Who is responsible for the costs associated with installing hardware or software that is not part of the Minimum Configuration at an Atwell Suites location?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4.4 Noncompliance with Minimum Configuration. Licensee will be solely responsible for any installation and support of any Hardware and/or Software not listed as approved on the Minimum Configuration. All such Hardware and/or Software cannot be installed on the IHG's network and must be installed only on the Hotel's operations network. If IHG determines that such Hardware and/or Software is adversely affecting the performance of the IHG's infrastructure, IHG in its discretion may require such Hardware and/or Software to be removed or disconnected. IHG will have no liability related to lost or damaged data of any kind arising from Licensee's installation and use of such Hardware and/or Software or with respect to any removal or disconnection required by IHG.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee, referred to as the Licensee, is solely responsible for the costs associated with the installation of any hardware or software that is not part of the Minimum Configuration. IHG provides a list of required hardware, software, and network configurations, known as the Minimum Configuration, which may be updated periodically. The franchisee bears the cost of ensuring their systems meet these minimum requirements.
If a franchisee chooses to install hardware or software not approved in the Minimum Configuration, they are responsible for its installation and support. This non-approved hardware or software must be installed on the hotel's operations network, separate from IHG's network. Atwell Suites has the right to require the franchisee to remove or disconnect such hardware or software if it adversely affects the performance of IHG's infrastructure.
Atwell Suites will not be liable for any data loss or damage resulting from the installation, use, or removal of non-approved hardware or software. This policy ensures that the Atwell Suites's technology infrastructure remains stable and secure, while also allowing franchisees some flexibility in customizing their hotel operations, provided they bear the risks and costs associated with non-approved systems.