On the subject of testing (or at least of reviews), Tom Kelchner in the Sunbelt blog pointed out upcoming FTC rules that make (some) bloggers who review products more accountable by declaring . That’s products in general, of course, but there are obvious implications for this industry: the Untangled tests, for instance, were largely publicised through their blog (and secondary sources such as other bloggers and other media, of course).
Sunbelt: New FTC rules: bloggers must reveal pay and perks they get for reviews http://bit.ly/Qy26L
MSNBC story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33177160/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/
FTC:
[...] Blog Reviews points to some resources addressing the FTC ’s (Federal Trade Commission) attempt to make bloggers who review products (not just AV products, of course) more accountable by making them declare financial interest/bias. This is, of course, an example of AMTSO’s principle two in action: it deals with bias, financial incentives and so on. [...]