Definition of Software Release Models

[SVP]

Alpha Release
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Alpha is for preview purposes only.

Beta release
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Beta releases are appropriate for use with new development. Within
beta releases, the features and compatibility should remain
consistent. However beta releases may contain numerous and major
unaddressed bugs.

Release Candidate (aka Gamma) release
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Release Candidate binaries, also known as Gamma releases, are believed
stable, having passed all internal testing, and with all known fatal
runtime bugs fixed. However this release has not been in widespread
use long enough to know for sure that all bugs have been identified.

Generally Available (aka Production) release
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Generally Available (GA), also know as Production releases, are
stable, having successfully passed through all earlier release stages
and believed to be reliable, free of serious bugs, and suitable for
use in production systems