Frequently Asked Questions
What is beta testing?
- Beta software is unfinished software that is released to a limited number of
people who have signed a non-disclosure
agreement (NDA). In beta
testing, testers are encouraged to provide feedback to Maplesoft about
the beta software; this feedback helps Maplesoft to improve the
finished product.
- A beta release is
not a trial or demo version! If you are interested in a
demonstration of Maplesoft software, please visit our corporate
web site.
What is a Pilot Program?
- A Pilot
project is a program where new software concepts are tested and
reviewed. It encourages its participants to provide feedback not just
on problems with the software, but also on how useful the technology is
and how it can be improved.
What is the difference between a Beta test and a Pilot Test?
- A beta test takes place close to launch, at a point when all the
features of the product are finalized. It is distributed to a select
group of users to ensure that the product works robustly and within the
defined requirements.
- A pilot test takes place earlier in the development cycle where
participants are encouraged to provide feedback not just on problems
with the software, but also on how useful the technology is and how it
can be improved. It is essentially and opportunity to influence the
feature set for the final product.
Why does Maplesoft have Beta and Pilot programs?
- These programs help
Maplesoft to create better software. By giving testers the
opportunity to try the software in their own unique hardware/software
environments, Maplesoft expands its testing environment. A broader
testing environment helps locate concerns in the software earlier in
the devleopment process increasing the quality of Maplesoft products.
These programs also
help testers to see how the new software is going to fit within
their current corporate system and research activities.
- Testers can preview
new features in the software—and then provide feedback to
Maplesoft about them. Feedback about features and how they work is
extremely helpful to Maplesoft in determining which features will be
enhanced in subsequent versions of software.
What is expected of a tester?
- We ask our testers to
install and use the software, as you normally would, in your
environment.
- You should plan to spend at
least 5 hours testing
the software.
- Report all your comments
and suggestions via our on-line SCR (Software Change Request) Form.
Please report only one SCR per submission and fill
out all required fields. Receiving your feedback in this organized
format reduces our administrative time considerably, giving us more
time to implement your suggestions. We cannot process reports sent via
e-mail.
What can a tester expect from Maplesoft?
- Minimal technical support
is provided by the development team via our forums. In
addition to submitting SCRs testers can ask questions on our forums.
- General "How do I solve this math
problem in the new release?" type questions can be sent to the beta
forum to be considered by other testers.
- For download
problems, email your questions directly to beta@maplesoft.com.
- Software will be posted at several points during a beta or
pilot program to allow testers to work with the latest release.
- SCR submissions are updated with information from the
development program as the product changes.
Who can be a tester?
We can accommodate only a limited number
of participants in our beta and pilot programs, due to the
administrative work
required to run the program. In selecting our pool of testers,
we
will endeavour to
- Cover many different
platform and hardware configurations.
- Include new, intermediate
and power users of Maple products.
- Include testers whose use
of Maple products covers a variety of functional areas.
- Include testers who
actively participate by submitting several SCRs in each program.
- Include testers who maintain the positive, co-operative
atmosphere of
our programs.
What is a Software Change Request (SCR)?
This is a generic term that includes Bug Reports, Requests for Enhancements to existing features, and New Feature Requests.
I’m interested! How do I sign up?
To apply, please send an email to beta@maplesoft.com and include:
- the platforms you are able
to test on
- what Maple products you wish to test
- your level of experience with the product
- how much time (e.g. hours per week) you can dedicate to
testing
- any previous experience as a tester
Please note that due to the limited availability of positions not all
applicants will be accepted or receive a response.
A Note on Confidentiality
As a beta tester, you will sign a non-disclosure
agreement covering information and software that you receive
regarding this beta program. As a general rule, if you are unsure as to
whether an action that you are about to engage in will breach this
agreement, do not proceed with the action in question until you are
certain.
While we realize that breaches of
confidentiality by testers are seldom meant to be malicious, such
breaches can be devastating to companies such as Maplesoft. Please take
care in observing the non-disclosure agreement.
A Note on Privacy
All information from the Beta & Pilot programs is covered by Maplesoft's Privacy
Policy. |
