Beta Release

Beta release is a release status for OSE hardware.

Beta release generally begins when the hardware is feature complete. Hardware in the beta phase will generally have many more bugs in it than completed hardware, as well as performance issues. The focus of beta testing is reducing impacts to users, often incorporating usability testing.

The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release and this is typically the first time that the hardware is available outside of the organization that developed it. The users of a beta version are called beta testers. They are usually customers or prospective customers of the organization that develops the hardware, willing to test the hardware, while helping to fund the development process. Beta testers receive a good reputation and status within OSE.

Beta version hardware is often useful for demonstrations and previews within an organization and to prospective customers. Some developers refer to this stage as a preview, prototype, technical preview (TP), or early access.

Thousands of hours of testing are required for beta release products to reach widespread adoption by the rest of the world.

=Links=
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Beta