The Open Group to update UNIX certification requirements

San Francisco, CA – July 22, 2002 – The Open Group today announced that it is launching an effort to define requirements for the next generation of the UNIX® certification program. The UNIX Certification program defines the criteria for products to be registered as UNIX systems, hence be awarded the right to use the UNIX trademark. These criteria have not been revised since 1997.The criteria include the definition of “Product Standards”, which provide the conformance requirements drawn from the Single UNIX specification and other referenced specifications, and also define the testing requirements.

The updated program is expected to be launched during 2003, and builds on the foundations of Version 3 of the Single UNIX Specification, the core of which was developed by the Austin Group and is jointly both an Open Group Technical Standard and IEEE Std 1003.1-2001. To participate in the development effort, contact Andrew Josey at a.josey@opengroup.org.

“The development of updated certification criteria is part of our members’ continuing mission to maintain the value of the UNIX trademark, which The Open Group holds in trust for the industry,” noted Allen Brown, President and CEO of The Open Group. “The result will be an updated vendor- and technology-neutral definition of the requirements for a UNIX system, administered through a fair, independent and thorough certification and backed up by well proven testing.”

About the UNIX System
More information on the UNIX System, the UNIX Certification Program, and the online html version of the Single UNIX Specification, can be obtained from the official web site at http://www.UNIX-systems.org.

About The Open Group
The Open Group, a vendor-neutral and technology-neutral consortium, has a vision of Boundaryless Information Flow achieved through global interoperability in a secure, reliable and timely manner. The Open Group’s mission is to drive the creation of Boundaryless Information Flow by working with customers to capture, understand and address current and emerging requirements, establish policies, and share best practices; working with suppliers, consortia and standards bodies to develop consensus and facilitate interoperability, to evolve and integrate specifications and open source technologies; offering a comprehensive set of services to enhance the operational efficiency of consortia; and developing and operating the industry’s premier certification service and encouraging procurement of certified products. More information on our organization can be found at www.opengroup.org

Note to editors: UNIX is a registered trademark The Open Group in the US and other countries.