What are Rational
Software Design Partner & Beta Programs?
The IBM®
Rational® Customer Advocacy organization is dedicated to working
with customers to achieve higher levels of quality in Rational
Software products, ensuring their suitability in the marketplace,
and raising the level of satisfaction of all customers. One
way we do this is by involving customers in the product development
process. Rational sponsors a number of early deployment and
beta programs to help accomplish this goal. The information
below is intended to educate you about these programs and encourage
participation from Rational's valued customers.
Design Partner
This is
our highest level commitment program, both for Rational and
the customer participants. This program is limited to a small
set of customers who partner with Rational for various activities
that include and go far beyond traditional beta programs. As
is typical of beta programs, they receive early releases of
the beta code and perform installations and testing of the software.
Going beyond traditional beta programs, Design Partners provide
extensive consultation on a number of areas. They are regarded
by all Rational organizations as the customer "go to" group
for direct feedback and consultation on any areas of the product
including, but not limited to, the user interface, Help documentation,
installation walkthroughs, product testing methodologies, educational
materials, product direction, market strategy, etc. These requests
and activities may occur at any time during the program, even
before beta code is delivered. Design Partners receive an unparalleled
level of service, support, and attention directly from the development
organization as well as numerous other groups. Our common goal
is making Rational products better and customers successful
in their early usage of the software and in their long term
deployments.
Managed Beta
Managed
Beta programs are the next level of early programs and represent
more traditional beta programs. A select number of customers
are invited to participate by installing and testing the early
code. All Managed Beta customers are entitled to online support
along with direct support from a dedicated team that provides
assistance with installation and training. Program participants
typically receive code during the construction phase which allows
for feedback to Development before product content has been
finalized.
Sponsored Beta
Sponsored
Betas occur toward the end of the product development cycle,
after all features are complete. They are designed to allow
a large, if not unlimited, number of customers to participate.
Sponsored Betas are meant as a final checkpoint of quality while
allowing interested parties the opportunity to familiarize themselves
with and learn about new product releases.
Interested?
If you would
like to find out more information about the Design Partner,
Managed Beta, or Sponsored Beta programs, we encourage you to
contact the Rational Customer Advocacy team at ratlbeta@us.ibm.com.
You may also contact your Rational account representative at
http://www.ibm.com/planetwide/,
who will be able to connect you with the Customer Advocacy team.
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