Define the terms alpha version, beta version, and production version. Are there well-defined ...

An alpha version is a system that is incomplete but ready for some level of rigorous testing. A beta version is a system that is stable enough to be tested by end users. A production version is a system that is formally distributed to users or made operational.

Because users test beta versions by using them to do real work, an alpha version must meet the following criteria to become a beta version: the software must be nearly complete, and it must not be susceptible to severe crashes or other productivity-thwarting behaviors.

A beta version usually becomes a production version after successful acceptance testing.