Being in beta can mean so many things. One good way to use it is define a stage where you're looking for testers prior to launch. Some set ups need to be tested

Being in beta can mean so many things. One good way to use it is define a stage where you're looking for testers prior to launch. Some set ups need to be tested by a number of testers larger than "a handful of friends". They will suggest usability improvements, suggest features, spot typos, break things you didn't think could be broken, etc. Not to mention that if you impress your beta testers, you'll have them acting like your marketing force at launch. In the end, a well-run beta can do wonders to the quality of the launched software. So please don't go poo-pooing beta testing. Yes it's an abused term but it's still a good thing for those that know how to do it.