| Before any software product can be released it | | | | than that of the software development company |
| must be tested. Typically a formal test strategy | | | | employees. The feedback can be used to fix |
| is planned and executed on the software before | | | | defects that were missed, assist in preparing |
| it can be considered for release. Often after the | | | | support teams for expected issues or in some |
| formal phases of testing have been completed, | | | | cases even enforce last minute changes to |
| additional testing is performed called Alpha and | | | | functionality. |
| Beta testing. | | | | In some cases, the Beta version of software will |
| Alpha testing is done before the software is | | | | be made available to the general public. This can |
| made available to the general public. Typically, the | | | | give vital 'real-world' information for software |
| developers will perform the Alpha testing using | | | | systems that rely on acceptable performance and |
| white box testing techniques. Subsequent black | | | | load to function correctly. |
| box and grey box techniques will be carried out | | | | The types of techniques used during a public Beta |
| afterwards. The focus is on simulating real users | | | | test are typically restricted to Black box |
| by using these techniques and carrying out tasks | | | | techniques. This is due to the fact that the |
| and operations that a typical user might perform. | | | | general public does not have inside knowledge of |
| Normally, the actual Alpha testing itself will be | | | | the software code under test, and secondly the |
| carried out in a lab type environment and not in | | | | aim of the Beta test is often to gain a sanity |
| the usual workplaces. Once these techniques have | | | | check, and also to retrieve future customer |
| been satisfactorily completed, the Alpha testing is | | | | feedback from how the product will be used in |
| considered to be complete. | | | | the real world. |
| The next phase of testing is known as Beta | | | | Various sectors of the public are often eager to |
| testing. Unlike Alpha testing, people outside of the | | | | take part in Beta testing, as it can give them the |
| company are included to perform the testing. As | | | | opportunity to see and use products before their |
| the aim is to perform a sanity check before the | | | | public release. Many companies use this phase of |
| products release, there may be defects found | | | | testing to assist with marketing their product. For |
| during this stage, so the distribution of the | | | | example, Beta versions of a software application |
| software is limited to a selection of users outside | | | | get people using the product and talking about it |
| of the company. Typically, outsourced testing | | | | which (if the application is any good) builds hype |
| companies are used as their feedback is | | | | and pre-orders before its public release. |
| independent and from a different perspective | | | | |