What computer hardware and connections are Aerus franchisees required to maintain at their Approved Location to support FOAS?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. You must own and maintain at an Approved Location computer hardware, computer facilities and computer communications connections (e.g., DSL, cable or satellite internet access connections and service where available) meeting all minimum performance specifications promulgated and published by us from time to time in order to install, update and support FOAS.
- B. You must permit us or our affiliates in-person or remote access to your computer equipment and facilities for purposes of installing, updating and supporting FOAS and will abide by any reasonable instructions, directions or requests of us in connection with such installation, update and support.
- C. You must implement and use all functions of FOAS in the operation, administration, management and control of the Franchised Business and will adopt for use all new programs and modules developed and installed from time to time by us, including without limitation the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (including any successor or substitute financial management program or module which may be developed, "FAST"), and, if applicable, pay any fee imposed for the new program or module.
You must execute a Software License Agreement in a form substantially similar to the form attached to the Franchise Agreement included in Exhibits 3(a) and 3(b) of this Disclosure Document.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 51–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must own and maintain specific computer hardware, facilities, and communication connections at their approved location to properly install, update, and support the Aerus Franchise Office Automation System (FOAS). These connections include DSL, cable, or satellite internet access, where available. The hardware and connections must meet the minimum performance specifications that Aerus promulgates and publishes, which may be updated from time to time.
Aerus franchisees must also allow Aerus or its affiliates to have in-person or remote access to their computer equipment and facilities. This access is necessary for installing, updating, and supporting FOAS. Franchisees are required to follow any reasonable instructions, directions, or requests made by Aerus in connection with the installation, updates, and support of the system.
Furthermore, franchisees must implement and use all functions of FOAS in the operation, administration, management, and control of their franchised business. This includes adopting all new programs and modules developed and installed by Aerus. One specific module mentioned is the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (FAST), or any successor financial management program. Franchisees may also be required to pay a fee for any new program or module that is implemented.
Finally, the Aerus franchisee is required to execute a Software License Agreement, which is similar to the form attached to the Franchise Agreement included in Exhibits 3(a) and 3(b) of the FDD.