Software and Computer Equipment

Currently, you must have or purchase a personal computer ("Hardware") which runs on a Windows or Macintosh operating system. Your computer must also have Microsoft Office XP Professional or a more recent version installed and operating and the web-based resource center software ("Software"). The Hardware and Software are referred to as the "Computer System." You must update your Computer System, at your expense, as we may require periodically to meet our specifications as they evolve. There are no contractual limitations on the frequency and cost of your obligations to upgrade or update the Computer System. Upgrades, in some cases, may only be available through our suppliers. We may change the designated suppliers occasionally on written notice to you. Neither we nor any supplier has any obligation under the Franchise Agreement to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to the Computer System. We estimate the cost of optional or required maintenance, updates and upgrades will be $0 to $500 per year. In addition, you must pay us a monthly Technology Fee (currently $345 per month) for access to our designated technology package, and 4 Microsoft Exchange email addresses. In addition, you must pay us or our designated third-party supplier all initial software license fees for any software you are required to use in the operation of your Roofing Business. We may charge the fees described in this paragraph at any time upon 30 days' written notice.

You will use the Computer System for word processing, communicating via e-mail with us and for tracking customer information. You must have sufficient computer skills to be able to operate your Computer System and to access e-mail and the Internet. You must have access to the Internet and maintain an email account that allows us to communicate with you on a regular basis. If available in your area, you must have high-speed Internet access. You must check your email account at least once every day. If we determine that you require additional computer training, you must take and pay for, at your own expense, a computer training course at a local computer training school. You must complete this training within 90 days of the day we advise you of this requirement, and you must present us with a certificate acceptable to us to show that you passed the course.

We estimate the cost of purchasing the Computer System will range from $800 to $2,000, if you do not already have one that can be used in your Roofing Business.

Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 30–37)