Smart Storage Concepts Joins OpenTech's INSOMNIAC Self Storage Network

06/28/2010

Smart Storage Concepts, a subsidiary of Smart Marketing Concepts Inc. has become the newest marketing partner to join the INSOMNIAC Self Storage Network (ISSN) from OpenTech Alliance Inc.

Smart Storage Concepts has developed a real-time reservations engine self-storage operators can embed in their websites to allow consumers to reserve units or make payments. Smart Storage Concepts is also using the same reservation technology to power its new USavestorage.com portal. USavestorage.com is where independent self-storage operators can sign up to be the only self-storage facility in their area to be on the site.

"The addition of Smart Storage Concepts to our online-reservations network brings a whole new level of convenience to the self-storage operator and consumer," said Robert Chiti, president and CEO of Phoenix-based OpenTech Alliance, a developer of the INSOMNIAC line of kiosks and INSOMNIAC Live! call-center services.

Storage Concepts is a provider of affordable reservations technology and Internet marketing strategies for small to mid-size self-storage operators. The collaborative partnership with OpenTech integrates Smart Storage Concept's Centralized Reservations System with many of the industry's property-management systems, providing real-time rate and revenue management, and allowing instant generation of customer confirmations

A showcase of the system is set up on the OpenTech website through June 30th so self-storage operators can test the real-time reservations system.

"We're excited about our strategic partnership with OpenTech Alliance, whose vision and mission compliments the Smart Storage Concepts philosophy of building excellence and maximizing performance for our clients," said Mike Harley, president and COO of Smart Storage Concepts. "We're particularly eager to collaborate with the OpenTech developers in refining the real-time, revenue-managed reservations process in a way which will best serve the self-storage industry."

ISSN was developed so self-storage operators can easily market their available inventory of empty units through third-party marketing companies on a secure, real-time network without requiring self-storage managers to spend hours keeping different systems updated with inventory and pricing changes. Consumers get a confirmed reservation or rental similar to the way they purchase an airline ticket on Orbitz.com or reserve a hotel room on Hotels.com.

When a consumer makes a reservation through the website of an ISSN marketing partner, it's stored directly in the facility's property-management software. OpenTech doesn't currently charge a fee for self-storage operators to join the network, and an INSOMNIAC kiosk is not required.