This post was sponsored by Bicom Systems, a leading provider of VoIP phone systems and cloud services.
Updates are a blessing but a curse at the same time. You are getting the latest version of new technology but you may not understand how to use it. Most times after major updates, there is a small update released to follow with “bug fixes.” With our personal mobile devices and computers, this small interruption may be ok to deal with. But for large corporations, an update can potentially put huge constraints on the company.
Resellers especially may have a hard time when new updates are released. Not only do they need to learn new software for themselves, but they must also handle complaints from their customers. With new technology comes complications and if a system is not fully functioning then the reseller and their customers are affected.
The old saying “why fix it unless it is broke” often comes to mind when consumers become frustrated with the new update. Although we want the latest and greatest, we forget it takes time to adjust and get used to something different.
Beta testing is the best way for Resellers to ease their customers into the newest software update. Beta is the second letter in the Greek alphabet, following “Alpha.” Alpha refers to the ‘first’ of something, meaning Beta would be considered the “second.”
Developers would create the alpha (the first) version of the software and then release a beta version to a limited market. The software/application would still be in the testing phase, but it gives the intended audience a chance to try it out. Beta testing allows developers to enhance the quality of the software based on feedback from the people who would be using the specific product.
For example, Grammarly is currently beta testing for Google Chrome and Google Docs. The beta version was released to all Grammarly users who use Chrome. Real people who use Grammarly on a daily basis for personal, business or school can test out how the application is running. They can submit feedback on their likes and dislikes and their thoughts on how Grammarly can improve.
Grammarly is receiving feedback from real people who will be using their service every day. This is the best way for Grammarly to enhance their products. They are asking the people what they want and can deliver based on their responses.
This testing phase is great for all businesses. It allows the developers to quickly detect any sign of malfunctions, bugs or problems and fix them. Staying ahead of potential problems is important for manufacturers. Once a customer or user becomes annoyed with the software, they may look for alternative options.
Benefits of Beta Testing:
● Ensures quality control
● Provides accurate feedback
● Discover bugs in the software
● Free advertising and marketing from word of mouth
● Reduced deployment costs
● New ideas from feedback
Developers benefit greatly from beta testing, but so resellers. This gives resellers a chance to understand the update, report back any problems and become educated on potential questions from customers.
The opportunity to test a new update before releasing it to customers is also very important for a company’s brand. Customers want to trust you are delivering the best products and services and that there will be no risks when they update to the latest versions. Resellers will have the chance to ensure that what they are selling their customers is nothing but top quality. If the reseller finds the update is not a better enhancement, they also can opt out of offering it to their customers.
In summary, beta testing eliminates risk, saves time on support calls and does not come as a surprise to the reseller and their customers. Beta testing keeps resellers out of the dark and gives them a chance to contribute ideas.
Are you a reseller? How do you deal with updates? Do you have a beta testing format? Bicom Systems has a beta testing format for new updates. If you want to learn more about how that works, send our sales team an email at sales@bicomsystems.com or visit our website.
Laura Kyle is a marketing assistant for Bicom Systems (www.bicomsystems.com)
