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New Create Rooms and Change Rooms features in v4.0

We are proud to announce the release of version 4.0 of the Instant World Booking XML API.  This release includes new Create Rooms, Change Rooms, and Change Rates features.

1. Create Room Types (API Function: createrooms)

A new function for creating room types will aid in the synchronization between IWB and integrating systems. Previously, room type creation was only achieved by setting new calendar allocations, which sometimes led to creation of duplicate rooms. The new function ensures better control over room types.

2. Change Room Types (API Function: changerooms)

A new function for modifying room type features has been added, allowing simple updates of room characteristics. Previously, changes could only be achieved through adding a new room type, and replacing the old one. This new function greatly simplifies the administration of room types and related characteristics.

3. Rate Changes

Global rate changes (search and replace) can now also be achieved through a new feature included within the above function (2) Change Room Types.

While the new features provide significant added functionality and convenience, the new version is fully compatible with previous versions. So, existing integrations will continue to work as normal.

For more information about these enhanced features, please see section 3.1 and 3.2 of the new guide:

Instant World Booking API XML Manual

As a reminder, the Instant World Booking XML API also includes a full White Label Affiliate Program API (see section 2.0).  This API enables users to implement a complete white-label online booking solution on their website, suitable for booking hotels, hostels, and B&B inns.


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New Get Bookings and Calendar Allocation features in v3.2

We are proud to announce the release of version 3.2 of the Instant World Booking XML API.  This release includes new Get Bookings (Reservations) features and Calendar Allocation features.

Previously, the “getbookings” function allowed limited ability to request reservations for specific dates.  Now, since version 3.1 (released April 3, 2011), new selection criteria have been added to query reservations by 1) booking date, 2) modification date, or 3) guest arrival date.  See section 3.3 of the API Guide.

Additionally, several important new features have been added to the “setallocation” and “getroomtypes” functions.

  1. Promotional discounts for advance booking – a discount to be applied to the base rate if a reservation is booked early (i.e., at least the specified “days” prior to arrival date).
  2. Promotional discounts for lengthy stays – a discount to be applied to the base rate if a reservation is longer than the specified minimum # days.
  3. Enhanced Minimum Stay function – The minimum stay functionality now allows the user to apply specific stay limits for various date ranges.  Because of these enhancements the former <minstay>, <minstay_weekend>, and <maxstay> elements have been deprecated, and will no longer be available after September 30, 2011.  Version 3.2 introduces the new <minstays> element, which replaces the former functionality.

For more information about these enhanced features, please see section 3.1.1 and 3.2.1.c of the new guide.

Instant World Booking API XML Manual

As a reminder, the Instant World Booking XML API also includes a full White Label Affiliate Program API (see section 2.0).  This API enables users to implement a complete white-label online booking solution on their website, suitable for booking hotels, hostels, and B&B inns.



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Tired of managing multiple calendars manually?

Are you tired of managing multiple calendars on multiple systems?  Many hostels, hotels, and B&B’s we speak to are maintaining their calendar on at least half a dozen booking sites.  One even recently sent us a timesheet indicating how many hours they spend managing calendars on each website.  Now, you know that you’re spending a lot of time performing a task if you maintain a timesheet.

Instant World Booking offers an easier way.  Upload your calendar directly to our system.  We have an XML interface that allows both receiving and sending your calendar updates via an automatic feed.  So, if you currently use a calendar management or property management software to manage your calendar, contact your service provider today.  Tell them that you want them to interface with Instant World Booking.  Most propert management systems will be happy to accommodate their clients’ requests for integration.

So remember, contact your front desk or propery management provider today, and ask them to integrate with Instant World Booking.  Send them the following link to help them get started integrating with us:

http://www.instantworldbooking.com/blog_iw/2010/05/new-xml-api-version-20-released/


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New XML API version 2.0 Released

We are pleased to announce the release of the new Instant Word Booking XML API version 2.0.  The new version now includes complete functionality for both retrieving and setting calendar allocations for lodgings of all types.  Now, channel managers, property managers, booking engines, consolidators, and affiliates of all types may both send their allocations to IWB and receive their allocations from IWB.  This means that end-user lodgings can effectively manage their calendars on IWB and send it to other systems, or manage their calendars elsewhere and feed it to IWB.

To get started with our XML API, begin by checking out our manual, or send it to your developer:

Instant World Booking API XML Manual

For more information, contact us today at: info@instantworldbooking.com

If you have a lodging property of any type, and wish to upload your availability directly to Instant World Booking, contact your calendar management system today and ask them to integrate with Instant World Booking.  Just send them the link to this page.


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ASSD Hotel Property Management System Now Interfaces with IWB

Instant World Booking is pleased to announce that the ASSD Hostel and Hotel Property Management System PMS now interfaces with IWB.  This means that you can manage your calendar directly on ASSD’s PMS and feed your availability automatically to your Instant World Booking hotel listing.

ASSD’s core product within their Hotel Software Suite is their Property Management System PMS.  ASSD says their PMS can meet all front and back office needs for a hotel, hostel or bed & breakfast.  ASSD software products proudly incorporate the latest international trends, and have been developing their products for over 20 years.

Learn more about the ASSD Hotel Property Management System PMS.

See more PMS systems that integrate with Instant World Booking


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