Prototype, MVP, pilot & release stages · Core
Alpha
Also called: alpha release
ELI5
A very early test version.
Used in conversation
“The alpha is restricted to employees and design partners.”
Definition
An early product stage used for internal or limited testing while significant change and defects remain.
Here “Alpha” means: An early product stage used for internal or limited testing while significant change and defects remain.
Pitch context
You will see “Alpha” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches prototype, mvp, pilot & release stages.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret prototype, mvp, pilot & release stages without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 2
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16