Just as it says. I'm sure this has been explained a thousand times, but what is the difference between Pilot vs Preview?
We are switching to v16 soon and I'm testing some stuff in Tessitura Web. Some of the items say "Preview" next to it and others say "Pilot." I know both generically mean they aren't in the general release currently (meaning they won't be in PROD and we can't use them).
Basically I just want to know which one means we get it sooner?
I don't know that it has been clarified and it's certainly not a dumb question. I can try a dumb answer though and I'm sure there are loads of folks can/will do a more accurate job.
Software (and loads of stuff like art) go through development stages and there is a huge area of study in that often weaving in Project Management methodology like agile. The reason is to provide s better system of building and testing in bursts that can be more in line with what the market/customer wants and to give features in a timely and tested manner, and save the costs of taking 5 years to build a lemon. People use the terms a little differently but you'll hear Proof of Concept, Prototype, MVP and Pilot used in succession.
Early on after the ideas have been formulated it often starts with a Proof of Concept. Is your theory worth pursuing technically and/or financially? Rough draft script readings, can be a Proof of Concept in theatre. That is a limited build to test your hypothesis in controlled conditions. e.g. can you book a ticket via a web interface and take payment?
If you are ok with that you can Prototype features to test whether parts of the idea can work. You do enough protypes (alphas) till you understand your Minimum Viable Product. That should give you the estimated cost of the a roadmap for getting up a Pilot.
Once you know it's worth trying, and the prototypes and MVP is sound you can build in the architecture to get a Pilot. A pilot has enough features that it's testable but not ready to be rolled into Production. There might be limits as you invite UAT testing on almost ready features. TV pilots are common. Seinfeld discovered they needed Elaine in the Pilot and Star Trek had a completely different captain. Either way the show format stayed the same.
Preview versions are in final testing and have been integrated into a future version of production. Previews are aimed at a more open audience. There might be a last minute bug or two and some tightening of the integration but it's past build.
Hope that makes sense. It's how Ive come to understand how the production line works generally for tech (and arts and science). Tessitura might be a little different though in their process.
Thanks Heath, I found your explanation of the development process enlightening - and I love your arts-related examples!
Once again, Heath, you come up with a very smart yet entirely relatable and easy to understand explanation for something that isn't always simple!