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4.1 |
Purpose of Beta Testing |
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4.2 |
Organizations Involved in Beta Testing |
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4.3 |
Mechanisms for Sharing Information |
Beta testing is a focused and structured activity that is centered on finding problems in a product. Beta testing is conducted by various users, using their own resources. Because users test products in their own environments, the possible testing scenarios are increased. With a wider diversity of user environments, problems with Beta products may be found earlier in the product design and implementation process. After users have had sufficient time to test and evaluate the product, they (independently) provide written feedback on the product's suitability. Well-tested products, with appropriate corrections, will increase user confidence in the robustness of the products.
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Three levels of Beta testing are being conducted under NSA management: an Internal Test Network within NSA, an Executive Test Network encompassing key executives in the Department of Defense (DoD) community, and a larger Services/Agencies testing level.
Seventeen Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian organizations are involved in Beta testing. These organizations include the U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy; DISA; Defense Intelligence Agency; Division of Military Applications; National Communications System; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; NSA; General Services Administration (GSA); Joint Integrated Technology Center; as well as the U.S. Departments of Energy, State, Transportation, and Treasury. Over 350 users within these organizations are participating in the testing. LMES/DOE is privileged to be a part of this effort.
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A Beta Test Working Group has been established and meetings are held periodically for sharing various test activities with other participants. Each DoD and civilian organization has a designated NSA Point of Contact, who is responsible for assisting the organization in requests for MISSI resources, problem resolution, and reporting of test results. A Beta Test Working Group electronic mail list has also been established to share problems and results with other participants. Each beta test organization is asked to document the results of its testing. These reports will soon be available on a Fortezza-enabled World-Wide Web server.
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