Back in May, we hired a new Client Support Specialist. He is a very bright individual, but new to our technology and our line of business. Now, four months later, he and I were having a discussion about a few customer issues, and I was struck by how, well, comfortable, he looked.
I commented on this, and he told me that while he is more comfortable, he considers himself “Permanent Beta”. I had never heard that term before (a phrase I believe coined by Reid Hoffman earlier this year). I love the term, much more high tech than ‘work in progress’
I did a bit of googling and found numerous references to ‘Permanent Beta’. Ironically, this term has both positive and negative connotations. The positives being continuous improvement, self improvement, etc. The negatives were in articles about products that are never finished (example: Google Apps End Their State of Permanent Beta).
Frankly, I like the idea! Is ‘never finished’ a bad thing?
When I joined the iPhone set, I thought it was really cool that Apps are updated continuously, with no requirement for me to go somewhere to get the update.
I am happy to see technology that brings me along. I don’t have time to look for version 5.1.3.2.55 or whatever.
So, who would complain about ‘Permanent Beta’?
– People and organizations that are rigid.
– People and organizations using products or technology that require ‘big-bang’ implementations.
– People and organizations that want things ‘the way they used to be’
Not me, I’m loving this idea.
I just joined the local rec center, I’m there every morning, huffing and puffing on the treadmill, lifting embarrassingly small amounts of weight on the machines. No matter. I feel better, I have more energy. I’m permanent beta.
Let’s talk eProcurement. A year ago I didn’t know what it was. today I’m creating punch-out supplier connections, loading local catalogs. I’m permanent beta.
Y’all better get on this band wagon. The Permanent Beta train is leaving the station and it NEVER STOPS.
The alternative? You get left behind.
– RTR
Real Time Rick 
Nice post. Glad to hear he’s doing well and progressing.