OpenTech Alliance Inc., a Phoenix-based provider of self-storage kiosks and call-center services, has released its INSOMNIAC Online demonstration utility, a free, interactive presentation that gives self-storage operators a functional view of its new cloud service. INSOMNIAC Online is a self-service solution designed to rent storage units on personal computers and mobile devices, catering to new buyer behaviors.
The online demonstration allows users to "rent" units for a virtual storage facility called INSOMNIAC Self Storage. The application performs just like a facility website or mobile site, using the same technology through which customers rent units at self-storage kiosks.
Several self-storage operators are already using the INSOMNIAC Online service, which integrates with many popular self-storage software systems.
"We captured our first online rental in less than 24 hours after going live on our website," said Rex Jennings, owner of Ten Oaks Storage, a two-facility operation in the heart of Texas. "INSOMNIAC Online will likely be a game-changer for independent self-storage facilities like us." The value of the first rental covered the cost of the service for a year, Rex said.
Infinite Self Storage was the first company to implement the new service for its entire portfolio of 23 properties. "We have been very pleased with the INSOMINAC Online rental service and use it in conjunction with onsite managers and self-service kiosks at all of our properties. We have rented over 40 units online since implementing the new service earlier this year," said Steve Lavery, vice president of Herman & Kittle Properties Inc., which manages the Infinite brand.
Self-storage operators can get $225 off the cost of INSOMNIAC Online when they "rent" a virtual unit through the online demonstration utility.
"While over 40 percent of storage customers still choose to visit a facility to rent a unit, completing the rental online prior to showing up at move-in may be a preferred option for other consumers," said OpenTech President and CEO Robert A. Chiti. "Our demonstration was launched to allow storage owners to explore this new self-service alternative."
In addition to its self-storage cloud services and seven models of INSOMNIAC self-storage kiosks, OpenTech offers the INSOMNIAC Live! call center and the INSOMNIAC Self Storage Network for online storage reservations and rentals.
