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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 we had a module connecting the PBX with the property management system (PMS). This module was doing things like putting international phone calls on the guest's bill like you would order a drink at the bar. But it was also doing other things, like telling the front desk a room has been cleaned up or a guest has turned on do-not-disturb on the room phone.

The functions are accomplished 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 this protocol can do. Those who frequently stay in hotels might discover more of them during their next stay.

In those old pbxnsip days, we chose to use this piece of software as a glue logic. It was complicating the setup, however, 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 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). Anyone who would like to take a peek is welcome to send us an email and request a beta build.

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