Discussion Forum Software Evaluation - Summary
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Followed 90 links to discussion board software websites. Some software would not run on our servers, and other software was disqualified for various reasons. 23 applications remained, and were further pruned down to a selection of 9. PHPBB, UBB, and YABB were desirable but had potential security problems. More study on those problems may be in order. Detailed analysis of the evaluation is available here. Forums are listed in order of preference. |
1: Snitz Forums
Requirements: ASP, SQL Server 7/2000 Positive Comments: Fast, versatile, uses NT Authentication Negative Comments: None Price: Free Support: Support forum |
2: ASP Playground.NET Forum
Requirements: ASP, SQL Server 2000 Standard or Enterprise edition OR MSDE 2000 w/o Case Sensitivity Positive Comments: Looks very nice and clean, runs fast, has a calendar with recurring events, many slick features Negative Comments: None Price: $297 until October 22 Support: Support forums, email |
3: ASP Message Board (AMB)
Requirements: ASP, SQL 7.0 & 2000, Access 97/2000 Positive Comments: Looks great and runs fast Negative Comments: None Price: $150 for 1 server, $30 per year for upgrades Support: Support forums, email |
4: Encore Web Forum
Requirements: "Encore Simplex Database," SQL Server optional, Perl, CGI Positive Comments: Very colorful, nice-looking layout, runs fast Negative Comments: None Price: $160 (includes Simplex Database) Support: Email, Support forum |
5: Active Data Online MessageBoard2000
Requirements: ASP.NET - needs Microsoft .NET framework version 1.1, SQL Server 2000 Positive Comments: Built-in support for Windows authentication Negative Comments: Discussion forum appears inactive Price: $500 Support: Email (note License Agreement, Item 3) |
6: Toast Forums
Requirements: Windows, IIS Positive Comments: Extensive message formatting options, seems fast Negative Comments: None Price: $149, $499 with source code Support: Email, Support forum |