Definition

Testing at a customer’s site not otherwise involved with the product or service developers. Usually carried out by volunteer users on an early version of the product, with the product being used “live” by the customer.

[Source: BCS]

Comment

Beta testing enables a controlled release to be made of a new product or version, whereby if there are any problems, the expectation of the users are more carefully managed and the customer/vendor relationship is closer than usual so that faults may be discussed and fixed without undue embarrassment. This also allows the supplier to receive feedback from actual or potential customers and assess the reaction of the marketplace to the product. It may be that part of the assessment is to establish if there are any major features missing or whether ‘new’ features ‘miss the point’.

Also see: Alpha testing, First office application