By now, you should be aware of the most recent quandary facing self-storage: the shortage of steel in the United States and the resulting increase in prices. Inside Self- Storage and other industry educators have done their parts to inform developers and operators of how this predicament could affect their businesses and pocketbooks. But newspapers across the country have made the plight notorious. Following is a sample of headlines that have appeared in recent months:

They dont paint a very pretty picture, and the last thing professionals in this business need is unnecessary and unwarranted hysteria. To get the straight scoop, ISS spoke with Kelly Ginn and Wayne Dickinson of MBCI about the state of steel and storage (see Industry Update in this moth's issue). The outlook may not be as ghastly as it seems.

Mincing Webs

Throughout the year, I receive an influx of inquiries from readers or industry newcomers who want to know which management-software package and/or equipment I recommend. The answer to this question is simple: I dont. I like my head where it is, thank you very much.

But as representative for a publication that professes to be the premier source of industry information, it is my duty to provide what guidance I can. While our annual Software & Technology Issue has, in past years, included comparative charts that hold up several competing packages for review, the number of software providers and technology offerings has grown beyond the scope of such a presentation. This issue does, however, include edifying articles from some of the finest vendors in the industry, as well as a series of company profiles that provides a snapshot of popular suppliers.

When you shop for management software, most every vendor out there will tell you it is the leading company, that all of its features are completely automated, that its programs allow for total integration. Most will even tell you they are web-based. But what do these things really mean? As one of this months authors advises, Dont get lost in the lingo. Conduct careful investigations. Secure demosand use them. Most of all, do not be afraid to ask questions of company representatives. It is their job to be helpful. It is your job to put them to their paces.

Best of luck,

Teri L. Lanza
Editorial Director
[email protected]