What is Beta Testing?

At Intuit, Beta testing is where a select group of people is given access to a new or enhanced product or service for a limited time. Throughout the testing period, participants use the product or service as they normally would, then report any problems and opinions they might have. If this sounds like something you would like to do, click here to join our Beta Testing program.

Why does Intuit conduct Beta tests?

Most companies routinely conduct tests using customers to test new or enhanced products or services. Regardless of what is being tested, a Beta program has three main objectives:

• To verify the design and usability of new or enhanced features with real world users, before the product is released
• To find any bugs not previously identified by internal Quality Assurance
• To ensure technical support operations will be prepared to support the product upon its release

Who are Beta Testers?

Beta Testers are just regular people from all walks of life, who enjoy testing new products and services and giving feedback. Most of our testers are also Intuit customers but we often seek applicants with no experience with our products or services or even those unfamiliar with computers.

What are the benefits of being a Beta tester?

Beta testing affords a unique opportunity to contribute to the product's design and features.

• Testers frequently tell us that the main reason they test is because they enjoy the challenge of hunting for and uncovering bugs
• Unlike any other interaction you might have with Intuit, testing allows you to communicate directly with the people who design and build the products you like--through the feedback you submit
• In addition to identifying bugs, beta tester's suggestions often provide the inspiration for new features and products.
• Further, as an active tester, based on the criteria we specify, you may have an opportunity to earn benefits and/or rewards, and in some cases to receive the final version of the product you tested at no charge, (subject to the terms of each beta test)

What will be expected of me as a Beta Tester?

Beta testing does entail a commitment of time and effort on your part, and we expect that you will:

• Remain available to test for the duration of the testing period
• Maintain Internet access and provide us with your current email address and other contact information
• Read all testing instructions or tasks presented to you on testing web sites or via email
• Use the product or service being tested as soon as you receive access to it
• Regularly report your honest, thoughtful feedback throughout the testing period
• Provide a copy of your data or log files if requested by Intuit Support
• Additional special tasks or behaviors may be required for specific tests

What happens after I signup for the Beta testing program?

Once you fill out the form, you will be entered in our database of potential testers. If you meet the high-level requirements for a particular test, you may be invited to apply for that test. Also, you will have access to the Beta Center where you can keep your information up-to-date, get information, and may volunteer for tests that interest you for which we are currently recruiting.

How are testers selected to participate in a particular test?

We make our selections based on sets of criteria which may vary greatly from test to test. Intuit uses the answers given by each applicant to determine if they qualify for the test and assess the features he or she might use during the test. Then, we select those applicants that best meet the goals for the test.

These criteria may include demographics, computer skill and familiarity, as well as computer configuration. Not all those who apply will be selected and Intuit reserves the right to deny any application. Occasionally, we may defer applicants to a later stage in the test or to another test.

If I am not selected, what happens to my application?

Applicants not selected for a particular test may be referred for consideration in other tests. There is a possibility that you may be better suited for another upcoming test. We may contact you later for an update of your profile.

What are "bugs"?

"Bug" is a general industry term for an error or a poorly designed part of the software.

What if I want to test, but don't want to be required to actively participate or give feedback?

We now require that beta testers participate actively in order to be considered for any future tests. If you do not offer regular feedback during the test, you may be excluded from consideration for future testing.

When will the product that I will be testing release to market?

Sorry, we are not able to reveal this information to testers or the general public until we make an official announcement of the software release date.