During the last few weeks we worked on an iPad app that allows you to sketch out business models and simulate it’s viability with ballpark figures. Though the app is still very basic I have no doubt it’s going to become a game changer. Now you have the opportunity to be among the first to test and influence the app by joining our Alpha version testing team.
Last week we created a new company – The Business Model Foundry – to design, develop, and market a whole new range of software-supported tools that shall help you think through, prototype, test, implement, and manage new business models. The first tool we are working on is an app for the iPad, which will allow you to quickly sketch and simulate business models (as I outlined in my last blogpost). Since this is a totally new tool on a totally new device we decided to test it at a very early development stage already.
This sits well with two concepts I recently became a fan of: The Minimal Viable Product by Eric Ries and Customer Development by Steve Blank (who runs one of my favorite blogs). Both stress the importance of testing (software) products and business models with customers at an early stage and developing them in an iterative fashion.
However, we thought it would be a bit boring to just give potential customers access to the early-stage software. Hence, we opted for a more innovative approach: For 150.- USD you can join the exclusive circle of the Alpha Testing Team, which will be involved in the development of the BMGEN iPad App. What will you get?
- Exclusive access to Alpha test versions of the BMGEN iPad App (starting end of this week/early next week – June 11/14
- Free lifetime upgrade to all subsequent versions
- Mention of your participation in the software project
- Ability to give feedback and influence the development of features and functions
- You need an iPad to be able to install the Alpha test versions
- The early Alpha versions will be extremely raw with limited functionality
- We will slowly, but steadily build this app into a game changer
- The first Alpha test App will be available at the end of this week/early next week (June 11/14, 2010)
- Read the Alpha Testing License Agreement (pdf)
- First basic App in the iTunes Store to appear somewhere in
July/early AugustOctober for about 29.99 USD (without lifetime upgrade of course)
If this sounds exciting, please consider joining. Our ambition is not only to create a simple iPad App, but to revolutionize the way innovative business models are conceived and managed. In fact, we are aiming to change the way entrepreneurs and managers work on new business model projects. If you have an iPad, get access to the Alpha test version.
CAVEAT:
Please take note of the following important points before buying access:
And now come and join us in the club of game changers. This promises to be an exciting journey and even more influential than the Business Model Generation Book (which will be is available in retail outlets across the world US in July!!)… Get access to the very first iPad Business Model App Alpha version now.
THE TESTERS TEAM NOW REACH OVER 70 PEOPLE – UNFORTUNATELY, WE CAN’T ACCEPT ANYMORE NEW PURCHASES. THE APP SHOULD BE IN THE APP STORE BY OCTOBER
Let me get this straight. Instead of you paying me to help you develop your product, you want me to pay you money to be allowed to try out your app and give you feedback?
It’s your choice… We are giving you the opportunity to join. If you don’t like the idea you don’t have to consider it
By the way… the first people already signed-up in the meantime…
Alex, are you looking for people engaged in the business model design or anyone interested could join the alpha testing team ?
Don’t get me wrong, I love the book and recommend it to everybody. This Alpha Testing Team just sounds like a strange concept to me. I’m really interested in a status post a few weeks in on how it worked out for you. I love to broaden my horizon
Olivier, anybody who’s interested in the project and app should join. We’re simply looking for the most motivated people who would like to be part of this…
Seems like an interesting development and opportunity. Just joined.
I’m looking (like I always do) for the Win/Win inside of this deal and, frankly, since I’m not sure that I’m finding it (yet), I think I’ll wait for the next offer.
Great idea this MVP for the BMGEN iPAD apps. I’m interested. I read the testing agreement but can you also provide the agreement that states that I as an alpha tester has a life time free update to subsequent versions
Is there a limit to the number of alpha testers? I’m wondering if it’s too late to join.
Has the alpha app been released yet?
Charles, there is no limit. You can still sign up to the exclusive club of testers…
Looking for another motivated iPad Developer to join the ranks per chance?
Why not
Interesting concept. What is the current state of play?
Current state: We’re testing some first iterations of the test app now… And we brought together an exclusive team of 30 Alpha-Testers
“[app in iTunes app store] without lifetime upgrade of course”
I thought apps in iTunes usually comes _with_ lifetime upgrades, but maybe that’s just me…
You keep using the word “join” to describe the action required. The only action I can find is “buy.” Is there a way to join the test team without paying $150?
We have 30+ testers who found it worthwhile to pay. It’s a barrier to entry.
Hi there – I am wondering if it is too late to join or if you are still looking for participants?
Of course you can still join – the release date has been pushed back to end of August…
Alex,
stop travelling and work on this app!!! we need it
Hope we see it soon on our iPads.
Note: just joined Alfa Testers’
Alex,
Will it be an application for any mac computer or will it be exclusive for the ipad?
The first version will be for the iPad and then we will work on something for the Web.
Hi Alex,
When will the app be released?
Thanks
The first basic app will be released some time end of September/beginning of October.
Hello Alex,
Is it over? I mean, can I join now and how I can be a part of the team because I am staying in India.
Thanks.
Still time to join
Question
When is this app expected to hit the app store.
Just wondering – if there is a point in signing up to this – if the app is going to be released next week.
Thanks
Mikey, the app will be released end of Sept or Oct. If you pay the 150.- USD you’ll get a lifetime upgrade… That’s the difference
You can of course wait and pay 29.- USD when we’re ready…
Hi guys! I’ve just got my iPad (special ordered for testing your App)! If it’s not to late I would join in. By the way Alex, Wiley accepted my offer for the Romanian Edition of #bmgen … I am waiting for the contract …
)
Any chance there will be a Android version?
Yes, but not planned immediately…
The question is: when precisely can we expect to have this app available in the real world?
Thanks!
We are suffering just as much as you are
I can’t give you a date… we’re getting closer to a launch, though.
Can I still join?
No more slots available, unfortunately. There are only a limited number of licenses provided by Apple.