Beta testing is one of the most important phases of the software development cycle. Also known as field-testing, it is part of the user acceptance testing process and done among the software’s target audience.
This process helps garner user feedback and to see if the product offers a good user experience and is devoid of bugs and glitches and meets the very objectives for which it was intended.
Beta version comes with a feedback window where all feedbacks are monitored and all issues that have been brought to notice are settled. Feedback from beta testers is a crucial component that plays a crucial role in ensuring in the successful launch of any new technology application
This will help to make the final product bug free and without any issues. Let us go through the main reasons why beta testing is increasingly resorted to by major software development teams.
Quality
One of the main benefits of resorting to beta testing process is to ensure that the final product is immune from all bugs and issues and is of top quality for all purposes. It is intended to ensure that all functionalities work as planned. The end user should have no complaints whatsoever about the quality of the product
Good User Experience
A good user experience is a must if you want your application to succeed commercially. Beta testing will provide a feedback on its ease of use among users and their experience with the new application. Based on the feedback received from users, developers can improve its features and designs and rectify all flaws if there exists any.
Bug Detection
Beta testing allows developers to quickly discover any bugs or flaws that could exist in the application and make the necessary fixes. This will prevent the end users from rejecting the app due to the existence of bugs once it has been launched. The fact is that if a bug exists in an app, it will be rejected outright. Beta testing is a great help in preventing such eventualities
Performance
Beta testing will help analyze the speed and performance of the apps in the hands of users. Performance analysis done in- house may not tally with similar results obtained in field tests. An app will perform differently on two exact same devices if one of the devices already has an app installed on it.
Referrals
Beta testing brings you sales and marketing gains for free through referrals, when you release the beta version of your app among group audience. If the beta version is found satisfactory by the group, they will spread a favorable opinion about the app to their friends in their social circle. However, you should also make sure that the beta version does not come with major flaws or bugs.
Cost Control
Releasing a beta version among a select target audience will control costs in a substantial manner and provide a correct feedback on the product quality and user acceptance. Releasing the final product without a beta version is risky and product reputation and sales could suffer if bugs are found later. With a beta release, you have the benefit of having a field launch and getting feedback without spending too much money.
Beta testing – an effective strategy
Beta testing is an effective strategy that has found great acceptance in the last couple of years. If you want your product to find general acceptance by users, offer a product that will satisfy their expectations and that which will come with few glitches. A beta test is a process that will ensure this.
