What is a software beta test?
A beta test is when you have third parties test your software in its final development stages before releasing the software. Unlike earlier testing, these third parties are usually not your software developers.
During beta testing you’ll be able to identify and patch bugs, address incompatibility issues, fine tune software usability based on beta tester feedback, and other tweaks for items that were missed during earlier stages of development.
What is a software beta test agreement?
It’s a written contract that spells out the terms and conditions under which a beta tester can use the software. This agreement sometimes referred to as a “beta test license” or similar language.
What are the key parts of the contract?
Your software beta test agreement’s terms should include the following.
1. License. The contract should identify the scope of the beta test software license. For example, the license will be non-exclusive and revocable. The agreement should make it clear how long your beta testers can use the software. For example, when the testing period ends, does the right to use the software’s beta version also end or can testers continue to use it?
2. No Conflicts. The contract should require the beta tester to represent that the tester does not have a conflict of interest. For example, you probably don’t want one of your competitor’s employees having access to a beta version of your software.
3. Reporting and Feedback. Your beta test agreement should describe the information collected from the beta testers, any automated reporting that the software will do for bugs and other problems, and any duties by testers to provide additional feedback beyond the automated reporting.
4. Intellectual Property Ownership. Your contract should make it clear that your company owns the software that is being beta tested. If there are any restrictions on the use or distribution of the software, the agreement should clearly identify such.
To learn all 7 key software beta testing agreement provisions, go to
http://mikeyounglaw.com/software-beta-testing-agreement/
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By Mike Young Dallas Software Lawyer
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