GSA Finalizing New Program

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."

2006-09-01