StorageTreasures.com, an online-auction website that serves self-storage businesses and auction buyers, has integrated with the open application program interface (API), of OpenTech Alliance Inc., a Phoenix-based provider of self-storage kiosks, call-center services and other technology. The integration enables the website to securely connect with multiple self-storage management software programs to streamline the online-auction process for operators, according to a press release.

"We needed a way to configure our software with individual self-storage companies' management software. By programming with OpenTech's integrated platform, we are able to automate online auction postings for the storage industry,” said James Grant, president and CEO at StorageTreasures. “Now, with this partnership, a facility manager will not have to manually load all of the pertinent information for an auction. Instead, it will preload automatically and be ready if and when the time comes to start an auction. All the manager will need to do is cut the lock of the unit, take pictures of the unit contents, note the description of the items, and upload it to the pending auction."

StorageTreasures has more than 900,000 registered buyers nationwide, according to the release. The company’s move to leverage open API strategically coincides with increased acceptance of online auctions by storage operators and buyers, Grant said. "The storage-auction market is now dominated by the online players, and the most active and sophisticated buyer's no longer waste time and gas traveling to storage sites to buy units. They realize that the power of the Internet allows them the opportunity to bid further away and at more locations from the comfort of their office."

"Our open API is making it easier for everyone in the self-storage industry to share data in a secure and standardized fashion, which saves us all money and time,” added Robert Chiti, president and CEO of OpenTech. “We have been using the open API for over 10 years and invest heavily into the technology to continue to enhance it, [ensuring] it is always kept current and working properly. We are glad that StorageTreasures customers will be gaining value from our investment."

OpenTech provides several models of INSOMNIAC self-serve kiosks as well as a range of self-storage rental solutions including the INSOMNIAC Live! Call Center, INSOMNIAC Online Web and mobile applications, LiveAgent! software products, and the INSOMNIAC ILock Security System, all available through the company's self-storage cloud.

StorageTreasures.com is a free storage-auction locator and self-storage facility finder covering Canada and the United States. The website offers auction schedules and site-specific guidelines for auction hunters and self-storage owners. It has more than 4,000 self-storage facilities signed up to hold lien sales online.