What hardware is included in the PMS hardware that a Crowne Plaza franchisee must replace?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Hotels will operate a computerized property management system (PMS) that has been certified by SCH and must maintain the PMS in conformance with the Standards of SCH. The PMS must have a database schema and shell which is approved by SCH, in order for the interface from the PMS to the Reservation System to work correctly. Hotels will be responsible for establishing and maintaining proper application access control to align with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). Operating systems, database, and other programs must be maintained with current approved security patches that are fully supported by the software vendors. The PMS must be periodically updated and maintained to conform to SCH approved software versions, technology advancements and security requirements. This may require certain hardware and/or software components to be replaced or upgraded. At a minimum, the PMS hardware and software must be replaced at least every 48 months. PMS hardware includes server(s), workstations, printers, monitors, ups, back-up device, and associated network components.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 59–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza FDD, the Property Management System (PMS) hardware must be replaced at least every 48 months. This hardware includes servers, workstations, printers, monitors, UPS (uninterruptible power supply), back-up devices, and associated network components. This requirement ensures that the hotel's technology remains up-to-date and secure, aligning with the standards set by SCH (presumably Six Continents Hotels, Inc., the parent company of IHG).
For a prospective Crowne Plaza franchisee, this means budgeting for regular hardware replacements as part of ongoing operational costs. The necessity to replace hardware every 48 months ensures compliance with SCH standards, software version compatibility, technology advancements, and security requirements. This also aligns with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) to protect credit card information.
The franchisee is responsible for maintaining the PMS in accordance with SCH standards, including establishing and maintaining proper application access control. Operating systems, databases, and other programs must have current, approved security patches supported by the software vendors. The FDD also mentions that the franchisee must enter into a Joinder Agreement with Hewlett-Packard Inc. ("HP") to obtain the PMS system hardware, software, and deployment services.
While the FDD specifies the types of hardware included in the PMS replacement, it does not provide specific costs associated with these replacements. Therefore, a prospective franchisee should inquire about the typical costs for these hardware components and the expected frequency of software upgrades to accurately forecast technology-related expenses.