Partner XE Beta Testing “Insures” Success

Partner XE testing continues to forge ahead, getting us closer and closer to the highly anticipated release of our new management system. In the April issue of Partner Preview, we explained the three main phases of testing—Alpha, Beta, controlled production and general rollout.

SIS is happy to report that Alpha testing has been finalized, moving us into the Beta stage. Participating agencies are now testing with their converted Partner 6.2 data and helping us to finalize our pre-conversion and post-conversion checklist.

“We are also testing our hosting functionality/capability via our production grade ASP servers,” SIS Systems Supervisor Nolan Davis explained. “Beta agencies are responsible for testing and running dual systems (Partner 6.2 and Partner XE) in their current agency workflow environment. This gives us valuable feedback to guarantee XE is ready for release.”

Approximately ten agencies are participating in Beta testing. One of these agencies is NASPA President Ron Binning’s company, Binning & Dickens Insurance Services Ltd., located in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

“We signed up to be Beta testers because we wanted to get a sneak peak at Partner XE,” said Joan Calhoun of Binning & Dickens Insurance Services. “Also, we thought it would help us get ahead of the game for when it’s released.”

“I’m really looking forward to the improved data management and real-time communication in XE,” she added. “During this testing phase, we’re seeing a lot of great improvements. But, at the same time, it’s nice to see some familiar things in Partner XE. It’s just re-arranged for ease-of-use.” Additional information regarding the controlled production and general rollout process for Partner XE will be coming out over the next several months once Beta testing is completed.