# FAQ

### About this guide

<details>

<summary>What is the SiteMinder Developer Guide?</summary>

The SiteMinder Developer Guide is the central resource for technology partners building integrations with SiteMinder. It covers everything you need to connect your product — API documentation, integration requirements, certification guidance, and step-by-step support for the full journey from initiation to going live.

Whether you're evaluating SiteMinder APIs for the first time or expanding an existing integration, this guide is designed to help you work as independently as possible.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What solutions and APIs are covered?</summary>

* **pmsXchange** — for Property Management Systems (PMS). Synchronises availability, restrictions, rates, and reservations between your system and SiteMinder.
* **SiteConnect** — for booking channels. Receive availability, restrictions, and rates from SiteMinder and send reservations in real time.
* **Channels Plus** — for booking channels seeking broader property access. Search properties, retrieve availability and pricing, and manage reservations via REST APIs.
* **SMX (SiteMinder Exchange)** — for applications and Revenue Management Systems (RMS). Access reservation data, availability, and pricing to power your product.
* **Direct Booking** — for multi property customers building direct booking experiences using real-time availability, restrictions, rates, and property data.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I use the Ask assistant on this site?</summary>

The **Ask** button available at the top of every page opens an AI assistant powered by GitBook. It uses the content of this guide — including pages you've visited, information provided by SiteMinder, and your previous messages — to answer your questions.

It's best used for navigating the guide, understanding integration requirements, and troubleshooting common issues.

Like all AI tools, it can make mistakes. If something doesn't seem right, refer to the relevant documentation page directly or contact us through [Partner Contacts](https://www.siteminder.com/partners-contact/).

</details>

<details>

<summary>How can I provide feedback on the guide content?</summary>

You can share feedback in two ways:

* On any page, use the **Was this helpful?** option on the right side of the screen. Select the emoji that best reflects your experience and, if you wish, add a comment to help us improve that specific content.
* For more detailed feedback, visit our [Feedback & Suggestions](/get-started/resources/feedback-and-suggestions.md) page and complete the form.

Your input helps us keep the guide accurate, relevant, and useful for all partners.

</details>

### Choosing the right API

<details>

<summary>How do I know which API is right for my integration type?</summary>

The right API depends on what type of system you're building.

If you're unsure, visit the [Partner Hub](/get-started/get-started.md) and select the option that best describes your system — it will guide you to the right API and integration path.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What are the main differences between SiteConnect and Channels Plus?</summary>

**SiteConnect** is a two-way PUSH API. It gives you access to rates and inventory for hotels you have a direct contract with. SiteMinder pushes availability, restrictions and rates to your system, and you push reservations back in real time.

**Channels Plus** is a PULL REST API. It gives you access to availability, rates, and content for all SiteMinder-connected properties that have opted in to Channels Plus — without requiring direct contracts with each property.

Choose SiteConnect if you have direct hotel relationships and need a two-way real-time connection. Choose Channels Plus if you want broader property access without managing individual contracts.

</details>

<details>

<summary>As a booking channel, can we integrate with both SiteConnect and Channels Plus?</summary>

SiteConnect and Channels Plus cannot be technically combined within a single integration. However, a booking channel can use both APIs for different purposes — SiteConnect for properties you have direct contracts with, and Channels Plus to access additional properties\
and content beyond those direct relationships.

Each integration is certified separately.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can we integrate with more than one API?</summary>

Yes. Some partners integrate with more than one SiteMinder API depending on the scope of their product. For example, a RMS partner may use pmsXchange for rate sync and SMX for reservation data access.

Each API requires its own certification process. If you're considering a multi-API integration, speak with the Partner Integrations team early — they can help you plan the right sequence\
and avoid duplication of effort.

</details>

### Getting started

<details>

<summary>What do I need to do before I can start building?</summary>

Before you can access SiteMinder APIs, you need to complete a partnership agreement with our Ecosystem team. If you haven't done this yet, start by submitting an [Integration Application Form](https://www.siteminder.com/integrations/apply-now/#apply-now).

Once your agreement is signed and finalised, the Partner Integrations team will reach out to initiate the technical onboarding process.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How long does the integration process take?</summary>

Most integrations are completed within **60 days** from initiation to going live, though this varies based on the API and complexity of your integration.

The process has five stages: Initiation (1–3 days), Development (4–6 weeks), Certification (1 week), Production (1 week if a pilot is required), and Live. For a full breakdown, see the [Integration Process](/get-started/partner-lifecycle/integration-process.md) page.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Who do I work with during the integration?</summary>

Once your partnership agreement is in place, you'll work directly with the **Partner Integrations team** throughout the build, testing, and certification stages. They will confirm your API configuration, support you during development, and guide you through certification.

For partnership or commercial questions, the **Ecosystem team** is your point of contact. You can find the right team through [Partner Contacts](https://www.siteminder.com/partners-contact/).

</details>

### Development & testing

<details>

<summary>How do I access the test environment?</summary>

Once your partnership agreement is signed and the integration process begins, the Partner Integrations team will set up a test account for you. You'll receive credentials and full access to start development and testing against our test environment.

If you're an existing certified partner requesting access for new functionality, visit [Enhance Your Integration](/get-started/partner-lifecycle/enhance-your-integration.md) for more details.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can we have permanent access to the test environment?</summary>

The test environment is designed for temporary testing purposes only. It has limited infrastructure compared to the live environment, and traffic is controlled to maintain consistency for all partners conducting tests.

Existing certified partners can request temporary access for specific testing needs via the [SiteMinder Test Environment Access Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgubeWfac9QiGMWEQg090Yg_G3dvzleBjPbbm9N5IVTyB-_A/viewform).&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>What should I prepare before certification?</summary>

Before entering certification, you should:

* Complete all development and thorough testing in the test environment
* Review the **Testing and Certification** guide for the API you're implementing
* Prepare documentation and test results as evidence
* Address any known issues or edge cases

For SiteConnect and pmsXchange integrations, identify a pilot property before certification completes — this speeds up the Production stage significantly.

The Partner Integrations team will confirm when you're ready to proceed.

</details>

### Certification & going live

<details>

<summary>What does the certification process involve?</summary>

Certification is the stage where you execute SiteMinder's test scenarios to verify your integration meets all required standards. It includes checking edge cases, validating data flows, and documenting test results and evidence.

Once certification is approved, your integration moves to the Production stage — where it's configured for the live environment and, if required, connected to a pilot property to validate real-world behaviour.

Certification typically takes **1 week** when well-prepared.

</details>

<details>

<summary>We are already a certified SiteMinder partner and want to certify against new functionality. How do we proceed?</summary>

Complete the SiteMinder Test Environment Access Form, selecting the API you're already certified for and **New Functionality Enhancement** as the request type. Specify the functionalities you want to implement.

The Partner Integrations team will process your request and contact you with next steps. For a full breakdown of the enhancement process, see [Enhance Your Integration](/get-started/partner-lifecycle/enhance-your-integration.md).

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do we add new properties after going live?</summary>

Once your integration is live, onboarding new properties is managed through your normal operational process — no recertification is required for individual properties unless you're adding new API functionality.

For questions about property onboarding at scale or specific configuration requirements, contact the **Partner Integrations** team through [Partner Contacts](https://www.siteminder.com/partners-contact/).

</details>

### Support

<details>

<summary>What do I do if something isn't working in production?</summary>

Start with the **Ask** button at the top of any page — it can help you diagnose common issues quickly using the guide content.

If you need direct support, find the right team through [Partner Contacts](https://www.siteminder.com/partners-contact/).

</details>

<details>

<summary>Who do I contact for partnership or commercial questions?</summary>

Partnership and commercial questions are handled by the **Ecosystem team**. Find the right contact through [Partner Contacts](https://www.siteminder.com/partners-contact/).

</details>

{% hint style="success" icon="sparkles" %}

## Still have questions?

Use the <i class="fa-gitbook-assistant">:gitbook-assistant:</i> **Ask** button at the top of the page to chat with our AI assistant — it can help you navigate the guide, understand requirements, and troubleshoot issues.

If you need more support, visit [Integration Support](/integration-support/integration-support.md).
{% endhint %}


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