What is software beta testing? What is a software beta user? Software
Development. During software creation, the development team continuously tests
the ...
Beta User Defined Beta Testing / Beta User
What is software beta testing? What is a software beta user?
Software Development During software creation, the development team continuously tests the software routines being developed or modified. This developer testing is very focused, on the routine at hand. This testing involves checking that output values are as expected, the routine behaves as expected, and the program does not crash or otherwise affect the Operating System. This process of development and testing continues until all items scheduled for the release (of the product) have been addressed. At this point, the developers will rerun their tests to ensure that the complete package works together.
Alpha Testing Once the initial development effort is completed (and tested), the software enters an alpha test stage. This testing phase consists of extensive in-house software usage for operational stability and numerical accuracy. Inhouse test procedures, check lists, and benchmark jobs are used in an attempt to test every aspect of the software. During this alpha testing stage, a few copies of the software may be provided to a few select users, typically dealers, users having a specific interest in a new or modified function of the program, or power users. The purpose of this alpha test phase is to find all of the problems with the software product. When problems are encountered, the software is modified and testing continues. The software remains in the alpha testing stage until the test team is satisfied the software is stable and performing as intended.
Beta Testing After the test team is satisfied, the next testing phase begins. This is known as the beta test phase. Beta testing involves a much larger group of test users. The idea behind beta testing is go get a wider variety of users under different conditions (operating systems and networks) to pound on the software. The purpose of this phase of testing is to find any problems (bugs) that remain in the software, that the previous testing failed to uncover. How could there still be problems with the software after developer and alpha testing? Most users familiar with a product always use the software in the same manner. If for "task #1", you always use a toolbar button, and for "task #2" you always use a menu option, you will never discover that the menu option for "task #1" doesn't work, or invokes the wrong task, or even worse, crashes the program. Some users never use certain features of a product, some users have out of date operating systems, some users have rigid security policies, some users are connected to a network, and so on. The more testing platforms the software can be run on, before the official public release, the more stable the end product will be. This is the primary purpose of beta testing.
The Beta Test User What does it mean to be a "Beta Test User"? A Beta Test User recognizes that the software is not a final release version. What does the software vendor expect from a "Beta Test User"? First and foremost, the beta test user is expected to be extremely knowledgeable about the software, its operation, and its intended purpose. The beta test phase is not an opportunity to learn the software or the underlying principles behind it. Second, a Beta Test User is prepared to correspond with the software vendor regarding the operation and subsequent success or failure of the software. This may take the form of e-mails, phone calls, or web site discussion forums. Typically, there is some type of formal document to be returned at the end of the beta test period, summarizing the testing performed by the beta user. This for is for QA and record keeping purposes only. The software vendor should be made aware of any software issues long before this document is returned. What can the "Beta Test User" expect from the software vendor? Immediate response to questions, problems, and suggestions. In addition, when warranted, revised modules will be made available for download from the software vendor's web site to correct or enhance the software as a result of beta user comments. It is therefore in everyone's best interests for the beta users to correspond frequently with the software vendor. Can the "Beta Version" be used for actual project work? Theoretically, since the software has passed alpha testing and QA, yes. However, the whole purpose of beta testing is to find additional errors and problems. Using a beta version for official project work is risky. (In the case of analytical software, it may be possible to use the beta version on actual projects, if a final run is made on a previous officially released version. However, in the case of CAESAR II, newer versions are not normally downward compatible!
Can a "Beta Test User" expect to find bugs in the software? Hopefully not, but a realistic answer is "maybe". Remember, this is one of the purposes of beta testing. Can a "Beta Test User" expect to crash the software? Hopefully not, but a realistic answer is "maybe". Remember, this is one of the purposes of beta testing.
Why would anyone want to be a "Beta Test User"? Because knowledgeable power users have a vested interest in the software they use to fulfill their project tasks. Helping out during the final test stages of software development ensures the final released product meets their project requirements and contains no "surprises". Additionally, many users find the simple satisfaction of having a part in the development of a world class engineering tool rewarding.
What should you do? If you have the interest, if you have the knowledge, if you have the time, and if you are currently up-to-date on your maintenance and support plan, then sign up to be a beta tester. Your efforts help shape the software.
