Alpha and Beta Testing
For each new release of SolidWorks, there are two testing phases in which we invite customer input; Alpha and Beta testing. The alpha testing is done by invitation only and these customer come from our beta program. The beta program is run after the alpha testing is complete. Notices for beta testing are placed on the subscription service support web site. While we limit the number of beta testers, it is open to all subscription service customers.

Early Visiblity Program

The purpose of the SolidWorks “Early Visibility” program is to provide extended review and testing of a service pack by a limited number of customers prior to general release.

The Early Visibility program provides an opportunity for customers to test a Service Pack before it goes on general release. Problems identified in the Early Visibility release will be evaluated for severity. Critical issues will be fixed prior to the general release of the Service Pack. If no critical issues are identified, the Early Visibility Service Pack will go on general release with no changes.

To learn more about or join this program, visit the Early Visibility program page.

Performance Feedback

SolidWorks would like to ask users to send in the performance feedback logs from their SolidWorks sessions. SolidWorks uses this information to determine trends concerning product usage and quality. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality product and the performance logs are a useful tool in this process. The information in the logs includes:

• Call stacks data for instability issues. This data is used to determine operations that cause quality related issues. Providing this data helps SolidWorks identify these problems and have them fixed quickly.
• System, processor, memory (size and type), and OS version.
• SolidWorks version and serial number.
• Toolbars and add-ins active.
• Video card type and driver.
• Command usage (information is limited to which ones were used).

All information contained within the log files are treated confidentially and will be reviewed for usage trends and quality purposes only. This information is not used for any other purpose and no one will contact you.

For more information, see the SolidWorks Privacy Policy. You can change your participation in the program by clicking Tools, Options, System Options, General , then check Enable performance feedback.

Enhancement Requests

Subscription service customers can request enhancements to the software via a web request form. These requests are reviewed and the feedback is included in future planning.
Visit the enhancement request form page.

In addition, each year at SolidWorks World, we compile a top 10 list from customer votes.
Find out more about SolidWorks World.

Surveys

There are two types of surveys we use; the first is the annual customer survey sent to all customers who have registered their e-mail address with SolidWorks. This feedback is used to determine your satisfaction with the product, technical support, training, the level and effectiveness of our communication, and overall satisfaction with SolidWorks Corp.

The other type of surveys we perform are focused at a specific topic. These surveys appear on the main support page under the News and Announcements section.

Discussion Forums
SolidWorks hosts public and private, subscription service customers only, web-based discussion forums. The purpose of the discussion forums:

1. To discuss designing, drafting, programming, and administration of SolidWorks CAD systems and SolidWorks-related products.
2. To share ideas, information, and specific experience regarding the use of SolidWorks and SolidWorks-related products.
3. To discuss third-party add-on products for SolidWorks.
4. To discuss enhancements concerning SolidWorks and SolidWorks-related products.
5. To educate and inform others about the strengths, weaknesses, and general usage of SolidWorks and SolidWorks-related products.

Links:

SolidWorks subscription service private forum

SolidWorks public forum