Proof of Concept Test - The Proof of Concept test uses a working model to confirm the technology works. This early stage test is usually completed before further investments in the technology are made.
Alpha or Early Stage Test - The Alpha or early stage test uses prototypes to help identify the performance improvements and feature enhancements needed. This test also confirms the technology will operate for an end-user. The number of test units can vary but typically is limited to 3-10.
Beta or Mid-Stage Testing - Beta or mid-stage test systems incorporate the improvements identified by the alpha tests and expand the number of test locations. Typically a larger number of systems are deployed in different geographic or climatic environments. In some, situations multiple designs may even be tested.
Pre-Commercial or Late Stage Testing - The Pre-commercial or late stage tests the ability of the manufacturing, marketing, delivery and support systems. Often referred to as a limited market test, the goal is to verify commercial readiness. Typically hundreds to thousands of systems are used for this stage.
Staged Commercial Sales - Depending on the technology and the market, commercial sales may be restricted initially to certain regions, states or even countries to minimize resource requirements for marketing, distributing and servicing the product.
Commercial Sales - Commercial sales are launched.
