How long is the Beta?

Often times we feel that companies like Microsoft and others release software to the public before it is ready for prime time. But, consider the opposite - being in beta forever. Is that any good? What does that indicate?

If you are wondering what company indulges in such tactics - Google, for one. The Google groups has been in beta ever since they acquired Deja News (remember them). Gmail has been in beta for over a year.

I wonder if it has to do with the way they report revenues. Maybe, they don't have to report revenues / provide details regarding the performance of services that are in beta.

Now, if that is true I consider that as evil.