Wired reports on the Perpetual Beta trend:
Many observers think not and suggest that a reliance on a perpetual beta period does users and developers alike a disservice.
Companies may also keep their products in beta indefinitely because during that period, they are likely soliciting invaluable usability input from users -- something they may no longer be able to do once they tell the world they have finished a product.
Perpetual Beta, doing a disservice to web users since 1999.