Difference between Pilot and Beta Testing.

Pilot testing involves having a group of end users try the system prior to its full deployment in order to give feedback on its performance.

Beta testing is testing of the product in the user environment.

From the definitions, its is evident that beta testing comes at last in development cycle; whereas pilot testing takes place before deployment of the system. Also, beta testing takes place in real time user environment and pilot testing in development environment. A selected group of users do pilot testing whereas beta testing is carried by all users.