Enterprise Beta Tests

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Enterprise Beta Tests

Introduction to Enterprise Beta Tests

Enterprise beta tests are betas which target entire corporations as their customer. These programs may be either hardware or software based, and often include very complex goals. Examples of enterprise beta tests are server based CRM solutions and company-wide virus scanning software.

Unique Enterprise Beta Test Attributes

Beta Sites - Unlike most betas where participants are individual users, enterprise betas often utilize "sites". A site is generally a single large customer, and may include many participants.
Single Point of Contact - In many enterprise betas, communication is coordinated through a designated individual at the site. This user is generally assigned to the project, and bears responsibility for the project.
High Participation Expectations - Due to the complex nature of enterprise products, it's common to expect a high level of participation. Individuals may even be dedicated full-time to the program.
Small Scope - Due to the close relationship and extended participation requirements, enterprise betas generally include a relatively small number of sites, usually between 5 and 20.
Extended Duration - Enterprise betas stress sophisticated products and therefore these betas often take longer than the average project, often extending to many months.
On-Site Beta Staff - Due to the deep relationship, product complexity, and highly technical goals, it's common for enterprise beta tests to utilize staff members (such as sales engineers) who travel frequently to beta sites and work directly with participants.
Sales Involvement - Due to the high value of enterprise customers, enterprise betas often utilize individuals from sales organizations to both maintain successful relationships and target future business opportunities.

Enterprise Beta Challenges

Low Priority - Enterprise participants often place low priorities on beta products. They may not consider these as important as their existing release systems, commonly resulting in brief feedback and limited participation overall.
Sales Relationship - The enterprise customer (this participant) often has a very close sales relationship. Managing this relationship while obtaining appropriate data and participation performance can be very challenging.
Multiple Feedback Sources - A beta test with an enterprise site may include feedback from many internal sources. It can be very challenging to track down the exact source of feedback within an enterprise site.
Dedicated Resources - Enterprise customers often require you to be very attentive and highly responsive. Without a dedicated team, these demands can be hard to meet.
Proper Pacing - Most enterprise betas are very long and require appropriate pacing and focus. Customers may become disinterested or burned out if these factors are not properly managed.

How Centercode Connect™ Software Can Help

Highly Flexible Teams - Our team-based access structure allows you to clearly represent your beta sites. This can be used to grant access to private builds, forums, or other features.
Assume User - Connect allows you to instantly "assume the identity" of any participant. This allows you to report feedback exactly as if the user had done it themselves.
Feedback Roles - Feedback Roles allow entire beta sites to view all feedback reported from any other participant in their site. This can reduce the duplicate feedback while greatly increasing visibility and participation.
Custom Reporting Engine - Enterprise betas require highly specific data to make good decisions. Connect's custom reporting engine makes it very simple to build real-time reports covering any aspect of your beta project.
Scheduled Report Distribution - Custom reports may automatically be distributed as PDF files To simplify access for key individuals. This increases the visibility of the test throughout your organization (and even the site itself).
Custom Feedback Types - Enterprise tests often require very specific types of feedback from users. Connect allows you to determine exactly what fields you wish to collect, on any number of feedback forms. Powerful tracking features make it easy to manage this mass of feedback.

How Centercode Managed Beta Tests and Services Can Help

Experience - Centercode's beta management team has successfully executed many enterprise beta tests for both hardware and software products.
Relationship Management - We fully understand the close relationship between you and your customer, and will ensure that this is maintained while ensuring a solid flow of useful information to meet your specified goals.
Incentive Management - We will use our experience to work with you to develop an incentive plan that will help ensure excellent participation from enterprise users.