Beta Testing for Better Software

by Michael R. Fine

Implement, operate, and use beta testing immediately with this hands-on guide to the best practices Beta testing is a complex process that, when properly run, provides a wealth of diverse information. But when poorly executed, it delivers little or no data while wasting time and money. Written by a leading expert in the field, this book will help you reach the full potential that beta testing has to offer. Michael Fine compiles the best practices...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471250376
• ISBN13: 9780471250371
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Insightful and interesting

Having never managed a beta test or QA testing, I found this book insightful into the processes used. It was definitely a fascinating book full of valuable information for anyone interested in beta test management. I'd highly recommend!

Experience is Relevant

As the author of this book, I happy to hear criticism and welcome people sending me their opinions. However, it is important for people to understand that this book is for people who have have no experience with beta testing or are looking to improve an existing program.If you have already a successful beta program, you do not need this book. If you have years of experience in conducting tests, this book will only confirm what you know. It is focused on best practices.If you have a beta program and it doesn't work or if you have never beta tested before, then I believe you will get a lot of benefit from this book(...)

Excellent reference for conducting succesful betas!

Having previously coordinated beta tests at several companies, I've seen how a wonderfully executed beta can be in terms of value to the organization.. as well as how a poorly defined program can result in months of wasted time.In reading the book, I can identify with several of the "gotchas" that the author points out (such as how crucial customer communication is during a test). The elements of a well run beta are clearly described, and are presented in such a manner that anyone can take the concepts as a template to apply in their own organization.I have purchased a half dozen copies to distribute to various groups within my company, and hope to get both hardware and software teams to utilize the planning, execution, and post beta processes that are described in this book.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve the value of a beta test to their product - or needs to fix just one component of their current test procedure.