Guest Management Software Administrator Guide

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3 Working with the Guest Management Software

Key concepts

This section covers key concepts for working with the Guest Management Software.

Guest account management

Guest account information created using the Guest Management Software is stored in the local Guest Management Software database or in a third-party database. When a guest account is created, the Guest Management Software uploads the account information to the controller so that it can manage guest logins.

The Guest Management Software provides the following guest account features:

•Delayed activation of guest accounts.

•Batch creation of guest accounts.

•Ability to activate, edit, and suspend accounts quickly.

•Printing of account vouchers.

Access levels

The Guest Management Software has two different levels of access, administrator and operator.

•Administrator account: There can be only one administrator account. The administrator has access to all Guest Management Software program functions.

•Operator account: Multiple operator accounts can be created. Operators have access only to program functions related to managing guest accounts. Some Guest Management Software configuration and customizing options are not available to operator accounts.

Database options

The first time you run the Guest Management Software, you are prompted to choose the type of database that will be used to store guest account information. After a database option has been selected, it cannot be changed without re-installing the Guest Management Software. External RADIUS/Active Directory operator accounts cannot be managed with the Guest Management Software.

Security

Security is provided using X.509 certificates that the Guest Management Software can automatically generate. See “Certificate Authority (CA) certificate creation” on page 10.

CA certificate

The CA certificate is used to validate the identities of the Guest Management Software application and the controller when they exchange information. The CA certificate is also used to sign the certificates for operator accounts. See “Certificate Authority (CA) certificate creation” on page 10.

Note: The username and password defined for the CA certificate are used as the login credentials for the administrator account.