Gmail (beta)

As defined by Wikipedia, the beta release of a software program is

...the stage in which a feature complete software, known as Beta Release or Beta Version is released to enthusiastic public for software testing before its official release. Beta testing allows the software to undergo usability testing with users who provide feedback, so that any malfunctions these users find in the software can be reported to the developers and fixed.

You may also note that

...beta version software is likely to be useful for internal demonstrations and previews to select customers, but unstable and not yet ready for release. Some developers refer to this stage as a preview, a prototype, a technical preview (TP) or as an early access.

I bring this up for a very important reason. Google's email service, Gmail, has been considered a Beta release ever since it was released, March 2004. That's closing in on 5 years. But let's look deeper at each part:

is released...for software testing before its official release
When is Gmail's official release? As it hasn't happened yet, I assume some time in the future. This, by definition, means that Gmail is still in its unofficial release stages.

allows the software to undergo usability testing
Indeed. There has been MUCH usability testing with Gmail over the years. I've sent in a couple of comments myself to improve the service.

but unstable and not yet ready for release
Unstable? Certainly not. For as long as I've been using Gmail, I don't remember any stability issues. It's always seemed to work quite well for me.

a preview, a prototype, ...or as early access
I have a hard time believing that this is a mere "preview" or "prototype". They've steadily added more and more features over the years that it makes me ask, When will software be considered "ready" for release? In today's world, technology advances so quickly that it is almost silly to think that once they officially release they won't add to it.

So why is Gmail still in its beta phase? I have no idea. It seems to me like it shouldn't be. But I don't make millions or work for Google. Eh...