Important questions

Hello everyone,

sorry about the length- but I do believe it's important questions that will help many other potential buyers.

I've done some reading about php based common forum platforms and I'm facing hard decision situation.

I've watched the demo forum and as a retired SEO expert (without any technical skills) I can tell you did a magnificent work- it's very impressive!

I've done the reading part and now I need some help with the following technical questions before I can decide to purchase this system.

-It would be very appreciated if you answer by the items numbers so we can have more clarity and ongoing discussion…
My assessment is that the forum platform will handle after 12 month:
· 5000 registers users
· 50,000 posts
· About 50 registered users simultaneity
· 5000 new post / month

The forum would be important part of the future web site.
So the questions :

1.Regarding server processing load
1.1.Does the rewrite mode load the web server to the point that shared hosting isn't an option? (regarding the assessment figures)
1.2.If it is…- can you tell me please what / server requirements will handle it in a smooth way?
1.3.How much the forum encryption affects the server performance?
1.4.Can you sent logs of your own machine?

2.User management API (application programming interface)
Here's the short explanation:
I looking for a way that registered users will able to open new forum threads in two ways:
1- User interface that is not part of the forum interface
2- Support option 1 above, and keep support the regular forum interface at the same time. (Don't worried about duplicated content…I'll figure it out)
2.1.Do you have a users management API or plug-in, documentation or something that can help?

3.Importing, exporting to other platforms
3.1.Do I have the option to switch to other platform like phpbb etc.
3.2.and if so…what about the existing url's that google already know…?
3.3.If you will develop a tool to import or export all forum content, and general structure including links and existing urls to other platform…– what is the schedule?

4.Pricing installing and upgrades
4.1.I didn't find out what the payment includes. Can you please refer me to the commercial agreement or other paper regarding this points ?
4.2.I'm looking for technical expert to install and configure the system – I looking for person to do it…

Hope it's not too much for you guys

Thanks

Hello Dror

Let me try to answer your questions.

1. Regarding server processing load
1.1 mod_rewrite adds a small load to server and in most cases this is not recognizable at all. I personally used vBSEO on a shared hosting with stats like that.
1.2 Virtual servers will handle the stats you give above and more.
1.3 Not recognizable at all
1.4 I didn't understand this so i want to pass

2 User management API
I believe this questions shall be asked to vBulletin.

3. Importing exporting other platforms
3.1 Yes you always have an option to change your forum software but you need to make sure the forum system you choose must have an importer.
3.2 If they have a seo system like vBSEO you can always create global 301 redirect rules to match your new url format.
3.3 vBSEO has no intention of developing a tool like that since vBSEO is a SEO addon for vBulletin. However vBulletin has an importer system from several different platromfs which is named Impex. On the other case vBSEO Support Staff can asist you on creating 301 redirect rules for your existing system.

4.Pricing installing and upgrades
4.1 The payment includes 1 vBSEO license which you can use forever. However your download privilidges and priority support will end after 1 year. You need to renew your license after 1 year. The renewal fee is 35$
4.2 You can always create a support ticket and request installation asistance.

I hope all the questions are answered

Thanks Mert,

-appreciate the fast detailed answer

Regarding 1.4 ... I thought that the machine hardware details with the server activity logs(CPU, RAM H.D etc) will give a nice real view about the performance and machine specifications in production informant.
I know it’s not an usual request – but it would help me…

Regarding 2/0 2 User management API
Do you aware of a tool / supported option on vBulletin…and if they do have it – would you be compatible with it ?

– thanks !

Originally Posted by verygood

Thanks Mert,

-appreciate the fast detailed answer

... in production informant = information

typo

I can give my own server stats to you. My server specs are : Core2Duo 1.8 2 gb Ram 2x 120gb ide hdd. I am running lighttpd , php 5.2.3 mysql 5.0.41 , xcache as php accelerator and memcached as datastore accelerator. I usually have 200~250 people online simultaneity and my load levels average is 0.30 0.35 0.30

For the second part can you explain what you are planning to do a little bit. I believe it can be done but i just want to fully understand

OK - but I'll P.M this one...