Alpha represents step 1. Tests are all pre-Alpha to get to a position where we could stabilise a full p2p network and offer the client experience for developers to really dig in and move the API forward there.
Now on Monday we are all in Data chains and allowing vaults to handle asymmetric capabilities on the network. This will take a lot of focus, but the front facing part needs to move on as well. So now it can, to ensure devs get all they need. SafeCoin and messaging are small in comparison but will get held until the vaults can be downloaded by anyone again.
The separate test networks will continue with downloadable vaults from the 23rd this month. That is where a large focus will be in terms of Engineering and I personally hope Alpha2 or perhaps 3 will see this all being a single network again (it’s hard work all the test setup//pulldown).
Now though we want developers and people to really see what’s coming and reach out beyond the community to spread the word and join us in this trip. So the Alpha represents our foot in the sand form the public’s perspective and allows a larger base of adoption.
All in all it means tests are good enough to now call Alpha release schedule start, from here we hope there is a much more focussed approach to releases where we move to regular upgrades that are managed and articulated to a wider audience.
I think as far as deliverables go we are on the right track to ensure a clean user experience as we start to add many more features, otherwise we will flood devs with huge API’s etc. right now they can jump in and really push the boundaries, allowing us to hammer down each method/interface as we go.