Seeking Beta Testers…

[eric]

I’m on a team that is developing a Requirements and Release Management tool called Contour (http://www.jamasoftware.com). We are seeking beta testers, or anyone interested in helping shape development of a light-weight web-based RM tool.

The goal of the project is to create a tool that is quick to setup and start using and supports a variety of development methodologies. We are using Ajax extensively to create a web-based tool that functions more like a desktop app.

An online demo is available and a link to product discussion forums at www.jamasoftware.com.

Benefits of joining the beta program include “influencing” product features, free usage through year end and 50% discount on subsequent purchases. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Regards,
Eric

[MTalbot]

Just curious, but how did you go about gathering requirements for your tool? Was this based on experience within the company on gathering requirements, or did you work with external users to gather requirements?

[eric]

Good question... we used a combination of team experience and outside user input. Interaction with outside users consisted of individual 1:1 interviews, surveys and prototypes to generate use cases and the requirements document.

About 6 weeks ago, we started tasting our own medici.. I mean using our own tool to manage requirements for the requirements management tool :). Using Contour has generated much internal discussion and resulted in "fine tuning" of features and flows. We plan to open our internal instance to the public soon.

We are at a critical stage where broader input is needed and real world usage. I'm sure there are many features and needs that we missed or didn't clearly understand - as with any system. We are releasing about twice a month, so it's nice being able to identify high priority items and be able to use them quickly.

[joe]

This sounds exciting, eric. I'd like to check it out. Can you send me some information on the beta? My email is in my profile.

joe

[june1949]

I'd be interested in learning more as well. I am in the process of evaluating RM tools for my BAs and would be happy to give it a try!

[MGoyal]

I'm also interested in learning more about this tool.