16 Facts About Alpha software

Alpha phase generally begins when the software is feature complete but likely to contain several known or unknown bugs.

Beta phase generally begins when the Alpha software is deemed feature complete, yet likely to contain a number of known or unknown bugs.

The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release and this is typically the first time that the Alpha software is available outside of the organization that developed it.

Alpha software is not thoroughly tested by the developer before it is released to customers.

In general, external availability of alpha software is uncommon in proprietary software, while open source software often has publicly available alpha versions.

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In general an alpha version or release of a software package intends to do something particular, mostly does so, yet isn't guaranteed to do so fully.

Feature complete version of a piece of Alpha software has all of its planned or primary features implemented but is not yet final due to bugs, performance or stability issues.

Usually a feature complete Alpha software still has to undergo beta testing and bug fixing, as well as performance or stability enhancing before it can go to release candidate, and finally gold status.

The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release and is typically the first time that the Alpha software is available outside of the organization that developed it.

Beta version Alpha software is often useful for demonstrations and previews within an organization and to prospective customers.

Some Alpha software is kept in so-called perpetual beta, where new features are continually added to the Alpha software without establishing a final "stable" release.

Private beta could be suitable for the Alpha software that is capable of delivering value, but is not ready to be used by everyone either due to scaling issues, lack of documentation or still missing vital features.

RTM could mean in other contexts that the Alpha software has been delivered or released to a client or customer for installation or distribution to the related hardware end user computers or machines.

General availability is the marketing stage at which all necessary commercialization activities have been completed and a Alpha software product is available for purchase, depending on language, region, electronic vs media availability.

Some Alpha software is released with the expectation of regular support.

Similar terminologies for IBM's Alpha software development were used by people involved with IBM from at least the 1950s .