What does Boulder Designs recommend franchisees do to protect themselves and their business partners from E-Problems?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Computer systems are vulnerable in varying degrees to computer viruses, bugs, power disruptions, communication line disruptions, internet access failures, internet content failures and similar problems, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders ("E-Problems"). We do not guarantee that information or communication systems that we or others supply will not be vulnerable to E-Problems. It is your responsibility to protect yourself from E-Problems. You should also take reasonable steps to verify that your suppliers, third-party vendors, lenders, landlords, and governmental agencies on which you rely, have reasonable protection from E-Problems. This may include taking reasonable steps to secure your systems (including firewalls, password protection and anti-virus systems) and to provide backup systems.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 24–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, it is the franchisee's responsibility to protect themselves from what the FDD refers to as "E-Problems." Boulder Designs defines "E-Problems" as vulnerabilities in computer systems stemming from viruses, bugs, power and communication disruptions, internet failures, and attacks from hackers. Boulder Designs does not guarantee that their systems, or those supplied by others, will be free from these issues.
To mitigate these risks, Boulder Designs recommends franchisees take reasonable steps to secure their systems. This includes implementing firewalls, password protection, and anti-virus systems. Additionally, franchisees should establish backup systems to safeguard their data and operations.
Boulder Designs also advises franchisees to verify that their suppliers, third-party vendors, lenders, landlords, and governmental agencies have reasonable protection from E-Problems. This proactive approach aims to create a more secure environment for the franchisee's business and its partners.