From answering e-mail on your cell phone to downloading music straight from your car stereo, integration technology is everywhere and the Multifamily industry is no exception to this trend. Everyday renters are becoming more and more tech savvy and requiring more online activity. Communities everywhere are striving to provide integrated solutions for online leasing and web based amenities.

Of course technology integration has always been important but the world currently offers unprecedented technological possibilities. New advances in online forms management, web based leasing information and payment processing have created a multitude of opportunities. To deploy new technology effectively, possibilities for integration must be carefully selected to fit within an increasingly complex and uncertain application context. Some hesitation is to be expected as new technology often experiences turbulent environments in its early stages, which is why finding an integration company with knowledge and skill is important.

Ellipse offers EllipseNet^SM as a simple solution for integration of your online providers without having to settle for an underdeveloped "umbrella strategy". Smart companies are choosing to retain different providers who specialize in a specific area which can often make cross integration difficult, but with EllipseNet^SM these companies are able to interface on one data platform. Although some online providers are offering integration they require use of only their applications, which limits choice and makes competitive pricing obsolete. In order to truly integrate all of your systems must work together on a single interface, creating synergy between each of your chosen providers.

While integration is still a new trend, the possibilities are limitless for the Multifamily industry.

Your residents always appreciate a thoughtful gift; but the days of the plunger or paper towel holder have passed! It’s time to consider gifts that are useful for the residents and beneficial to your retention/leasing efforts.

Dependable transportation is equally important to our residents as is a nice place to live. When a problem arises such as a flat tire, dead battery, etc. their world stops, but Roadside America, www.roadsideauto.com, is an auto club developed exclusively for the Multifamily industry. The contracts are structured at a cost effective rate allowing you to provide roadside assistance as a free resident service. Residents call the toll free telephone number on their membership ID card and are connected with out call center, 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. When you subscribe to Roadside America, you not only solve your residents' auto related problems, but you also establish a strong customer service identity.

Recent studies show that apartment dwellers look for online community services. What a shame to have all those online amenities on your website not being used.

To encourage your residents to adopt these services, consider having some mouse pads printed showcasing your logo and website address. Think about it: almost everyone needs a mouse pad, no one wants to spend the money to buy one...in fact I don’t think I’ve ever actually purchased one, and every time the resident uses his/her computer there’s a reminder to visit your website. This is also a great way to bring a professional uniform look to your leasing office and your resident business center. Visit www.4imprint.com for ideas and pricing.

Looking for a super cheap way to gain referrals? Try creating address labels for your residents. The key is to put your website address somewhere on the label. The residents will love the fact that you have made it easy for them to send mail, and every envelope they send out will have your website address on it. Your residents become part of your marketing campaign and every mail item sent is a possible resident referral! They are easy to have printed, try www.vistaprint.com, or you could even print them yourself.

For more ideas or suggestions contact the Ellipse Training Department via e-mail at training@ellipseinc.com or call us at 888-678-3869.

As the trade show season moves into full swing, we would like to take a moment to thank all of you that stopped by our booth during the TAA show. If you’ve seen us at the tradeshows before, you probably noticed that there are some new additions to the Ellipse team. Most of you are quite familiar with Bo (the famous and highly demanded Ellipse cow). What you may not know is that Bo will no longer do all the work alone. TAA marked the introduction of our two new cows, Belle and Ronnie! If you didn’t have the pleasure of meeting the new recruits, be sure to check us out June 25th-28th at the NAA show in Orlando, FL. We look forward to seeing you there!