Is an Aerus franchisee required to own and maintain computer hardware and facilities meeting minimum performance specifications to support FOAS?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall 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 Company from time to time in order to install, update and support FOAS.
- B.
Franchisee shall permit Company or its Affiliate in-person or remote access to its computer equipment and facilities for purposes of installing, updating and supporting FOAS and shall abide by any reasonable instructions, directions or requests of Company in connection with such installation, update and support.
- C. Franchisee shall implement and use all functions of FOAS in the operation, administration, management and control of the Franchised Business and shall adopt for use all new programs and modules developed and installed from time to time by Company, 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.
- D. Franchisee shall execute a Software License Agreement in a form substantially similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit II.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–305)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to own and maintain computer hardware, facilities, and communication connections at their Approved Location. These must meet the minimum performance specifications published by Aerus to install, update, and support the Aerus Franchise Office Automation System (FOAS). This includes computer communications connections such as DSL, cable, or satellite internet access where available.
Aerus or its affiliates must be permitted to access the franchisee's computer equipment and facilities in person or remotely to install, update, and support FOAS. Franchisees must also follow any reasonable instructions from Aerus related to the installation, updating, and support of FOAS.
Furthermore, franchisees are required to implement and use all functions of FOAS in their business operations, administration, management, and control. This includes adopting all new programs and modules developed and installed by Aerus, such as the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (FAST), and paying any fees associated with these new programs or modules. Franchisees must also execute a Software License Agreement.