Connectivity Layer

Connectivity Layer is the technical layer that moves rates, availability, restrictions, content and reservations between a property's systems (PMS, CRS, RMS, channel manager) and distribution partners such as OTAs, GDSs, metasearch engines and wholesalers. It is the plumbing that keeps every sales channel in sync with the property's inventory.

What it typically does

• Sends rate, availability and restriction (ARI) updates outbound to channels.
• Receives reservations, modifications and cancellations inbound and passes them to the PMS or CRS.
• Translates between data formats and protocols, such as OTA/OpenTravel XML, JSON APIs and partner-specific schemas.
• Maps rooms and rates between systems (see Rate Plan / Room Type Mapping).
• Retries failed messages and reports errors.

Example

A hotel changes its BAR in the RMS. The connectivity layer pushes the new rate to the channel manager, which fans it out to Booking.com, Expedia and the GDS. When a booking arrives on an OTA, the layer returns it to the PMS within seconds so the room is removed from all other channels.

Why it matters

• Overbooking risk: slow or failed syncs create overbookings and rate errors.
• Speed to market: a robust layer makes rate changes and new channel launches quick.
• Cost of distribution: fewer manual fixes and fewer failed reservations lower operating cost.
• Data quality: clean connections give accurate reporting on channel mix.

Related

Channel Manager, Push vs Pull Connectivity, Switch (Distribution Switch), OpenTravel Alliance, Webhook.