For an Embassy Suites franchise, what are the consequences if the franchisee uses software other than the Proprietary Software and Certified Third Party Software on the Authorized Equipment without written approval from the HSS Information Technology Department?

According to Embassy Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee uses or installs any third-party software other than Certified Software on the Authorized Equipment, or uses equipment that is not Authorized Equipment, HSS (Hilton Supply Management Services) will have no further obligation to provide any Proprietary Software Maintenance services to the franchisee. This means that Embassy Suites franchisees must use only the software and equipment approved by HSS to maintain their software maintenance services.

This requirement ensures that the Embassy Suites' Information System remains secure and functions properly. Unauthorized software could introduce vulnerabilities or compatibility issues that disrupt the hotel's operations. By adhering to the approved software and equipment list, franchisees help maintain the integrity of the entire network and protect sensitive data.

For a prospective Embassy Suites franchisee, this means carefully managing all software and hardware installations. Any deviation from the approved list must be pre-approved in writing by the HSS Information Technology Department. Failure to do so could result in the loss of software maintenance services, potentially leading to operational disruptions and increased costs for troubleshooting and repairs. Franchisees should maintain clear records of all approved software and equipment to ensure compliance and avoid any unintended breaches of the agreement.