Explanation of TAP

Technology Adoption Program (TAP )

- The granddaddy of Microsoft's beta programs centered on a core group of key customers and partners who are early adopters of key Microsoft technologies;

- Not a replacement for Microsoft's mega-beta tests (public and private) for products such as Windows, Office and Visual Studio. Instead, it's more of an "elite" beta-test program;

- Launced Winter 2003 which supersedes Microsoft's Early Adoption Program (EAP), Joint Development Program (JDP) & Rapid Deployment Program (RDP);

- Reserved for a select group of customers and partners with whom Microsoft is interested in holding "an ongoing dialogue on pre-release code," according to the company;

- All TAP participants are those who plan to put the beta code into early production;

- "TAP is a framework that gives customers a consistent view of pre-release customer programs," said Linda Apsley, lead program manager with Microsoft's Customer Experience Team;

- It is currently consists of four different programs namely: 1) Product validation (similar to the JDP); 2) Product evaluation (like a traditional beta program); 3) Rapid deployment (akin to the Microsoft RDP); 4) A new "solutions implementation" program that covers the post-RTM product phase.