v. To test a prerelease version of a piece of software by making it available to selected customers and users.

The testing of a conceptually complete module prior to the final write up. The aim is to iron out minor bugs and cover unexpected player reactions and strategies. ('No module ever survives contact with the enemy'). The designer should be prepared to change or modify scenes, but not to rewrite the entire second session.

The first public test of a new program, system or hardware, under controlled conditions with selected users. See Alpha Test.

A secondary product test performed by a selected set of early support end users or customers under special contract prior to the general availability of that product.

The stage at which a new product is tested under actual usage conditions prior to commercial release.

A test under real conditions which usually represents the last stage of testing before the commercial release or market launch of a software program.

the product test stage following alpha test during which a new product is tested under actual usage conditions in a customer environment. Software testing by first-time users

(computer science) a second test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by an outside organization

a source other than Medlin tests a new program feature

a way to put a game through a try-out prior to its release

A beta test is the second phase of software testing where a not-yet-final version of the software is made available to a limited number of users so that they can test the program and provide feedback.

The software has reached "beta" stage when it is operating with most of its functionality, and is ready for user feedback. During the beta test, end users who will likely use the software perform testing and provide feedback to EPRI and the developers. EPRI requires obtaining feedback from at least one beta tester who is an actual user outside EPRI. Recommended are 5-10 beta testers. EPRI Corporate Software Quality must review all beta software before it is sent to beta testers. More than one beta may be developed and tested.

A Beta Test is conducted similarly to an Alpha Test, except that users are "friendly" external users who agree to the terms of a Beta Test and also to provide feedback on the product. During the Beta Test period, all processes should be repeatedly tested and improved. Some products go through multiple releases during Beta Test before they are launched to all users.

performance testing done on a pilot production version of a process tool installed at customer sites. The testing is performed by customers and monitored by the manufacturer's applications engineering group. No design changes are made during the testing period.

A test for a computer product prior to commercial release. Beta testing is the last stage of testing, and normally involves sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure. Beta testing is often preceded by a round of testing called alpha testing.

Public testing; closed beta is a restricted public test, and open beta means anyone who wants to join may join. See also: Alpha Test

An external test of pre-production products. The purpose is to test the product for all functions in a breadth of field situations to find those system faults that are more likely to show in actual use than in the firm's more controlled in-house tests before sale to the general market. See also Alpha Test.

this blood test determines if you are pregnant.

Typically the last step in the testing of a product before it is officially released. A beta test is often conducted with customers in their offices.

After the alpha test, or the in house testing, of a new program, the beta test phase is the first public release, usually to a small number of testers who agree to report any bugs or usability problems (such as a poorly designed menu interface or, in the case of a game, overpowered units).

A field test of new equipment or software programs to identify errors or problems, and to solicit user's comments so that the manufacturer can make final modifications before the equipment or software is released for sale.

Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet. In software, used to signify that this is not the first release for testing, but not the last either. [D02410] RMW

A term used to describe the pilot evaluation of a new product or service. Beta systems generally have many unknown bugs that need correction. BI: Business Intelligence

The part of the Test Phase of the PLC where integration testing plans are finished, depth testing coverage goals met; Ideally, QA says product is ready to ship. The product is stable enough for external testing (determined by QA).

In software development, a stage of testing where the program is tried out with a selected trial audience to find and correct bugs, usually people of similar backgrounds to those expected to use the software. Check out Delphi's Beta Test Forum. Compare to alpha test.

Second stage testing performed by dependable customers who volunteer to use a product and report any problems, before the product is actually released.

An important function of quality control and one of the last steps before release of a software product. Beta testing involves the use of a product by selected users to create a formal documentation of content errors, software bugs, usability, level of engagement, and other factors. Also the term used by your vendor when you call them to report errors in your review copy ("What, you found 10 errors? Uh, well, that was just the beta copy, we know it has errors.")

A test of the prototype software or hardware.

to thoroughly test a software product in order to discover, and hopefully remedy any bugs. See beta.

A term used to describe the pilot evaluation of a good or service, i.e., “the second evaluation.

The final stage of new software testing. The test is usually conducted by outside testers independent of the company before the software is released for sale. The software being tested is called the beta version.

Pre-release testing of software involving end-users.