What standards must the Licensee's hardware, software, and internet connections meet for the Aerus software?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ograms and modules (including modules for customer relationship and lead management, financial administration and inventory ordering and management) (the "Software and Administration Systems"), which system is currently known as the Aerus Franchise Office Automation System ("FOAS").
A. 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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–305)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure their computer hardware, facilities, and communication connections meet the minimum performance specifications that Aerus publishes. These specifications are required to install, update, and support the Aerus Franchise Office Automation System (FOAS). The FOAS includes software programs and modules for customer relationship and lead management, financial administration, and inventory management.
Aerus also requires franchisees to allow in-person or remote access to their computer equipment and facilities for installing, updating, and supporting FOAS. Franchisees must follow any reasonable instructions from Aerus related to the installation, updates, and support of the system. Franchisees are obligated to use all functions of FOAS in their business operations, including new programs and modules developed by Aerus, such as the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (FAST).
If the Aerus software needs an internet, dial-up, VPN, T1, or another connection to a remote computer that Aerus designates or approves, the franchisee is responsible for all associated hardware, software, and telecommunication charges. This means franchisees need to budget for and maintain adequate internet and telecommunications infrastructure as specified by Aerus to ensure the software functions correctly.