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[Ralph]

What is a Beta Test?
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A 'beta' test is typically done just prior to the commercial release of a new product. 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. Beta testing involves voluntary participants before the product is marketed to the general public. Participants, or beta testers, agree to provide detailed feedback to the product's manufacturer in return for their being allowed to preview, use, and contribute to the final form of the product.

As we develop new products (and there will be many in the coming year), we ask for volunteers to 'beta test' them before final release. There has always been an underlying problem with understanding what is expected of a beta tester. I thought this would be a good time to review what makes for a good beta tester and a good beta tester.

What makes for a good beta tester:
1. A beta tester should have experience with similar products. If asked to test a new bicycle, the beta tester should be an avid bicycle rider and know a lot about bicycles.
2. A beta tester should have technical experience in the field of the product to be tested. If asked to test a new radio, he should have the technical training and experience in that field and possess the proper equipment to test the radio rather than expecting to just 'listen' to it.
3. The beta tester should understand that he is to test all aspects of the product, not just those features which interest him.
4. A good beta tester understands that his job is not to "pass" the product, nor is it to "fail" the product, but instead it is to "test" the product.
5. A good beta tester needs to be thorough but not nit-picky.
6. A good beta tester completes his tests and presents his report in a timely manner.
7. A good beta tester understands that he may not automatically get the new product for free.

What makes for a poor beta tester:
1. A poor tester has little experience in other similar products. It is difficult for the beta tester to critique a new feature if he does not understand why it was needed nor how it compares to those of other products.
2. A poor beta tester lacks the technical experience in the field of the product to be tested. He may not have the technical training, experience nor suitable equipment to perform the tests.
3. The poor beta tester is eager to see if the products does the few things that interest him, but does not test the other features of the product being tested. Once released, those untested features could fail.
4. A poor beta tester has little patience. He may rush through the tests just to see if it appears to work but does not perform in-depth testing.
5. A poor beta tester is motivated not by the desire to test a new product, but by the desire to be able to say, ""I got it first"".

What makes for a good beta test report:
1. A good report lists the tests performed and the procedure used to perform those tests.
2. A good report describes the successes as well as the failures.
3. When describing the failures, a good report clearly outlines how that test was done, what failed and describes in adequate detail, how to replicate the failure.
4. A good report describes if the product is able to do all that is listed in its product specifications and does not confuse personal wishes with the specifications.
5. A good beta report also comments on what features and capabilities the tester would like to see in the new product, but does not confuse his desires with the written specifications of the product.

With that said, below is the request from ACT for Beta testers for their new ZC101 Z-Wave computer controller.

[Ralph]

ACT engineers have completed their alpha testing on our next generation of Z-Wave USB computer interface units. We are now seeking qualified beta testers for our North American (908.42 MHz) ZCU101 computer interface.

Being a beta tester (and especially, being a 'good' beta tester) is not only an often misunderstood concept, it is also hard work. Please don't misunderstand! An agreement to "test" a new product is not the same as just getting the new product before anyone else. Being a beta tester is a big responsibility.
1 - Do you have an existing Z-Wave installation where you will be able to adequately test the device under real world conditions?
2 - Will this location continue to run just fine if you must remove the product during the test?
3 - Are you technically qualified to perform the tests?
4 - Do you have the time, equipment and intent to test the product to all its design specifications and not just to those specs which interest you?

If you answered "Yes" to all 4 questions, you might be a candidate to beta test our new ZCU101!! Simply send me an email and describe your Z-Wave and computer experience. I will then email you a confidential "Beta Test Agreement".

Ralph@SmartHomeUSA.com