What software is available as BETA?
New major versions of SmarterTools software are released first as BETA. 

Must I be a customer of SmarterTools to participate in a BETA?
In most cases BETA releases are available to the public.  While you do not need to be a paying customer of SmarterTools to use a BETA release, you must create an account in order to obtain a free trial license for the BETA.

How to I obtain a BETA license key?
A BETA license key can be obtained by going to http://www.smartertools.com.  Click on Products, then choose the BETA Programs link on the left.

Where can I post questions or bug reports about BETA software?
Each BETA program that starts will have a forum dedicated to it under http://www.smartertools.com/forums.  Bugs, feature requests, and feedback can be posted on that forum.  SmarterTools staff, especially the development team in charge of the BETA product, are usually active throughout the BETA period in order to get issues resolved quickly.

How will I be made aware of updates to BETA software?
A sticky post will be placed at the top of the BETA forum for the release with download links and release notes for the current build.  SmarterTools may also post release updates through social media networks.  It is important to stay current on updates of BETA software so that your feedback can remain relevant. 

Can I install BETA software in a production environment?
SmarterTools makes considerable efforts to ensure that BETA builds operate properly.  While SmarterTools BETA software can be run in production environments, SmarterTools does not recommend doing so.  Remember that software BETA programs are designed to test applications and identify areas for adjustment and correction--the software may substantially charge, methods may be modified, and features and functions may be added and deleted--therefore backwards/forwards compatibility and data retention cannot be reasonably assured during the BETA program. 

If you participate in the BETA you do so voluntarily and at your own risk.  Regardless of where and how a BETA release is installed, proper care must be exercised to retain frequent backups in case of a failure.

What happens after my BETA expires?
While the BETA software will continue to run, it will revert back to FREE mode, and will impose the limitations of the same.  It is recommended that regardless of whether you purchase a full license after the BETA period, that you update your software to the latest releases.