The pre-release program allows you to get access quicker to newest and interim Octopus versions. Furthermore, the program brings you an opportunity to give your opinion on our latest additions to Octopus.EditWhat is the pre-release program?
The program has 3 objectives.
- Obtain your comments and suggestions about our new features
- Better understand the impact it has on your environment
- Mesure the performance and stability of our application
EditDoes this mean that the customer (you) have to find the bugs?
Not necessarily. There is 3 test phases.
- When a version development is completed, the application goes through intensive testing to ensure that the new build is solid.
- Subsequently, we put it into production for our support teams and development (the development team uses Octopus as a project management tool). For a couple of weeks, we use the application with the new version. During this period, we try the new feature, we make adjustments and correct identified bugs that have passed the last validation step.
- When we are satisfied with the quality of our product, we make the pre-release available. Each day, we analyze performance statistics and cases when the application crashed at one of our customers' site. On a regular basis, we deliver patches.
At the moment when you get the pre-release, it is not as stable as it will be with at official release for all of our customers, but for us, it is clear that it's ready for production.
EditIf I am not satisfied with the quality, can I do a rollback
Unfortunately no, but rest assured that if something is interrupting your work to the point where you would like to do a rollback, we will correct the situation on the same day, or worst case scenario, the day after.
EditWhat are the advantages of participating in the program?
- Quicker access to new versions, which means, new features as well.
- Access to interim versions. For example, for our customers that aren't participating in the pre-release program, versions 3.4 and 3.5 will be delivered together under the name "Fall 2011". However, version 3.4 is being offered several months in advance in a pre-release version.
- Possibility to have a new feature option modified while it is still time.
- Joy of helping us as we really need your help for this step.
EditHow does the installation of the pre-release version works?
Clients participating in the pre-release program receive the new version in an automated way, just like other Octopus versions. You will be informed several days in advance of a new upcoming version.
EditHow many clients will participate?
The amount can vary, but at least 20 customers are already participating.
EditCan I leave the program if I ever want to?
Yes. Simply advise us at
support@octopus-itsm.com. However, we hope getting constant participation from our interested customers.
EditWhat are the expectations towards participating customers?
We mostly want your feedback. If you are satisfied with the additions, tell us. If you aren't, it's even more important to let us know! Do not hesitate to call us to discuss the new features, it is sometimes a lot faster than to write long email messages. If you experience bugs or performance issues, please let us know.
We are also interested in knowing if the new features documentation is up to par or if there are things that the release notes should have mentioned to make the transition to the latest version easier.
If you prefer to stay silent, we can understand. Anyways, we record performance statistics and cases where the application crashes, which still gives us a pretty good idea on the situation.
EditHow can we subscribe to the pre-release program?
Simply write to us at
support@octopus-itsm.com by indicating that you wish to participate in the pre-release program.