Beta Programs FAQ
- What are the benefits of participating in Beta Programs?
- What happens after I apply to participate in Beta Programs?
- If I have been a MicroStrategy Beta Participant before, do I still need to apply?
- How do Beta Partners qualify for a specific Beta Program?
- If I do not qualify for a current Beta Program, what happens to my application?
- What feedback do I provide during the Beta test?
- What are the Product Launch Support commitments?
- What if I want to test, but do not want to fulfill all of the formal testing requirements?
- How do I get Beta Software?
- What products are currently in Beta Programs? When will new Beta Programs be announced?
- When will the product that I test be released to the market?
- What do past Beta Partners have to say about the program?
1. What are the benefits of participating in Beta Programs?
Beta Partners have the opportunity to preview new MicroStrategy software before it is released to the market. By testing and providing feedback, you help determine the product's functionality, feel, and interface.
2. What happens after I apply to participate in Beta Programs?
MicroStrategy will review all information to determine the best Partners to test our newest products. Qualified Partners can expect to receive more information on Beta Participants and Beta Evaluators, and a detailed agreement to sign.
3. If I have been a MicroStrategy Beta Participant before, do I need to apply again?
If you have tested recently, you may not need to re-apply. If you are interested in Beta testing another MicroStrategy product, please contact us at BetaPrograms@microstrategy.com. We will review our files and contact you if we need more information.
4. How do Beta Partners qualify for a specific Beta Program?
Beta Partners qualify based on criteria including commitment to testing, availability of testing resources, product launch support, and test environment. Successful Beta Partners from earlier testing programs may have an advantage in the selection process, but all qualified Beta Partners will be considered.
5. What happens if I do not qualify for a current Beta Program?
MicroStrategy will update its records with the information you provided. If you do not qualify for the first round of a Beta Program, you may qualify for a later phase. If you do not qualify to participate in any phase of testing for a product, we may ask you to test a different package. We will review all records in our database before the beginning of each Beta Program to determine the best Partner sites for each Beta Program. By applying for one Beta Program, you increase your chances of participating in future tests.
6. What feedback do I provide during the Beta test?
You will be asked to execute a test suite and answer several questions related to the performance of the product during the tests. We would also appreciate your comments on what you liked or didn't like about the product's functionality, feel, and interface, as well as any other feedback you wish to give.
7. What are the Product Launch Support commitments?
As a Beta Partner, you will have the opportunity to partner with us in our product launch activities by providing insight into product features, effectiveness and adaptability. You will be asked to discuss your business application and how the Beta software fits into your current operations. For each launch there will be different opportunities to support Product Launch efforts. These may include customer interviews, use of your company name and logo, technical references and company quotes. The activities will be tailored to your organization, and all communications will be approved by your company.
8. What if I want to test, but do not want to fulfill all of the formal testing requirements?
If you wish to preview new MicroStrategy software, but cannot commit to full Beta Participation, you may opt to become a Beta Evaluator. Beta Evaluators still need to provide site information and sign a Beta Programs agreement.
9. How do I get Beta Software?
All registered Beta Partners will be given access to appropriate Beta products on the MicroStrategy download site. Beta Partners will also receive products on disk and documentation via overnight shipment upon release.
10. What products are currently in Beta Programs? When will new Beta Programs be announced?
Email Beta Programs to receive a list of upcoming products. Previous Beta Participants are contacted directly at the beginning of new Beta Programs. MicroStrategy plans to begin new Beta Programs approximately every quarter. More information for current Beta Programs can be found on the MicroStrategy Support web site (user ID and password required). Schedules may vary by product and are subject to changes.
11. When will the product that I test be released to the market?
MicroStrategy releases new products to the market after thorough Beta testing. Please email us at BetaPrograms@microstrategy.com for more information.