Diapositiva 1

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Download vs. Remote Configuration Whats the
difference?
Russ Ristine Radical Blue Gaming
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What are we talking about?

• Server-based gaming
• Server-Assisted gaming
• Dynamic Floor Configuration
• All are either download or configuration
• Central Determination and Internet Gaming are a
  different animal

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What is GSA?

• GSA is an international trade association
• GSAs members include gaming manufacturers,
  suppliers, operators, and regulators
• Since 1998, GSA has been promoting and
  facilitating the development of open standards
  that benefit the entire gaming industry

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GSAs Platinum Members
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What is G2S?

• G2S Game To System
• Protocol definition complete
• Manufacturers are already demonstrating
  interoperability.
• 3rd Party development and test tools are
  available
• Certification program in development

GSA develops BOB
Agree to merge protocols
G2S is born The best of both!
IGT develops SuperSAS
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Who is RadBlue?

• Since 2004, RadBlue has been building tools and
  simulators for GSAs protocols
• Combine Gaming System and Web Services experience
• EGM manufacturers are using our G2S tools
• System developers use G2S and S2S tools
• RadBlues S2S QuickStart package helps server
  development teams quickly implement S2S

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Agenda

• Remote Configuration
• Code Download
• Changes to your slot floor network
• Next Steps

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General Requirements

• Change the game remotely
• No pennies on the weekend
• Try a new game for a few days/weeks
• New game works well add more!
• Old game is slowing down want less!
• Yield management
• What else?

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What Are We Talking About?

• Code Download The ability to transfer software
  from a content server to an EGM
• Remote Configuration The ability to remotely
  configure the EGM, especially what is presented
  to patrons
• GSAs view is that all EGMs should be controlled
  by a single management terminal

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Why Remote Configuration?

• Enable/disable any game stored on the EGM
• Same appearance as Download
• No download related delays remote configuration
  provides immediate changes
• Can change as a result of patron input if
  software exists on the EGM

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Remote Configuration

• A configuration workstation is used to remotely
  configure an EGM
• Make changes from your desk or via a schedule (no
  more trips to every EGM)
• Change one, several, or all G2S EGMs - resulting
  in a much more flexible slot floor
• Should have access to most parameters you now
  configure via the operator screens in the EGM

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GSAs View of Configuration

• GSAs view is that one management console works
  for any EGM via the G2S protocol
• GSA can now configure these items (and more)

• gamePlay devices (theme, paytable, denom)
• Note Acceptors (active notes, vouchers ok?)
• Cabinet (moneyIn, moneyOut, gamePlay OK?)
• Vouchers, Progressives, Bonuses, WAT
• Player Marketing stuff and much more

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Why Remote Configuration?

• Use software that is already on the casino floor
• Many existing machines can be upgraded to be
  Remote Configuration capable
• Regulatory approval should be easier
• Remote configuration systems already approved in
  some jurisdictions
• With G2S, any EGMs can be configured via simple
  commands full accounting is available

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Limitations of Configuration

• Cannot distribute new software
• Cannot remotely update EGMs software library
• Cannot remove revoked software from the floor
• Feature changes are confined to the software
  already on the EGM
• Cannot upgrade peripheral devices
• Still need a high speed network
• However, this is a nice first step!

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Agenda

• Remote Configuration
• Code Download
• Changes to your slot floor network
• Next Steps

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Moving from Configuration to Download

• Download moves new software packages to the
  gaming floor
• G2S can control which packages are downloaded or
  installed, just like configuring an EGM
• Configuration commands are then used to activate
  the modules

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Some Download Terms

• Package A blob of code moved to the EGM
• Module A blob which is currently installed
• Script A series of commands used to install
• System Management Console Used to tell the EGMs
  what to do
• Content Server The repository for the software
  modules

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The G2S Download Picture
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Why Download?

• Download new or updated software to the EGM.
• Remove or replace software due to operational or
  regulatory concerns
• Download new games
• Manufacturers may eventually remotely update the
  Game Content Server(s)
• New themes become available automatically for
  trial or placement on the casino floor

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Why Download?

• Automatic update of EGM peripheral software
• Update note acceptors remotely
• Download new printer templates
• Downloads can occur automatically during slow
  periods
• Automatic queuing no need to shut banks down
  for software upgrade
• New programs can be downloaded at night for later
  activation

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Why Download?

• Goals for software download
• Provide complete control of the software content
  on the floor from a central location
• Know what is in all EGMs on the floor all the
  time
• An agile floor configuration that can rapidly
  adapt to business changes

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Challenges for Download

• EGMs have differing requirements
• A management system must provide software
  coordination between EGMs and the content server
• Downloaded software must be verified as being
  complete and authentic
• Processes need to work for all manufacturers

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Challenges for Download

• New Solutions are needed
• Content Servers
• System Management Point (SMP)
• Firewalls for remote Content Server update
• Peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded
• Regulatory Approval is not trivial
• Regulations do not exist in some jurisdictions

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A Word Or Two On GAT

• GAT (Game Authentication Terminal) protocol is
  currently being used in several jurisdictions to
  validate game code (locally at EGM)
• With the new protocols, regulators could use GAT
  remotely to validate game code stored in EGMs and
  on Code Servers

A common tool and process to authenticate all
programs.
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Agenda

• Remote Configuration
• Code Download
• Changes to your slot floor network
• Next Steps

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Some of the Myths

• This will be effortless
• Every vendor needs their own server
• They all need their own management console
• Nothing will change (remember TITO?)
• Employees are not capable of change

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Slot Floor Network - Today
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Adding a New Network
FTP
(S2S can fix this mess)
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Moving forward

• First Goal remotely configure EGMs with G2S
• If only doing configuration, a second connection
  to the EGM is needed
• You can start anywhere on the gaming floor
  start with one bank or area
• A wireless network might be used to minimize
  infrastructure costs

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No Traffic Jams
Network Backbone 1 Billion bps
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No Traffic Jams

• New Network infrastructure
• 1 Gbps backbone
• 100 Mbps to every EGM
• Staff transitions from slot mechanics to network
  configuration and management
• Slots IT Success
• Dont go cheap - like a computer, your network
  cant be too fast

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Historic Approach to Adding Functionality
Slot Floor System
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G2S (Web Services) Approach
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G2S Promotes Innovation

• Any authorized server can directly access any
  EGMs data
• Servers are authorized by the System
  Administrator
• Each EGM has a registered host list
• All communications use SSL same as for business
  transactions on the Internet

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G2S Promotes Innovation

• G2S allows any authorized server that speaks the
  protocol to participate in the slot network
• Event and Meter subscriptions allow a host to
  subscribe to specific information
• Operators can try out new products to see if
  they like them
• Products can compete using the same data e.g.
  two data mining packages can be connected to the
  network at the same time.

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Why Push for G2S?

• Capabilities such as EGM configuration and
  Download become available
• Better access to the data on the floor
• SSL encryption on all communications from the EGM
  to the back of house severs
• More flexible back of house configuration
  modular system blocks that can be swapped in and
  out

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Slot Analysis Benefit

• Which themes / paytables are most popular?
• Which denominations are most popular when?
• Make changes remotely, then use this data for
  impact analysis
• gamePlay device meters include all performance
  meters by theme/paytable combination
• Class meters accumulate the totals for the EGM

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Agenda

• Remote Configuration
• Code Download
• Changes to your slot floor network
• Next Steps

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Current Realities

• Multiple vendors demonstrate interoperability at
  G2E 2006 and ICE changing theme and
  denomination on a schedule using G2S
• Another demonstrates Configuration - changing
  language, sound volumes, denominations, and game
  themes via a central GUI
• Labs are gearing up to certify G2S
• Most EGM and system vendors are now pushing
  towards G2S
• G2E 2007 Expect extensive adoption

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What can you do?

• Conduct strategic planning sessions
• Start planning for new casino floor
  infrastructure
• Have a party for Slots IT Marketing
• Figure out how to offer new features before your
  competitors
• Plan to minimize disruptions on your floor while
  adding this new capabilities
• Department disruption will be greater than TITO
• JOIN GSA, get involved.

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An Easier Strategy

• Do nothing
• Go to trade shows once or twice a year make
  sure there are plenty of parties and golf outings
• Read an occasional trade magazine
• Act surprised when your customers start going to
  other properties
• React violently without advance planning
• Good News you still have about 2 more years
• ?

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Questions
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