End of software cycles (perpetual beta)
While for computer programmes beta versions are always recognizable as test versions which need further development, web applications can be constantly up-dated – in other words, on web 2.0 everything remains „beta“:
- Devices and applications keep connecting themselves to the internet.
- Internet applications are not software artefacts anymore but they become permanent services.
- New features are permanently being introduced, becoming part of the everyday „user experience“.
- Users become real time testers, their behaviour informs about the quality of the product update.
- Shorter „time to market“.
- Reduced risk.
- Closer bond with the user.
- Real time data for taking quantifiable decisions.
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| „Release early and release often“. |
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| Short software cycles are the critical factor of success on Web 2.0. |
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| Comparison of the Release Histories of Microsoft Windows and Flickr. |
(According to O’Reilly: Web 2.0 for Participation)