[测试术语解释]gamma testing

skinapi

我们通常接触到的都是alpha测试和beta测试，那么大家知道还有gamma测试吗？gamma测试的相关解释如下，摘自PDMA的术语表（The PDMA Glossary for New Product Development）。
Gamma / In-Market Testing: Not to be confused with Test Marketing (which is an overall determination of marketability and financial viability), the In-Market Test is an evaluation of the product itself and its marketing plan through placement of the product in a field setting. Another way of thinking about this is to view it as an in-market test using a real distribution channel in a constrained geographic area or two, for a specific period of time, with advertising, promotion and all associated elements of the marketing plan working. In addition to an evaluation of the features and benefits of the product, the components of the marketing plan are tested in a real world environment to make sure they deliver the desired results. The key element being evaluated is the synergy of the product and the marketing plan, not the individual components. The Market test should deliver a more accurate forecast of dollar and unit sales volume, as opposed to the approximate range estimates produced earlier in the Discovery phase. It should also produce diagnostic information on any facet of the proposed launch that may need adjustment, be it product, communications, packaging, positioning, or any other element of the launch plan.

简单一点说就是在beta测试结束后，让产品在一个受限的用户群中使用，以便最终确定产品能否满足用户的需要。

skinapi

下面再附上alpha和beta测试的相关解释：
Alpha Testing: A crucial "first look" at the initial design, usually done in-house. The results of the Alpha test either confirm that the product performs according to its specifications or uncovers areas where the product is deficient. The testing environment should try to simulate the conditions under which the product will actually be used as closely as possible. The Alpha test should not be performed by the same people who are doing the development work. Since this is the first "flight" for the new product, basic questions of fit and function should be evaluated. Any suggested modifications or revisions to the specifications should be solicited from all parties involved in the evaluation and considered for inclusion. Since the testing is done in-house, special care must be taken to remain as objective as possible.

Beta Testing: A more extensive test than the Alpha, performed by real users and customers. The purpose of Beta testing is to determine how the product performs in an actual user environment. It is critical that real customers perform this evaluation, not the firm developing the product or a contracted testing company. As with the Alpha test, results of the Beta Test should be carefully evaluated with an eye toward any needed modifications or corrections.

nfwolf

不行把，没有用的，我看大部分的中国公司是不会实行的拉，老外的东西也不一定好啊

蓝蜗牛

对阿 难度有点大

skinapi

主要是想和大家一起多了解一些国外的测试人员对测试的理解，希望能有借鉴作用，呵呵。

依伊卜舍

定义是理解了，但与实际是有距离的！

丁琳

受益匪浅！

jacosun

在我感觉，我们做测试的，大多都是些小公司，根本用不上国外的一些管理分工和细致的测试。比如我在一个公司做测试，就只1个人，什么都要做，就用不上国外的那样子的测试流程和管理分工。
中国的软件测试要做好，只有大的软件公司才可以做起来的。（个人观点）

skinapi

不太同意楼上的观点，不管是小公司还是大公司都是要尽量把软件测试做好的，当然资源、条件是不同的了，但不能说测试流程、测试分工就只能是大公司才能采用，这些都是帮助我们把测试做好的手段，小公司一样可以采用，只不过需要根据自己的实际情况来进行裁减和改进了。^_^
千万不要有公司小测试就可以随便做的想法，再就是不要把测试流程以及一些测试技术看的神秘了，都是方法和手段而已，关键是要活学活用。