Alpha and Beta Testing: Which is Better?
All the software that is deployed in various institutions needs testing and analysis for better management and maintenance. Almost every company uses a testing method to check the performance and maintenance of their software. Some companies employ software testing firms for the professional testing of their software. Software development and testing companies like Techno Softwares use professional testing methods for the testing of software.
There are two basic types of software testing- alpha testing and beta testing. Alpha testing is a type of acceptance testing used to find out all the possible threats or issues before the public release of the software. The main focus of this testing is to simulate the real users by using whitebox and blackbox techniques. This testing method carries out the tasks that a typical user might perform.
Whereas, beta testing is performed by the real users of the software in a real environment and is like an external user acceptance testing. This type of testing reduces product failure risks and provides increased quality of product through customer validation. It is the final testing before the deployment of the software.
Difference Between Alpha and Beta Testing
| Alpha Testing | Beta Testing |
| Usually performed by testers who are the internal employees of the company. | Is performed by end-users or customers who are not the employees of the company. |
| It is performed at developer’s site. | It is performed at user’s site. |
| Reliability and security testing is not performed. | Reliability and security are checked. |
| Involves both whitebox and blackbox techniques. | Generally uses blackbox technique. |
| Requires a lab or testing environment. | Software is tested in real conditions without the requirement of any testing environment. |
| Long execution of cycle may be required. | Only a few weeks of execution is required. |
| Critical issues can be fixed immediately by the developers. | The feedback is collected from the users and implemented in the future versions of the product. |
| It is done to ensure the quality of the product before moving to beta testing. | It also focusses on the quality of the product and ensures that the product is ready for rea users based on the feedback collected. |
Advantages of Alpha Testing:
- Clear view of the reliability pf the product is provided at an early stage.
- It helps in simulating the real-time user behaviour and environment.
- It helps in detecting serious threats or bugs and allows immediate action towards rectification.
Disadvantage of Alpha Testing:
In depth functionality of the software cannot be tested as it is still under development stage.
Advantages Of Beta Testing:
- Reduces product failure risk via customer validation.
- It allows the testing of software post the launch.
- It allows the company to improve the software quality by involving customer feedback.
- It is more cost effective than other data gathering methods.
- Enhances customer satisfaction by involving their feedback.
Disadvantages of Beta Testing:
- Doesn’t allow any control over the testing as it is carried out in real environment and not under the lab environment.
- Finding the correct beta testers and managing their participation would be a challenge.
Alpha and beta testing help in realizing the crucial issues or threats to the software and alpha testing also allows the rectification of the faults. Though beta testing is time consuming, the feedback it generates is invaluable.
At Techno Softwares we use both alpha and beta testing to ensure the best software experience for your firm. By hiring us you can be free from any tension regarding the software testing and quality assurance. We ensure that your software is free from bugs and fix any problems that arise by involving your feedback about the software experience. We test the software before and after deployment using the alpha and beta testing methods. Just contact us for the best software experience.
