Beta program
The IBM® Storage Protect beta program gives you a first glance at upcoming product features and a chance to influence design changes. You can test new software in your system environment and have a direct voice in the product development process.
The beta program attracts a broad range of participants, including customers, IBM Business Partners, and IBM employees. Why do they participate in the program and become beta testers?
The program offers the following benefits:
- Gain access to early code and evaluate new product features and enhancements
- You get access to the beta code before general availability of the product release to determine whether the new features and enhancements are a good fit for your organization. After the code is downloaded, you can validate and test the new software in your environment. You can then identify and resolve any concerns before the code is available, thus saving time and helping to prevent production issues later. When the code becomes available, you are ready to install it and take advantage of the new capabilities.
- Interact with design and development teams
- The product designers, architects, developers, and testers help to plan the beta release and support its participants. These experts can assist you with resolving any issues. You can request an advocate to work with you during the process, and you can create a beta forum post with your questions about the new function.
- Collaborate with other beta customers
- The beta program includes group meetings, where you can interact with other program participants and share your experiences with configuring the environment and testing the early code. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences with the development team.
- Participate in product education
- The beta program provides participants with education about the new features and enhancements. Typically, participants are invited to web conferences, where they can listen to presentations and get a head start on learning about product capabilities.
- Become an IBM reference customer
- After your positive beta experience, IBM invites you to participate in the reference program. The IBM marketing team helps you craft a message to let other potential beta testers know about your success in adopting and using early code.
Enrollment information
You can enroll by completing the IBM Storage Protect Beta Program Signup Form.