LAS VEGAS, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gaming Standards Association is rapidly finalizing its new Certification Program. When complete, the program will create a network of certified agencies licensed to test vendor products for GSA standard compliance. Today, GSA announced it has selected The Open Group as its Testing Agency Authority (TAA) and Testing Suite Authority (TSA), completing one of the final necessary steps before implementing the program.

GSA President Peter DeRaedt said, "As GSA introduces its standards into the global market, it is important that we have a partner who fully understands how the certification methodology can provide conformance testing expertise. The Open Group has clearly demonstrated that they do, and that they know what it takes to make standards work. We will work together to set the right expectation level within the gaming industry and promote the benefits of the GSA Certification Program."

As the TAA, The Open Group will accredit the Test Agencies that will perform testing of products for certification. In the role of TSA, The Open Group will determine the suitability of test suites and other test tools for use by Test Agencies in performing conformance testing. The work includes both the creation of the acceptance criteria and procedures to be used by the TAA and TSA and the ongoing operation of these roles once the certification program is live.

The initial work involves defining Test Suite Acceptance Criteria and Conformance Requirements for currently published GSA standards. Ongoing support includes serving in the roles of TAA and TSA on behalf of GSA for a minimum of three years.

"As a neutral, 'not-for-profit' consortium with more than 20 years of experience, The Open Group provides credible, reliable assurance of conformance to standards, and serves as international guarantor of interoperability," said Allen Brown, president and CEO, The Open Group. "We're looking forward to applying our expertise and proven processes to meet the GSA's needs in conformance testing and certification, while also doing our part to help GSA finalize the new Certification Program and successfully roll it out to the gaming marketplace."

About The Open Group

The Open Group is a vendor-neutral and technology-neutral consortium, which drives the creation of Boundaryless Information Flow(TM) that will enable access to integrated information within and between enterprises based on open standards and global interoperability. The Open Group works with customers, suppliers, consortia and other standard bodies. Its role is to capture, understand and address current and emerging requirements, establish policies and share best practices; to facilitate interoperability, develop consensus, and evolve and integrate specifications and open source technologies, to offer a comprehensive set of services to enhance the operational efficiency of consortia; and to operate the industry's premier certification service. Further information on The Open Group can be found at http://www.opengroup.org/ .

About the Gaming Standards Association (GSA): The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) is an international trade association that creates benefits for gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators and regulators. We facilitate the identification, definition, development, promotion, and implementation of open standards to enable innovation, education, and communication for the benefit of the entire industry. Since its incorporation on May 6, 1998, GSA has members representing a wide cross section of the global gaming industry. Platinum members include Aristocrat Technologies Inc.; Atronic Americas LLC; Bally Technologies, Inc. (BYI); E-Genting Holdings Sdn Bhd; FutureLogic, Inc; Harrah's Entertainment (HET); International Game Technology (IGT); Konami Gaming Inc.; Mars Electronics International; Multimedia Games, Inc. (MGAM); Progressive Gaming International Corporation (PGIC); Rocket Gaming Systems; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and WMS Gaming Inc. (WMS). Other members include: 3M Touch Systems (MMM); AGMMA - Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association; Alliance Gaming Services; American Gaming Systems; Aruze Gaming America, Inc.; Atronic Systems; Belatra Co., Ltd.; BMM North America; Bounty Limited; British Columbia Lottery Corporation; Cadillac Jack; CashCode Company Inc.; Casino Technology; Cummins-Allison Corporation; Cyberview Technology (CYBS); Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise; Detroit Entertainment, LLC; Digital Dynamics Software, Inc.; DigiTech Systems Co., Ltd.; Euro Games Technology; Flint & K, Inc.; Foxwoods Resort Casino; GameLogic, Inc.; Gaming Consultants International; Gaming Laboratories International, Inc; Giesecke & Devrient; GGS-US LTD; Global Payment Technologies Inc. (GPTX); GTECH Corporation (GTK); Himecs Co, Ltd.; Holland Casino; Hotel Technology Next Generation; Hyatt Gaming Services, LLC; Intralot S.A. (INLr.AT); JCM American Corporation; Money Controls; Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL); Nick Farley & Associates; Nidec Sankyo Corporation; NRT Technology Corporation; Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation; Penn National Gaming, Inc.; Radical Blue Gaming, Inc.; R. Franco USA; Scientific Games (SGMS); Shuffle Master, Inc.(SHFL); Summit Amusement & Distributing, Ltd.; Transact Technologies (TACT); Unidesa Gaming & Systems; UNLV International Gaming Institute; Video Gaming Technologies, Inc; and Viejas Casino. For more information, visit http://www.gamingstandards.com/ .

CONTACT: Peter DeRaedt, President of Gaming Standards Association,
+1-775-829-2336, or pres@gamingstandards.com; or Paul Speirs, President of
Steinbeck Communications, +1-702-413-4278, or paulspeirs@cox.net, for GSA; or
Fred Bateman of Bateman Group, +1-415-503-1818, ext. 13, or
fbateman@bateman-group.com, for The Open Group

Web site: http://www.gamingstandards.com/