What standards must the Aplus franchisee's Computer Systems comply with?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- (b) Notwithstanding the fact that franchisee must purchase, use, and maintain the Computer System consistent with our standards and specifications, franchisee will have sole and complete responsibility for: (1) the acquisition, operation, maintenance, updates and upgrading of the Computer System, including compliance with the standards that we periodically require; (2) the manner in which your Computer System interfaces with our computer system and those of other third parties; (3) the installation, maintenance and support of the Computer System, although Franchisor may from time to time require or recommend third parties to provide these functions; and (4) any and all consequences that may arise if the Computer System is not properly operated, maintained and upgraded, including but not limited to virus and spyware issues.
- (c) All of your Computer Systems must be compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards, including without limitation those laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards relating to privacy, data security, and the processing and protection of confidential personal information, including without limitation the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and all other standards applicable to electronic payments that may be published from time to time by payment card companies.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Aplus Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure their Computer Systems adhere to specific standards and legal requirements. Aplus franchisees are responsible for purchasing, using, and maintaining a Computer System that aligns with Aplus's standards and specifications. This includes handling the acquisition, operation, maintenance, updates, and upgrades of the system. Franchisees must also ensure that their Computer Systems interface correctly with Aplus's computer system and those of other third parties.
Compliance with Aplus's standards also involves adhering to any standards that Aplus periodically requires. Franchisees are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and support of the Computer System, although Aplus may recommend third parties to provide these functions. The franchisee bears the risk for any issues arising from improper operation, maintenance, or upgrading of the Computer System, including problems related to viruses and spyware.
Furthermore, all Computer Systems must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards. These include, but are not limited to, laws and regulations relating to privacy, data security, and the processing and protection of confidential personal information. Franchisees must also adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and all other standards applicable to electronic payments that may be published by payment card companies.