Community Technical Preview

(C-T-P)

A term used by software makers and perhaps others to describe an advanced beta release of a product to Information Technology administrators at larger companies. The CTP gives the IT administrators a preview so they can plan for larger upgrades (or avoid them if glitches are found in the testing). It's an important step in the release process as IT administrators must understand fully application compatibility issues for both commercial and custom software when new or upgraded software is rolled out throughout a company.

A CTP also allows administrators and others obtaining an advanced copy to make enhancements to the software. For example, Windows Vista includes the ability to develop "gadgets" for the operating system. Gadgets are small XML applications that can deliver real-time data and be docked into the Vista sidebar. Gadgets to help in the corporate environment can be developed in advance of roll-out.

Often more thanone CTP releases are made for a complicated product like a new operating system.

More Information

• Microsoft Vista CTP Press Release