Regarding hardware devices for Atwell Suites, who is responsible for purchasing and owning them?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
could occur, has occurred, or is occurring.
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- Modifications to Licensee Environment. Licensee will not operate its Hardware or Software, including making any modifications to its Hardware and Software, in any manner that may have a detrimental effect on Licensee's or IHG's operations. Such detrimental effects include rendering such Hardware or Software, or any IHG Hardware or Software, inoperable or unresponsive, as determined by IHG. In such cases, if Licensee requests support from IHG in trouble shooting or repairing these effects, Licensee will be solely responsible for all related service, repair, or replacement costs, including all costs of IHG or its Service Providers, which will be billed on a time-and-materials basis.
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- Updates to the Minimum Configuration. Within 90 days (or a shorter or longer period specified by IHG in writing (email sufficient)) following any update to the Minimum Configuration by IHG, Licensee will (i) purchase and install then-current approved Software and approved Hardware described in the Minimum Configuration, and (ii) decommission any Hardware and Software that is no longer approved, as applicable, in each case at Licensee's expense.
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- WAN Hardware. IHG may install or cause to be installed a wide area network (WAN) and WAN Hardware for Hotel's use in communicating with IHG's systems. IHG shall have the right to determine the optimal method of access based upon the Software and Hardware located at the Hotel and the telecommunications and other services available to Licensee.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Atwell Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is generally responsible for purchasing and maintaining hardware and software, while IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) retains ownership of specific network hardware. The franchisee must purchase and install approved software and hardware updates to meet the minimum configuration standards set by IHG within 90 days of notification. They are also responsible for decommissioning any hardware or software that is no longer approved, all at their own expense. This includes the cost of broadband internet access to establish the primary WAN link.
IHG may install a wide area network (WAN) and related hardware for the hotel's communication with IHG's systems. While the franchisee is responsible for providing space and power for this equipment, they do not acquire any ownership interest in the WAN hardware. IHG retains the right to determine the optimal method of access and can enter the property to install, inspect, maintain, and remove the WAN hardware.
If the franchisee uses hardware or software that negatively impacts IHG's systems, they will be responsible for all related service, repair, or replacement costs. This includes costs incurred by IHG or its service providers, billed on a time-and-materials basis. Therefore, franchisees must adhere to IHG's specifications and configurations for any hardware connected to the reservation system to avoid potential issues and costs.