Integration Types
Beyond HqO's built-in integrations, you can connect the HqO app to third-party apps and services using lightweight integration types — webview, deep link, SAML partner link-out, and native device integrations.
Overview
Integration types let you add capabilities to the HqO platform that aren't provided by HqO software — linking tenants to amenity partners, parking apps, fitness portals, and other services they already use. These integrations and their data live in your HqO instance and are configured with support from your HqO Customer Success Manager.
| Type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Webview | Opens a third-party website inside HqO's in-app browser | Services with a mobile-friendly web experience |
| Deep link | Opens a third-party native app, or its app store listing if not installed | Partners with a rich native app but no web or API integration |
| SAML partner link-out | Opens a partner's web app with the user automatically signed in | Web-based partners that support SAML 2.0 |
| Native | Launches the device's messaging, phone, or email app | Contact actions — text, call, or email a service provider |
Webview integrations
A webview brings the user directly to a website — for example, a partner's booking portal — inside HqO's built-in browser. The user views the third-party site without leaving the HqO app.
Requirements: the third-party service must offer a mobile-friendly (or responsive) web experience.
Configuring a webview
Webviews can be added in two places:
- Utility button — contact your HqO Customer Success Manager to add the webview URL as a utility button.
- Call-to-action (CTA) in content — add the URL as a CTA when creating content in HqO Admin.
⚠️ Note: HqO's data tracking stops once the user taps into the webview. Activity inside the third-party site is not tracked by HqO.
Deep link integrations
A deep link connects the HqO app to a third-party native app. If the user already has the app installed, the link opens it directly; if not, the user is taken to the relevant app store listing to download it.
Deep links are a good fit when a partner has a rich native app experience but doesn't support SAML or API integration.
Configuring a deep link
- Request the deep link URL from the third-party provider.
- Provide the URL to your HqO Customer Success Manager to add as a utility button.
SAML partner link-out
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between an identity provider and a service provider. SAML partner integrations open a partner's webview experience with the user automatically signed in — no separate login required.
In this model, HqO acts as the identity provider (IdP) and the third-party web provider acts as the service provider. HqO signs SAML responses using Base64-encoded certificates and provides the partner with a certificate and key to authorize requests.
💡 Tip: This is the reverse of Single Sign-On (SSO) for signing in to HqO, where HqO is the service provider and your company's identity platform is the IdP.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| SAML support | The partner must support SAML 2.0 (IdP-initiated) |
| Web experience | The partner must offer a mobile-friendly or responsive webview |
| Authentication | Authentication must occur at the email level, if required by the partner |
Setup
Contact your HqO Customer Success Manager to configure a SAML integration or explore potential SAML solutions. Setup typically takes 2–4 weeks, and setup and maintenance fees may apply. Once configured, admins manage SAML integrations as utility buttons.
Native integrations
Native integrations link from the HqO app to apps pre-installed on the user's device for text messaging, phone calls, or email.
| Format | Example | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| SMS | sms:1234567890 | Opens the messaging app with the number pre-filled (or the existing conversation, if one exists) |
| Telephone | tel:5551234567 | Prompts the user to call the number |
| Mail-to | mailto:concierge@example.com | Opens the default email app with the To: field populated |
Configuring a native integration
- Utility button — contact your HqO Customer Success Manager.
- Call-to-action (CTA) in content — add the link as a CTA when creating content in HqO Admin.
Programmatic integrations
Deeper, API-based integrations are available through an Enterprise Development engagement, which begins with a feasibility assessment. Contact your HqO Account Manager for details.
Related
- Integrations Overview
- Single Sign-On (SSO) — sign in to HqO with your company credentials
- HID Mobile Access