Back to Blog
Tech

UHLL

Published on:

October 7, 2014

In the past, pbxnsip offered a module connecting the PBX to property management systems (PMS), enabling features like billing international calls and notifying the front desk about room status updates. This functionality was based on the Universal Hospitality Language Layer (UHLL) protocol, which also supported non-telephony tasks within hotels. While this module was useful, it required additional software and added complexity. For the next release (5.2.5 or 5.3), we’ve integrated UHLL directly into the PBX code, simplifying the setup. Those interested in trying out the new features can email us for access to a beta build.

Christian Stredicke

Those who were already using pbxnsip in the old days might remember that we had a module that was connecting the PBX with the property management system (PMS). This module was doing things like putting international phone calls on the bill of the customer like you would order a drink at the bar. But it was also doing other things like telling the front desk that a room has been cleaned up or that the guest has turned on the do-not-disturb sign on the phone.

The functions are done using the UHLL protocol, which stands for Universal Hospitality Language Layer. Apart from billing calls, there are many functions that have nothing to do with telephony that can be done using this protocol. Those who frequently stay in hotels might discover more of them during their next stay.

In those old pbxnsip days we chose to put this piece of software as a glue logic between the PBX itself and the PBX. However it was complicating the setup, as another piece of software had to be installed and kept running. Considering the actual relatively low complexity of the program itself compared to the PBX, we decided to fully integrate it with the other PBX code this time, so that activating the functionality can be done easily in the license key.

The UHLL will be part of the next release (5.2.5 or maybe 5.3). Those who would like to take a peek are welcome to send us an email and request a beta build.

Latest Articles

View All
Webinar

Webinar | Real-Time Media Streaming in Vodia PBX: AI, Call Transcription, and Security in V69.5.6

Join Vodia Networks on April 8 for a live, in-depth webinar on how real-time media streaming is powering the future of voice communication. Discover how Vodia PBX version 69.5.6 enables seamless AI integration, live call transcription using the Whisper API, and secure voice data handling. Hosted by Sales Engineer Eric Altman and VoIP Engineer Hamlet Collado, this session will walk you through real-world use cases, including OpenAI and Google Speech-to-Text integrations, MS Teams support, and new security features. You’ll also get a first look at Vodia’s AI roadmap and have the opportunity to ask your questions during a live Q&A.

March 28, 2025
Tech

The Vodia PBX On-Premise Whisper AI Deployment​

Whisper, OpenAI’s Automatic Speech Recognition system, delivers multilingual, noise-tolerant, and technical-language-ready transcription through a streamlined encoder-decoder architecture. With Vodia PBX’s integration, organizations can choose between using OpenAI’s service or hosting Whisper AI locally for complete data sovereignty and control. This on-premise option ensures that sensitive call data stays within your infrastructure while still benefiting from powerful transcription capabilities. To explore deployment options, see our Whisper AI on-premise setup documentation, review a self-hosted integration example, or follow our cloud-based call transcription guide.

March 27, 2025
Announcement

Vodia at Enterprise Connect 2025: Embracing AI and Advancing Communications

Vodia Sales Engineer Eric Altman attended Enterprise Connect 2025 on March 18 and 19, where he connected with partners and gained insight into the future of enterprise communications. AI was the clear focus of the event, with discussions centered on agentic systems, chatbots, and generative technologies. “It was certainly the main element in the atmosphere,” Eric noted. He also shared his excitement about Vodia PBX version 69.5.6, which includes real-time AI integration with OpenAI and call transcription using the Whisper API. The event confirmed that AI is rapidly becoming a core component of modern communication platforms—and Vodia is well-positioned to lead the way.

March 26, 2025