From whom can Crowne Plaza franchisees obtain the hardware for the PMS and Reservation System?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Through one or more "private network" connecting services, or another solution as specified, the PMS enables you to receive reservations from the Central Reservation Centers or any other Crowne Plaza brand group Hotel, travel agencies and you own Hotel. The Reservation System software is custom configured to SCH's requirements. You may install only computers, components or peripheral devices and equipment meeting SCH's specifications for the PMS and Reservation System. You may obtain the hardware from SCH or any third -party vendor that meets SCH's specifications.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 69–81)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees can obtain the hardware for the PMS (Property Management System) and Reservation System from two sources. Franchisees can acquire the hardware from SCH (presumably an affiliate or subsidiary of the franchisor) or from any third-party vendor. However, any third-party vendor must meet SCH's specifications for the PMS and Reservation System.
This provides Crowne Plaza franchisees with some flexibility in sourcing hardware, potentially allowing them to find cost-effective solutions. However, it's crucial that franchisees ensure any third-party hardware meets SCH's standards to maintain system compatibility and brand consistency. Franchisees are also responsible for periodically upgrading the equipment to accommodate enhanced versions of the PMS, as provided in the Master Technology Services Agreement.
Additionally, franchisees must purchase all private network connecting services equipment needed to communicate with the Reservation System from any vendor designated by Holiday. This indicates that while there's flexibility in choosing hardware vendors for the PMS and Reservation System, the franchisor maintains control over the vendors for network connecting services, ensuring standardization and compatibility within the Crowne Plaza system.