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JSB
5 pts.
 Change in software version earlier proposed by contractor
Software Management, Software upgrades
An external software company is working for us on a project. They are proposing to supply a new release of software. The original software was certified to meet our requirements. Features of the new release of software are claimed to correct some longstanding user annoyances whilst offering some new features. They are keen to use or compay as their reference site for future sale, but currently software is not on general release. What should we do?

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ASKED: April 25, 2009  2:02 PM
UPDATED: April 28, 2009  1:25 PM
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Run a test environment with the new version of the software before updating your production environment. The new release needs to be certified to meet your requirements again. I have seen many times that new releases offers new features and fixes errors, but messes up some other features that were working well before.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  April 27, 2009  5:37 pm  by  mshen   27,310 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  mshen   27,310 pts.
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When you say to me that the software proposed “…is not on general release…” that implies to me that they are looking to use your operation as a “live” beta test site. I have participated in beta programs that worked out well, and some that were disasters! You might be interested in the post I did in my blog “Beta Testing – Not for Everybody”. I recommend evaluating closely this proposal and to make sure that IF you choose to go ahead with it that you understand completely what you are getting into.

SJC
 65 pts.