how do I integrate scheduling with a non Google Calender

To integrate scheduling with a non-Google Calendar system, create custom HTTP tools in Vapi for actions like checking availability and booking. For example, define a tool like this:

json
{
  "name": "book_appointment",
  "description": "Book an appointment in our custom calendar",
  "parameters": {
    "type": "object",
    "properties": {
      "customer": { "type": "string" },
      "service": { "type": "string" },
      "time": { "type": "string" }
    },
    "required": ["customer", "service", "time"]
  }
}

Attach this tool to your assistant and point it to your scheduling API endpoint for seamless integration ([see documentation](https://docs.vapi.ai/assistants/examples/appointment-scheduling)). Source: - [Appointment scheduling assistant example](https://docs.vapi.ai/assistants/examples/appointment-scheduling)

I’m still confused, do I need my businesses api key

Hi Drift, You do not need a Google API key to use a non‑Google calendar — you can integrate any scheduler by creating custom HTTP (webhook) tools in Vapi that call your scheduling API. Quick steps: 1. Create Custom Tools in Vapi: - Dashboard → Tools → Create Tool → Custom Tool. - Configure the request URL to your API endpoint and set method/headers (include your business API key in the Authorization header if your API requires it). 2. Define tool input/output: - Add JSON schema for parameters (example): { "name": "book_appointment", "description": "Book an appointment in our custom calendar", "parameters": { "type": "object", "properties": { "customer": { "type": "string" }, "service": { "type": "string" }, "time": { "type": "string" } }, "required": \["customer","service","time"\] } } 3. Implement endpoints your tool will call: - /check_availability (accepts start/end → returns available boolean/slots) - /create_event (accepts summary,start,end,attendees → returns event id) - /reschedule or /cancel if needed 4. Add tools to your assistant: - Dashboard → Assistants → select assistant → Tools tab → add your new tools → Publish. - Include a clear system prompt instructing the assistant when to call check_availability first, then create_event. 5. Authentication and API keys: - If your scheduler requires an API key, include it in the custom tool’s request headers (e.g., Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY). You manage/store that key on your side or in the tool configuration. 6. Testing and format: - Use ISO 8601 datetimes and explicit timezone conversion in your assistant prompt (convert local time → UTC before calling tools) — see the appointment scheduling example: https://docs.vapi.ai/assistants/examples/appointment-scheduling