What computer hardware and software is a Brain Balance franchisee required to purchase or lease?
Brain_Balance Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Technology Requirements
The Franchise Agreement requires you, at your expense, to purchase or lease, and maintain, the computer hardware and software, dedicated telephone, cable, and communications capabilities, and power lines, modem(s), printer(s), tablet(s), and other computer related accessories or peripheral equipment that we specify in the Operations Manual. The computer hardware is not proprietary property of BBF and may be purchased from any supplier, provided it meets BBF's specifications. You will need an iPad/Android tablet(s) with a minimum screen size of 12" and not older than 5 years to access our applications with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. You will need a Google Chrome Web Browser in its most recent version (note: Google Chrome is the only web browser we support, other web browsers may or may not work). We estimate the cost of purchasing the computer system will range from $24,000 to $27,000 for a Standard Center and range from $15,000 to $20,000 for a Satellite Center.
You need to have access to the Internet with a minimum download speed of 50 MB per second. You also are required to have up to date virus protection software on all PC or Mac computers. Any associated costs with connectivity, router, wireless access point, firewall, anti-virus software, and hardware are your responsibility. Specific details regarding hardware and software requirements are included in the Operations Manual. We do not have any obligation, nor have we contracted with any third parties, to provide any ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to your computer hardware system.
Computer(s) and tablet(s) are used for recording client data and other recordkeeping and central functions. We maintain a central application into which information from all Centers' computers are transmitted. You must also install, maintain, and upgrade during the term of the Franchise Agreement an Internet connection and a Brain Balance Center domain email account for your Center. You must use this email address for all email communication between you, your staff, and us. The Software Agreement specifies that you use the most recent version of Google Chrome. We are not required to provide or assist in your obtaining, installing or maintaining of the hardware, local area network (LAN), or Internet connectivity. You further understand that without these properly functioning, you may not be able to access our applications.
All franchise operations must be PCI-DSS-compliant in order to accept credit card payments. You may not store any credit card or bank information in our systems. For more information regarding PCI-DSS compliance please refer to the Operations Manual.
We have the right at any time, to independently retrieve, poll, and use for any purpose all data and information from your computer system as we, in our sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable, with the costs of such retrieval to be borne by us.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase or lease specific computer hardware and software. The Franchise Agreement mandates that franchisees acquire and maintain computer hardware and software, dedicated telephone, cable, and communications capabilities, power lines, modem(s), printer(s), tablet(s), and other computer-related accessories as specified in the Operations Manual. The computer hardware itself is not proprietary to Brain Balance and can be purchased from any supplier, provided it meets Brain Balance's specifications.
Specifically, franchisees need an iPad/Android tablet(s) with a minimum screen size of 12 inches, no older than 5 years, and with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. They also need the most recent version of the Google Chrome web browser, as it is the only supported browser. Furthermore, franchisees must have access to the Internet with a minimum download speed of 50 MB per second and maintain up-to-date virus protection software on all PC or Mac computers. The estimated cost for the computer system ranges from $24,000 to $27,000 for a Standard Center and $15,000 to $20,000 for a Satellite Center.
Brain Balance also requires franchisees to license specific software/applications by executing an Application License Agreement. This application performs administrative functions for the center, including collecting customer data and transmitting it to Brain Balance's research facility affiliate. The Application License Agreement requires an initial license fee and annual maintenance fees. Additionally, franchisees are required to use Brain Balance's email system, with each center assigned a primary email address and two additional accounts. Franchisees must also install, maintain, and upgrade an Internet connection and a Brain Balance Center domain email account.