Changes

The Digital Collaboration Division (DCD) uses open-source applications to develop tools, and follows four stages (Pilot, Alpha, Beta, Official release) for releasing these tools.

The Digital Collaboration Division (DCD) uses open-source applications to develop tools, and follows four stages of development and testing (Pilot, Alpha, Beta, Official release) for releasing these tools.

==Pilot==

==Pilot==

Alpha testing is done by select users to test the usability and user experience of the tool in development, as well as to find major bugs which affect the functionality of the tool.<ref>“What Is Alpha Testing? An Early Alarm for Defects.” ''Software Testing Help'', 7 June 2018, www.softwaretestinghelp.com/alpha-testing/.</ref> The DCD team also focuses on accessibility testing during this stage.

Alpha testing is done by select users to test the usability and user experience of the tool in development, as well as to find major bugs which affect the functionality of the tool.<ref>“What Is Alpha Testing? An Early Alarm for Defects.” ''Software Testing Help'', 7 June 2018, www.softwaretestinghelp.com/alpha-testing/.</ref> The DCD team also focuses on accessibility testing during this stage.

When in Alpha the tool is functional, but may not include all of the enhancements which will be in the official release. Alpha is complete when all of the necessary features and design are developed and tested, and the tool is ready to be released to the entire user base.<ref>Christensson, Per. "Alpha Software Definition." ''TechTerms''. Sharpened Productions, 05 April 2013. Web. 15 October 2018. <<nowiki>https://techterms.com/definition/alpha_software</nowiki>>.</ref>

When in Alpha the tool is functional but may not include all of the enhancements which will be in the official release. Alpha is complete when all of the necessary features and design are developed and tested, and the tool is ready to be released to the entire user base for testing and feedback.<ref>Christensson, Per. "Alpha Software Definition." ''TechTerms''. Sharpened Productions, 05 April 2013. Web. 15 October 2018. <<nowiki>https://techterms.com/definition/alpha_software</nowiki>>.</ref>

'''Currently the following tools are in Pilot:'''

'''Currently the following tools are in Alpha:'''

*Aurora design system

*Aurora design system

==Beta==

==Beta==

After Alpha testing has ended, the tool enters the Beta stage of development and testing. When in Beta the tool is at least 90% completed for the official release. During Beta testing users are asked to provide feedback on the design, functionality, and usability of the tool. Beta testing is also done to find minor bugs, as well as bugs which may have been missed in Alpha testing.<ref>“What Is Beta Testing? A Complete Guide.” ''Software Testing Help'', 7 June 2018, www.softwaretestinghelp.com/beta-testing/.</ref> The DCD uses open Beta testing to test its tools, meaning that the tool can be used and tested by every user in a real environment.  

After Alpha testing has ended, the tool enters the Beta stage of development and testing. When in Beta the tool is at least 90% completed for the official release. During Beta testing users are asked to provide feedback on the design, functionality, and usability of the tool. Beta testing is also done to find minor bugs, as well as bugs which may have been missed in Alpha testing.<ref>“What Is Beta Testing? A Complete Guide.” ''Software Testing Help'', 7 June 2018, www.softwaretestinghelp.com/beta-testing/.</ref> The DCD uses open Beta testing to test its tools, meaning that the tool can be used and tested by every user who wishes to participate in testing in a real environment.  

Beta development uses the feedback provided by the real users to develop any additional enhancements to the features or design needed to release a tool which is usable with a positive user experience. Bug fixes are also applied during this stage. There may be multiple versions of Beta releases during this stage<ref>“Beta Software.” ''Beta Software Definition'', 5 Apr. 2013, techterms.com/definition/beta_software.</ref>.

Beta development uses the feedback provided by the real users to develop any additional enhancements to the features or design needed to release a tool which is usable with a positive user experience. Bug fixes are also applied during this stage. There may be multiple versions released during the Beta stage<ref>“Beta Software.” ''Beta Software Definition'', 5 Apr. 2013, techterms.com/definition/beta_software.</ref>.

==Official Release==

==Official Release==

When all necessary features and design are developed and implemented to the new tool, it is officially released. As the DCD works in an agile environment an official release does not mean that development on the tool ends. Further enhancements to the features are developed, and bug fixes are applied.

When all necessary features and design are developed and implemented to the new tool, it is officially released. As the DCD works in an Agile environment an official release does not mean that development on the tool ends. Further enhancements to the features are developed, support is provided, and bug fixes are applied throughout the entire life of a tool.

==References==

==References==

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