What
are Rational Software Design Partner & Beta Programs?
The IBM® Rational® Customer Programs 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
design and development process. Rational sponsors a number of early
development 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
The
Design Partner Program was created to engage a small set of customers
in a long-term relationship spanning multiple releases and focused on
partnering with Rational in the design and development of its products.
The bulk of the Design Partner Program is geared toward consultative
activities, but the Design Partners are also given the opportunity to
participate in corresponding beta programs in which they test and
provide feedback on early code. Design Partners are regarded by all
Rational organizations as the customer "Go To" group for direct
feedback and consultation on any area 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 code has started
being written. 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 invite a select group of
customers to provide feedback directly to the development team by
installing and testing early code. Program participants typically
receive code during the construction phase which allows for feedback to
Development before product content has been finalized. Managed Beta
customers are entitled to direct support from a dedicated team that
provides assistance with installation and configuration. Most programs
involve status meetings, training sessions and product demos.
Closed
Beta
Closed
Beta programs offer the opportunity for small groups of customers to
evaluate early code and provide feedback to the development team,
without technical support or customer meetings. Closed Betas are meant
to demonstrate and validate new functionality for interested business
partners and customers.
Open
Beta
Open Beta programs provide early access to code
that is more mature than code available through Managed Beta or Closed
Beta programs. These programs are open to everyone. Open Betas allow
customers to evaluate new code before it is generally available and
these programs help drive excitement about the upcoming release.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more information
about the Design Partner, Managed Beta, Closed Beta, or Open 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 Programs team.
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