Often, customer beta programs are one of the most critical factors in the success or failure of a product. Yet many times they are not well-planned and are executed at the last minute with a lack of resources and focus. An effective beta program can provide you with valuable information, such as whether your product is truly ready to ship, what features should be in the next release and how satisfied customers will or won't be with the product. If done right, it can also set you up for critical launch and marketing deliverables such as success stories, customer quotes and references for the press. As a Product Management professional who is responsible for the overall success of your product, it is important that you ensure that the beta programs you run are comprehensive and effective.