In Las Vegas today International Game Technology (IGT) is holding a seminar on its SAS protocols; yesterday the company announced that it is rejoining the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) to work together to combine the Best of Breed (BOB) and SuperSAS protocols, leading to an open global industry standard. Described as a milestone in the evolution of gaming machines and systems by Lyle Bell, GSA chairman, the focus will be on the rapid adoption of the merged protocols. GSA is holding a BOB protocol training session, open to the entire industry, at G2E next month in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Under the agreement announced yesterday, IGT will re-establish its status as a full member of GSA, an international trade association that represents gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators and regulators. Incorporated in 1998 the GSA facilitates the identification, definition, development, promotion and implementation of open standards for the benefit of the gaming industry. Yesterday the GSA also announced that it had simplified and updated its patent policy after attending an international roundtable of standard-setting organizations that focused on Intellectual Property policies. GSA simplifications include the removal of the need to disclose pending applications, requesting disclosure only at the end of the standards-setting process and a general updating of the policy.

Speaking about the agreement to combine protocols, IGT Chairman TJ Matthews said, “I’m pleased that we have come to terms on creating an environment that promotes innovation and provides open standards. I truly believe that this combined effort will be a great thing for all gaming interests going forward.” He added, “This is a pivotal accomplishment for the future success of new products and systems that will shape the future of gaming worldwide.” IGT is a global company that specialises in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products. Super SAS – Super Slot Accounting System Protocol - is an Ethernet extension of SAS 6.01, which enables new features such as server-based gaming. (E-08.19.05)

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