers from other groups can be accessed from drop down contact list grouped as:

• favourites
• all groups
• all contacts
• internal
• external
• private

By default Favourites group is visible.

Call history

By default Last/Recent tab will be visible and showing calls and chat messages history.
In history every position is at least one call or message. If there is more then one call/message and they come from sam user, on their icon number will be displayed. Every position is displaying caller number, commentary(if number is from phone book outside PBX), time and date of call.
If in history there are missed calls or messages, Last/Recent field will be marked with red dot.
History tab allows to call back or reply to messages.

Configuring Slican PBX

For proper communication between application and PBX are required:

• correct manufacturer license
• specific PBX configuration

IPx, CCT PBX configuration

With ConfigMan software:

1. Inside Themes tab and then Global settings->Global settings/Remain:
   1. ANo:configure access number that application will chose for making call to PBX and setting up incoming call
   2. Adr - public host name or PBX IP address for connecting to application(for VoIP calls with application)
2. Inside Subscribers menu, Tables then Subscribers->Subscribers/CTI settings:
   1. AwdMbl: allow access to MessengerCTI.Mobile application
   2. AwdGSM: allows to connect phone calls through GSM network
   3. IncC: setting up method of how application connects incoming calls:
      1. Call pickup - picking up incoming call with application means making outgoing call with GSM phone to number from 'ANo field inside Global settings/Remain
      2. Parrallel calling - incoming calls to GSM phone from number set in ANofield inside Global settings/Remain
   4. MnNo: configure GSM phone access number, on which application is installed, optionally configure second number(for dual SIM phones)
   5. SecNo: second GSM phone number with installed application(optional, for dual SIM phones)

For application to work with each settings, these fields parameters must be set:

• VoIP network: 1.2, 2.1
• GSM network: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.3 and 2.3.1 or 2.3.2

Minimum PBX firmware version - 6.53, for VoIP - 6.54

NCP PBX configuration

From ConfigWEB application:

• Extensions->Settings->CTI application settings menu, configure access number that application will use to call to PBX and make accept incoming call
• in subscriber editing for SIP, FXS, CTS, Messenger CTI number in menu Extensions->Subscribers->CTI settings
  • configure GSM phone access number which will have installed application
  • set up type of handling incoming calls: call pickup (only application is ringing up) or parallel calling(application and internal phone is ringing up)

Minimum software version is: 1.11.

From ConfigWEB application:

1. Extensions->Settings->CTI application settings menu, configure
   1. Public host name or PBX IP address for XML Slican protocol - domain name or IP address for exchanging/synchronisation information and data between application and PBX
   2. Public host name or PBX IP address for VoIP calls - domain name or IP address for for configuring VoIP calls
   3. PBX number for GSM calls - which will call GSM phone with installed application to call PBX or PBX to phone and set up call (if GSM network mode is configured)
2. configure subscribers for SIP,FXS, CTS, MCTI with 'Extensions/Subscribers/CTI Settings/ MessengerCTI.Mobile
   1. Allow access to MessengerCTI.Mobile application
   2. if using GSM network allow phone calls handling using GSM
      1. set up GSM phone access number for device with installed application
      2. set up second GSM phone number with installed applicatio (optional, for dual SIM devices)
   3. set up incoming calls handling
      1. call pickup - picking up incoming call with application is achievied by GSM phone making outgoing call to number set in Extensions/ Settings/ CTI applications settings / MessengerCTI'
      2. Parallel calling - incoming call to GSM phone from number set with Extensions/ Settings/ CTI applications settings / MessengerCTI'

For application to work, these fields must be set:

• VoIP: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1
• GSM: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.3 and 2.3.1 or 2.3.2

Minimum PBX firmware version - 1.11, for VoIP - 1.12

Use cases examples

MessengerCTI.Mobile application is useful tool for companies that employ mobile workers which requires constant access to phone with internal number of phone system.
These employees can be a good example:

• sales department - working in different locations, office <-> outside office
• service support - constant fieldwork
• remote worker - remote work
• mobile worker - working on vast area(production halls, vast areas) -where Wifi or DECT network range won't be adequate

Installing beta version

"Beta" version contains new functionalities which will be added in next production version but not all of planned functions are implemented. This version also cointains fixes for error submited for earlier versions. It was initialy tested.
To install beta version:
- If on the phone MessengerCTI is installed, uinstall it.
- log to Google Play as application tester
In this case: Log in from computer or phone web browser to your Google account. If you hav more then account it is important to log into account which was used to configure your phone.
Click this link: beta version registration
When you will see this info:

Click BLUE BUTTON to sign up for testing
Going back to phone configuration:
- Because Google Play updates can be delayed, it is recommend to turn of Play Store application before installing MessengerCTI.
- Clicking on shortcut will start Play Store again. Search for MessengerCTI application. It is recommended to search also for Slican due to many other application using "messenger" word in their naming.
- Install application.
- Configure according to manual.j
Use beta version features.