Project Transition and Release

At the end of the last iteration, the project will be in alpha stage, which means that all of the main use cases are implemented. The alpha build of the software is the build delivered to the software testers, usually internal to the organization/community developing the software. Usually, no end users see this phase. Alpha stage software is never completely bug free, but functionally covers all use cases.

Once the alpha testing is over, the project moves to the beta phase, which means that external users/end users (outside the company or organization that developed the software) can now start checking the system and using it.

A beta version is the first version released outside of the organization or community that developed the software, for the purpose of evaluation or real-world testing. Beta level software generally includes all of the features, but may also include known issues and bugs of a less serious variety. Once the beta phase is over and all major bugs have been fixed, the project is in an RTM (Release To Manufacture) stage, or in the Gold Edition.

The following is a summary table showing all of the important project phases: