Beta is the second stage, usually has a complete feature set, and is focused on a larger pool of testing with less than ideal circumstances, slower internet speeds, less powerful computers, multiple locations that the software has to connect to, etc. Alpha software testing is focused on common situations to make sure that the base functionality works in ideal circumstances. Alpha is the earliest stage and WILL have bugs, as well as limited, experimental, or incomplete features.
Software goes through three stages before it 'ships:' alpha, beta, and release candidate. SCW Cirrus CMS is officially in alpha, which means that it is in its earliest stage of 'semi-complete' 'semi-functional' development. If you're seeing this page, that means that our staff felt that you could help us make this software better! So, thanks for putting up with our mess!
