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What is a beta?

Learn about what a beta program is, its benefits, and how it can be leveraged by KickUp partners.

Fred Shaykis avatar
Written by Fred Shaykis
Updated over 3 months ago

What is a beta program?

A beta program is a testing phase for a new product, service, or feature that is actively being built but not yet ready for public release. It involves a selected group of users who agree to use the product and provide feedback on their experience. This feedback is crucial as it helps the KickUp team identify any issues, gather insights on user experience, and refine the product before everyone has access to it.

Both KickUp and its users are constantly looking for ways to enhance staff professional learning and operational efficiency across their districts. Participating in a beta program can be a smart way to achieve these goals, especially when it comes to using the latest and greatest features KickUp has to offer.

What are the key features of a beta program?

  1. Limited Access: Beta programs are typically offered to a limited number of participants to ensure manageable and meaningful feedback. Alternatively, an Open Beta allows an unlimited number of partners to opt in, giving a broader audience the opportunity to participate and contribute valuable feedback.

  2. Feedback Mechanism: Participants are expected to provide feedback about their experience. This could be through surveys, interviews, or usage data analytics.

  3. Time-Bound: These programs have a set duration which can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the technology.

  4. Support: KickUp team members may provide additional support or resources to participants to ensure they can use the technology effectively and to troubleshoot any issues that arise.

What are the different types of a beta program?

KickUp typically uses two types of beta programs: open and closed betas. The main difference between open and closed beta is the number of people who can test a product before its final release:

  1. Open beta: Anyone can opt-in to test out the new beta program. This type of beta is often used to gather feedback from a large group of people, including the general public.

  2. Closed beta: A closed beta test is limited to a specific group of people who are invited to participate, such as current customers, early adopters, or paid beta testers.

What are the benefits of participating in a beta program?

  1. Early Access to New Tools: Participants get a first look at cutting-edge solutions intended to enhance the way professional development is conducted in your schools.

  2. Influence Product Development: Feedback from beta testers directly impacts the range of issues and prioritization of improvements our team considers.

Summary

Participating in a beta program can be a highly beneficial strategy for districts looking to advance their professional development tools and practices. By understanding the structure and benefits of beta programs, you can make informed decisions that align with your objectives and contribute to the development of KickUp products to suit your needs.

If you’d like to participate in a beta program, please reach out to your KickUp Client Success Manager for more information.

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