CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2001--Shurgard Storage
Centers of Seattle has begun deployment of their new self-service
interactive customer service kiosk systems developed and built by
TouchVision Inc.
The deployment represents the first self-service storage rental
and customer service system in the public storage industry.
Shurgard contracted with TouchVision to develop and deploy a
self-service ATM-like system that would allow new customers to
determine what storage unit is best suited to their needs and to enter
into a contract for storage at the kiosk. Customers may make their
monthly rental payment at the kiosk as well as communicate with a
customer service representative at Shurgard's National Sales Center in
Phoenix, Ariz.
The kiosks operate 24 hours, 7 days per week giving customers the
ability to contract for storage and communicate on customer service
issues during hours when the facilities have been traditionally
closed. The kiosk-to-store management system interface allows for
transfer of customer data and inventory management between the two
systems. The network of kiosks being deployed by Shurgard will be
remotely monitored and managed from the TouchVision Network Operations
Center.
``We believe that placing these systems at our stores, will greatly
improve the level of service we provide our customers and extend the
hours our storage centers are accessible,'' said Bill Ward of Shurgard
Storage Centers. Shurgard is currently experimenting with the kiosks
at 12 facilities and will add them to additional facilities based on
customer acceptance of the kiosks as a means of transacting business
in storage.
About TouchVision
TouchVision (www.touchvision.com) is a software developer and
systems integrator for building and managing interactive self-service
appliance networks and wireless commerce solutions for the retail and
healthcare industries. TouchVision builds networks of interactive
devices that connect to the Internet to deliver information, commerce
and services to a location. Interactive devices can be Internet access
appliances, plasma display screens, touch screen kiosks, and other
types of special function machines. TouchVision provides a complete
solution, including interactive network operational software, creative
design, application development, system integration, and remote
interactive system network management and support services.
About Shurgard
Shurgard specializes in all aspects of self-storage and operates a
network of more than 430 storage centers in the United States and
Europe. Shurgard Storage Centers Inc. is a fully integrated,
self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) and is followed
by securities analysts at leading institutions. Shurgard Storage
Centers Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under SHU and
has headquarters in Seattle. For more information, call 206/624-8100
or visit www.shurgard.com.
Contact:
TouchVision Inc.
Larry Mahar, 714/886-5319
[email protected]
