Before new computer systems are introduced in an organisation, they are tested to ensure they meet the intended requirements. There are a number of different types of system testing that will typically be carried out on the system.
When software is issued to a restricted audience of testers within the developer's own company
EXAMPLE - A company has written a new computer game. The game was tested near the end of development.
This type of testing is called 'ALPHA' testing and is usually carried out ‘in-house’ by developers/programmers (or company employees / people employed by the company for the specific purpose of testing).
Beta testing - when a version is released to a number of people external to the company e.g. privileged customers in exchange for their constructive comments
Example:
A company has written a new computer game.
The company release the game without payment to customers who have previously
purchased games. These customers play the game to test it. This type of testing is known as 'BETA' testing .
Beta testing has a benefit for the company as they get constructive comments from prospective / typical customers and testers benefit as they get a free game to play before anyone else
When testing is carried out to prove to the customer / end user that the system works correctly.
Alpha testing would sensibly be carried carry out by testers or developers within the developer’s own company
Beta testing would sensibly be carried carry out by a number of (privileged or existing) customers in exchange for their constructive comments
Acceptance testing would sensibly be carried carry out by a the prospective customer