Certification moves forward

AlpineBits new Pre-Certification Tool presented at Open Data Hub Day 2025

At this year’s Open Data Hub Day, held on 30th May 2025 at NOI Techpark in Bolzano, we introduced an important new step in the AlpineBits certification process: the AlpineBits Pre-Certification Tool.

Presented during the talk “AlpineBits: Certifying an Open Standard”, Martin Rabanser and Marco Dalle Feste showcased how this new tool supports the validation of AlpineBits HotelData server implementations – helping developers identify and resolve issues well before the official audit stage.

Supporting consistency across implementations

The AlpineBits HotelData standard has been openly available for over a decade, helping tourism organisations exchange information reliably and efficiently. Still, each implementation of the standard must adhere to very specific rules, especially when sending and receiving OTA XML messages.

Ensuring these rules are followed correctly is essential for systems to work together smoothly. That’s why the certification process exists and why this new pre-certification tool is such a welcome addition.

It allows developers and integrators to run checks against the standard’s defined behaviours, simulating the audit and identifying any deviations early on. A successful run through the tool is now a required step before requesting the full certification audit from the AlpineBits Alliance.

You can try the live version directly here: https://development.alpinebits.org/#/widget 

Why this tool is important

This development reflects the growing maturity of the AlpineBits ecosystem. As adoption increases, so does the need for clarity, consistency and technical quality across implementations.

By formalising a pre-check phase, we’re helping reduce friction for both those implementing AlpineBits and those validating it. The result is faster integration, fewer misunderstandings and ultimately a more robust and trustworthy network of interoperable tourism systems.

The launch of this tool marks an important step toward making AlpineBits easier to adopt and more reliable in practice. It bridges the gap between openness and operability, enabling partners to integrate with confidence.

• To explore the pre-certification tool, visit: https://development.alpinebits.org/#/widget
• For a complete overview of the AlpineBits certification process, including requirements, guidelines and audit details, please visit: https://www.alpinebits.org/certification/

We welcome feedback and look forward to seeing more certified, production-ready implementations across the AlpineBits community.