Under what circumstances is Even Hotels required to implement non-hosted updates on a specific date?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FreedomPay may implement a hosted update on the FreedomPay system at such time as it determines, and (b) Hotel shall have the flexibility to commence implementing non-hosted updates according to IHG's schedule, 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 nonhosted update in accordance with the date required in such law or requirement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally given flexibility in implementing non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay system, following IHG's schedule. Typically, franchisees have between 12 and 24 months to complete these updates after receiving notice from FreedomPay. However, there are specific circumstances that mandate a more immediate response.
Specifically, Even Hotels franchisees must implement non-hosted updates according to a specific date if the update is required by law, network requirements, PCI (Payment Card Industry) requirements, or any other applicable authority. This means that if a new law or regulation is passed, or if changes to network or PCI standards necessitate an update, the franchisee must implement the update by the date specified in the new law or requirement.
Failure to comply with these mandatory updates can have serious consequences for the Even Hotels franchisee. FreedomPay reserves the right to terminate operational support for the prior software release if the franchisee fails to implement a required non-hosted update on time. This could leave the franchisee without necessary support, even if they continue to use the older, unsupported software version. This highlights the importance of staying informed about legal and regulatory changes and adhering to the mandated update schedules to maintain uninterrupted operational support.