STS Products: Hostlink

Hostlink, a plug-in for the STS SmartNS framework, is a software kernel that provides additional processing for the hospitality environment. It provides the ability to manage multiple mobile PIN Pad devices and allows bill splitting and gratuity handling.

Diagram of Hostlink - The Smart Technology Solutions Limited smart card based e-benefits solution

What is Hostlink?

Hostlink is a software based solution that has been specifically designed for the hospitality environment. This unique environment has a number of specific challenges and requirements that are not served by traditional retail solutions. Hostlink provides a number of key features to address these:

  • Ability to drive multiple mobile devices over Bluetooth and WiFi
  • Ability to split bill and accept different payment methods e.g. cash, cheque, voucher or card
  • Ability to handle gratuities
  • Cashback handling
  • Mobile receipt printing
  • Push(store systems initiated)/Pull(operator initiated) of bills
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Full EMV support using Emvelink from STS

Example of a typical transaction using Hostlink

  • Total bill is either:
    • "Pushed" to the payment device from the store system (using the payment device ID)
    • Or "Pulled" to the payment device by the Operator who first has to "log-in" (using a swipe card or code) and then enter a bill code
  • Total bill amount is shown on the device and the customer has the option to split the bill
  • Differing payment methods are accepted including cash, cheque, card (chip or magstripe) & voucher
  • Customer has the option of adding a gratuity or asking for cashback on a suitable card transaction
  • If required a full EMV (Chip and PIN) transaction is performed to verify the card details

Supported hardware

Hostlink supports either IP or serial connection to the mobile payment device base station. The mobile device will typically run over Bluetooth or WiFi. A number of mobile payment devices are currently supported by Hostlink with more being constantly added.

Using the SmartNS platform, different kernels and drivers can be easily added around Hostlink allowing flexibility with readers, applications and payment methods. Future in-store requirements for smart cards can therefore be delivered without further large scale investment to handle new applications.