Empower Software Technologies Inc. has added two new features to its Storage Commander self-storage management software. A text-messaging function allows storage operators to create, send and track personalized short-messaging service (SMS) texts, while Cayan LLC has been added as a merchant processor, according to a press release.

Operators can use the SMS feature to communicate with tenants on a variety of topics. Each text message is saved in the tenant’s ledger history for easy reference after delivery, the release stated.

The addition of Cayan expands payment-processing options through the company’s Genius platform. Genius allows consumers to pay with traditional credit or debit cards, chip cards, gift and loyalty cards, or mobile applications like Apple Pay and Android Pay, according to the Cayan website. Integrated into the point-of-sale system, it eliminates additional transaction fees from third-party processors, according to the release.

“These new additions are just the beginning of our feature releases in 2016 for Storage Commander,” said Tom Smith, president of Empower Software. “Later this year, we will be releasing even more resources available to our users in order to give them the definitive edge in their market.”

Storage Commander cloud-based and standalone management software includes online reservations and payments; built-in debit, credit and electronic-check (ACH) processing; customized billing; a reports suite; and more. Based in Murrieta, Calif., Empower Software has provided management-software solutions to the self-storage industry for 16 years.