Beta Testing for Better Software (Paperback)

~ Michael R. Fine (Author) "You might find it strange that a book on beta testing does not actually go into the definition of the test until the second chapter..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...easy to read and very informativedefinitely deserves a place on your desk..." (CVu, Dec 03)

Product Description

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 to date so you can effectively bring beta testing into your company’s process to improve product quality. Using real-world case studies, this book begins by clearly explaining what a beta is and why you need one. Fine then explores the beta test procedure and walks through the best processes to use when implementing a test. He concludes by detailing the steps you should take after completing a test in order to take full advantage of the results.

With this book, you’ll gain a better understanding of what beta testing is, why every company needs a beta test program, and how to get the most from a test. Fine will help you:

• Understand all the steps involved in beta testing using real-world case studies
• Implement a beta test using best- known practices
• Produce better products based on the results of well-run beta tests
• Apply beta testing across many platforms and many technologies
• Improve on existing processes and identify critical issues

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471250376
• ISBN-13: 978-0471250371
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,181,863 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience is Relevant, May 7, 2004

By	Michael R. Fine "mikefine" (Ogden, Utah) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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(...)

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference for conducting succesful betas!, October 4, 2002

By	Brent Mosbrook (Orange, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and interesting, October 11, 2005

By	R. Statham "Beta.Tester" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!