Prepare a site description

A successful beta test program always starts with a good/comprehensive description of the web site being tested.

The site description must include issues such as the purpose of the site, browser compatibility, site features, special requirements, delivery date, etc.

For instance, before version 4.0 of Web Builder 101 was launched, a comprehensive site description was created to help the beta testers understand the "product" they were about to test. The site description included the following:

• Site description
  The purpose and goals of Web Builder 101.

• Browser compatibility
  Browsers for which the web site was designed were listed. The pros and cons of using such browsers were also considered.

• Site features
  All features were described and the pros and cons of implementing such features were also considered.

• Special requirements
  Web Builder 101 had no "new" special requirements.
  Things that would fall into this "category" are: More server space, more bandwidth, new software/hardware, more server and/or client-side support for new features, etc.

• Delivery date
  Version 4.0 of Web Builder 101 was scheduled to go live on December, 1999.
  

Remember, a comprehensive site description will no only help you stay "on top of things" but it will also help the beta testers understand the "product" they were about to test.