Beta Testing

Beta testing is acceptance testing (external) done at client's site (where software has to be deployed). It is done by end users verifying product meets all requirements and operates as expected on client's machine. Beta testing is done before beta testing. It is similar to the beta version of any software i.e to be used by limited number of users and then based on the feedback either provide product to all users or do the changes and provide solution.

Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing (also called User acceptance testing - UAT) is performed by end user/customers to verify if the solution/product delivered to them meets all requirements, specifications and performs business processes.

• Falls in black-box testing methodology
• Also called validation testing, final testing, application testing
• Can include functional, performance, stress, load testing etc
• Specific test cases (mapped with requirements) created by end user focusing on specific functionality and priority areas with user defined test data
• Success of acceptance testing decides GO/ NO_GO decision for the product

Types of acceptance testing:

• User acceptance testing (UAT)
• Alpha Testing & Beta Testing
• Operational Acceptance Testing