- Closure. This is the last step, and it typically includes a beta-test report written by the lead beta tester or project manager. "The beta report will discuss issues resolved, learnings -- did the product work like we thought it would?" Jarvis-Haig says. It also may include sections on expectations, the timeline, activities, problems found and recommendations. There may be a closure meeting for the vendor and testers, and some vendors ask beta participants to complete a final survey.

Despite the potential benefits, CIOs say you should be discriminating in your choice of beta programs to make the most of your time and resources. "Beta participation is not a standard activity," says Lang. "When a critical product has new features that are important to the school, we will be a beta." During her three and a half years at Marquette, the IT department has taken part in only two beta-testing programs, she says.

Beta testing can be an important tool for IT. By carefully choosing where to participate, being aware of and leveraging multiple benefits, and enabling full engagement, IT managers can motivate employees, increase user satisfaction and use computing resources more productively.

Shea is a freelance writer in Bayside, Wis. Contact him at garytshea@att.net.

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