Understanding the Innovation Lab in Demandbase

Innovation Lab in Demandbase is an in-product hub for Beta programs. It allows customers to discover, sign up for, and safely test Beta programs and AI innovations within Demandbase One. If you’re interested in exploring new functionality before general availability and helping shape the future of the product, Innovation Lab is your starting point.

Innovation Lab aligns with Demandbase’s formal software release stages, ensuring controlled testing, measurable outcomes, and tenant-level governance.

See FAQs: Innovation Lab.

How Innovation Lab Works

Innovation Lab provides a structured, end-to-end process for launching, managing, and measuring Beta programs within Demandbase One.

1. Beta Program Listing: Demandbase publishes a Beta program in Innovation Lab.
2. Eligibility & Success Criteria Defined: Before signups open, eligibility requirements, capacity limits, and measurable exit criteria are defined so customers can determine whether they qualify.
3. Customer Signups: Customers submit a short form with a brief explanation of why they want to participate in the Beta; Demandbase reviews and manages participation.
4. Beta Program Enablement: Access is controlled via feature flags for safe rollout and rollback.
5. Measurement & Iteration: Demandbase evaluates usage metrics and qualitative feedback.
6. Graduation or Learnings: Beta program graduates to General Audience only after meeting exit criteria.

Beta Program Overview

What Defines a Beta Program

• Deliver meaningful customer value (beyond MVP).
• Has no critical defects.
• Is available to a limited set of participants.
• May undergo active development.
• Requires clear, measurable success criteria before launch.

Beta Program Types

Customers may see the following Beta program types in Innovation Lab:

• Closed Beta: Invitation or approval-based participation.
• Auto Opt-In Beta: Eligible tenants are enrolled by default, while tenant admins retain tenant-level opt-out control.
• GA with Beta Tag:  A rare, reviewed case where a feature launches as GA while final validation continues. Often used for larger initiatives that roll out in phases.

Beta Program Access Levels

Demandbase can grant access to Beta programs at different levels based on the intended scope of participation. This flexible approach enables controlled testing with specific users or broader access across an entire tenant, depending on business needs and rollout strategy.

• User Level: Beta access to designated individuals only.
• Tenant Level: Beta access to all users within the tenant.

Support and SLAs for Beta Programs

During the Beta period, programs are supported through a structured but limited support model to enable testing while managing risk and expectations.

• Beta programs are not covered by standard SLAs.
• Demandbase product and account teams support Beta program participants.
• Support troubleshoots issues as outlined in the Beta program listing.
• For security-related questions, contact security@demandbase.com.

Data, Privacy, and Security for Beta Programs

Innovation Lab maintains tenant-level controls and follows Demandbase platform security and governance standards. If additional data handling is required for a Beta, it is clearly documented.

Steps: Join a Beta Program

1. From the left navigation bar, go to Innovation Lab.
2. Go to a Beta program and click Join Beta Program.
   Important: If Beta reaches capacity, signups are closed.
   
3. Review the Beta program overview and approval criteria.
4. In the text box, briefly describe why you’d like to join the Beta program. Include your use case and what you hope to achieve.
5. Click Submit Request.
   
6. Once you submit your request, the Beta program button changes to Request Pending. The Project Manager evaluates whether you meet the Beta criteria. If accepted, follow the steps in Steps: Get Started with a Beta Program. 
   Important: You can contact your Customer Success Manager to learn about current or upcoming Beta programs. If you cannot access a listing, submit a support ticket with the Beta program name and your Tenant ID.

Steps: Get Started with a Beta Program

1. Once your request to join a Beta program is approved, from the left navigation bar, go to Innovation Lab.
2. Go to the Beta program and click Get Started.
   
3. Test the feature and share your feedback. Each Beta program includes a feedback workflow and guidance from the Product Manager.