HTNG’s API Registry Workgroup has created a registry to address the number of inefficiencies in the hospitality solution space.
HTNG’s API Registry Workgroup has created this registry to address the number of inefficiencies in the hospitality solution space, including the difficulty of finding potential technology partners whose products and/or services could add value to a hotelier’s offerings.
By making it easier for businesses to connect to technical partners via a registry, the workgroup aims to facilitate the first step in building connected solutions.ÊÊÊ The workgroup was formed this past March, with the mission to streamline how hospitality business systems communicate with each other and to make them more efficient and less complex.
The API Registry is the first component in a series of planned API-related projects, each advancing communication and integration between products to create value in ways not currently possible. The workgroup is co-chaired by Martin Zam, CIO of Impulsify, a retail technology and data analytics company, and by Dmitry Koltunov, CTO of ALICE, an operations and guest engagement platform for the hospitality industry.ÊÊÊ
The group will have a working prototype of the API Registry by Q4 of 2017 and is actively seeking listings. All hospitality technology solutions can request to be listed (companies do not need to be HTNG members). HTNG members will be recognized in the registry and receive expedited processing for publishing. API solutions will be listed in the registry by category, vendor, product and API details. Users will be able to search for listings that satisfy specific criteria, and subscribe to updates to any attribute. Products will include all successfully implemented third-party integration to provide a gauge of integration experience.ÊÊÊÊ
ÒThe hospitality industry, despite its best intentions to provide the ultimate guest experience, often falls short of meeting guest expectations because of outdated technology infrastructure,Ó said Mr Zam. ÒBy updating how hospitality business systems integrate and communicate with each other, hotels will be able to operate with greater efficiency and please their guests in ways that aren’t possible today.ÓÊÊ
ÒThe API Registry is a big step toward empowering innovation in our industry,Ó said Mr Koltunov. ÒHotels need to have their technology well-integrated, which is a difficult task logistically. Information about APIs for most products is not available on Google. There is no categorized listing of APIs and no accessible information about who is responsible in each product. This lack of transparency causes significant delays in projects and limits creative solutions. There is an African saying Ôif you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go with others.’ This registry is the first step in encouraging an open and collaborative environment for hospitality, which will help the industry continually evolve.ÓÊÊ
To participate in the registry, please fill out the form. Stop by HTNG’s booth (#2302) at HITEC to learn more about the registry and the workgroup.Ê
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