Joining a beta program is not only about bragging rights - yes it is cool to be running an OS or app months before it is available to the general public, but the beta program is really about getting the product ready for release and as a beta tester you have responsabilities that cannot be ignored.
1- Report bugs through the proper channels so that they can be fixed. Do so in detail because the dev team are always inundated and just typing 'Messenger doesn't work' is not useful. If you post 'When using MSN Messenger 7.5 in Windows Vista Build 5270 the sounds are not returned even though the settings are correct' gives them a better starting point.
2- Participate in on-line forums. That makes us all stronger than the sum of our parts, and will make the beta process more effective.
3- Fill out surveys when asked. This is the best way for you to influence the future of the products!
Right now there is an SBS Community survey that you should find under connect.microsoft.com participation which is direct feedback to the SBS Community team in Redmond that is crucial to the development of the SBS product and how it is delivered to you the IT Professional. It is really crucial that surveys like these be completed so that Microsoft can better serve us.
On another note last week's events were spectacular. Apparently Windows Vista and Office 2007 are relatively popular topics, and we at MITPro are listening. We will continue to deliver this material in the coming months leading to the release of the products, and look forward to seeing you there!