In the wikipedia entry explaining commonly-used software release terms there is a clear path from pre-alpha (designers are still determining exactly what functionalities the product should have), to alpha (demonstrates the feasibility and basic structure of the software), to beta (represents the first version of a computer program that implements all features in the initial software requirements specification), but somehow pre-beta is missing. Anyone involved in interative design and testing of NSDL’s blogging system “Expert Voices” would more than likely agree that the pre-beta release is a useful half-step for the system on the way to becoming a bonafide release candidate.

The pre-beta release of Expert Voices will be characterized by additional testing performed by new and returning, internal and external users. This step is similar to late stage of alpha-testing. Because Expert Voices was redesigned to a large extent between alpha and beta releases the pre-beta release is also an opportunity to test several new capabilities:

–Add images to your blog
–Use your NSDL community sign-on password to login
–Click on “change view” to view two different real-time versions of NSDL’s blogosphere
–Add to the blogosphere and see the “Hot Topics” overview of most discussed topics change (top right)
–Visit an interesting conversation and add you comments.
–Recommend a blog topic (lower right)
–Send feedback by posting comments to this blog

Thank you!