Once a software prototype has been programmed and debugged by our development teams, Touch and Click implements a rigorous testing phase where the application is deployed into a live environment and put through a series of simulated situations designed to replicate typical workflow patterns. We designate the software as an Alpha release at this stage, and dedicate several teams to put the application through performance and scalability tests that look for hidden flaws and issues that may arise when interfacing with the main system in ways that may not have been envisioned by the programmers. The testing team submits feedback reports and usability issues to the project manager as they arise, suggesting improvements and adjustments to make the application work optimally. In some instances, we may release the application conditionally to the public at this stage, to a limited group who volunteer for testing, in order to receive a wider range of usage statistics. These groups may have server or platform configurations that vary from our in-house testing set-ups, and the release of the Alpha version into limited public distribution looks to gather information on any unforeseen bugs that may arise from this. Issues reported back to the programming team will be fixed with patches or code changes, sometimes resulting in a new version of the application itself. For Open Source applications, these patches may also come from the community at large, or suggestions from users may lead to adjustments and modifications that make the application easier to use and integrate with a CMS. Touch and Click prepares a report and changelog of all issues that arise from Alpha testing, and presents it to the client as the Beta release is launched.
The Beta release of a software application includes a wider segment of public participation, and is in many ways no different from a full public launch. The software remains under review, and the programming team, now scaled down, will continue to work to improve its functionality, fixing any problems or bugs that may arise from the wider context. Patches may also be submitted from the developer community at this point that serve to optimize integration. Final touches such as inline documentation of the code, user manuals, and implementation guides will also be produced at this stage to build the full release package. Beta testing may extend from a couple of months to upwards to one year for more complex software releases. If all is reported to be working smoothly as planned, the beta testing period may be reduced and a final version (1.0 release) will be announced. At this stage the marketing and sales of the application begins at a public level, and all documentation will have been finalized for web release or print publication. The 1.0 version of the application will be announced through press releases, news agencies, and trade publications to build awareness among the user community. Technical support and help desk facilities will be established to track issues and implement further code revisions and patches. As changes arise, inter-version releases (1.1, 1.2, etc.) will be consolidated, documented, and put forth as the main candidates for download. These will often include any security updates that become necessary from the wider release statistics, or represent the consolidation of patches and revisions into the core. Depending on the scope and aims of the project under development, the programming team may continue to build and improve the application, creating a roadmap of new features and a path towards a 2.0 update and release.
Touch and Click performs many of the preliminary tests for software in-house, and also acts as Alpha and Beta testers for other firms who have software under development. When we release an application to limited or full public testing, we open a number of customer service, technical support, and feedback channels for customers and clients to report issues and receive help. These may be based in websites, forums, or include phone support depending on the level and need of the project base. For software created by development firms, we specialize in creating the websites, support networks, and marketing campaigns that are needed to launch a software product successfully on the international level. This includes downloads, sales, help desks, and call centers for tech support and customer feedback. Third party developers can contact us directly for more information about our web promotions and online marketing campaigns. For our clients, Touch and Click will draw up a distribution and release plan as part of the project management roadmap that includes these services in the development package. We do software testing for third party clients to assist them in debugging technical issues in the Alpha and Beta stage under both paid contract and Open Source licenses.
For more information about software testing services at Touch and Click, please contact a customer service representative directly with details of your project.
