What is the deadline for Crowne Plaza to complete implementing non-hosted updates after notice from FreedomPay, unless otherwise required by law?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FreedomPay may implement a hosted update on the FreedomPay Solution at such time as it determines, and Hotel shall have the flexibility to commence implementing non-hosted updates according to the schedule of IHG, which implementation shall be commenced no later than twelve (12) months after notice from FreedomPay and completed no later than twenty-four (24) months after such notice, unless such non-hosted update is required by Law, network requirements or PCI requirements, or other applicable authority, in such case Hotel shall implement such non-hosted update in accordance with the date required in such Law or requirement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza FDD, a franchisee has some flexibility in implementing non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay system. Specifically, Crowne Plaza hotels must commence these updates no later than 12 months after receiving notice from FreedomPay. The implementation must be completed no later than 24 months after the initial notice. This allows for a phased approach to minimize disruption. However, there are exceptions to this timeline.
If a non-hosted update is mandated by law, network requirements, PCI (Payment Card Industry) requirements, or another applicable authority, the Crowne Plaza franchisee must implement the update in accordance with the date specified by that law or requirement. This means the standard 24-month deadline may be shortened if an external regulation demands faster action.
Failure to comply with the required implementation timeline gives FreedomPay the right to terminate operational support for the prior software release, even if the Crowne Plaza hotel continues to use it. This could leave the franchisee without necessary support and potentially unable to process transactions correctly. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to stay informed about update notices from FreedomPay and plan accordingly, keeping in mind any legal or regulatory deadlines that may supersede the standard implementation schedule.