The Full Form of OBT is Open Beta Test.

Open and closed beta

Developers may release either a closed beta also called private beta, or an open beta also called public beta; closed beta versions are released to a restricted group of individuals for a user test by invitation, while open beta testers are from a larger group, or anyone interested.

Beta testing is an opportunity for real users to use a product in a production environment, with the goal of uncovering any bugs or issues so they can be addressed before a general release.

Beta testing is the final round of testing before a product is finally released to a wide audience. The objective is to uncover as many bugs or usability issues as possible in this controlled setting.

Beta testers are “real” users and conduct their testing in a production environment running on the same hardware, networks, etc., as the final release. This also means it’s the first chance for full security and reliability testing because those tests can’t be conducted in a lab or stage environment.

Beta tests can either be open or closed. In an open beta test, anyone is able to use the product and is usually presented with some messaging that the product is in beta and given a method for submitting feedback. In a closed beta, the testing is limited to a specific set of testers, who may be composed of current customers, early adopters and/or paid beta testers. Sometimes they are conducted by diverting a certain percentage of users to the beta site instead of the current release.

Beta testing can either last for a set period of time or run until new issues stop being reported and all-important ones have been addressed.