FORUM SOFTWARE CHANGE: SMF 2 -> IPB 3 SIGNIFICANT DOWNTIME EXPECTED

[DZComposer]

EDIT: Final plan:

OK, so here's what is going to happen. If I receive the installer today, I will immediately put SMF into maintenance mode and begin the process of moving.

If I do not, than later this evening I will put SMF into maintenance mode to freeze the database so that I can get a good backup. How long downtime on Monday would be is dependent on when I get the installer. If it get it early in the morning, I will try to have a functional IPB up and running by mid-day. If I get it later, class will prevent me from installing it immediately.

As much as I love SMF, I no longer feel it is the best option for our community. We're growing, and with that comes the need for better management and security.

We will be moving to Invision Power Services IP.Board 3 ("IPB"). This is the same forum software used by many major sites, including NASA, Skype, and NBC and is the #2 selling commercial forum package (the other is vBulletin).

IPB will give us better features, better customization options, better moderator functions, and better security.

IPB has better media functions, and will give the ability to embed video from sites other than just YouTube.

Social Media connections are available if you wish to link to your FB page, Twitter, or Steam account.

Better moderation controls, including the ability to out problem members on a post approval system.

Connection to the IPB Spammer database to help keep bots out

A "wall" in your profile that other members can post to

Better PM management

Buddy-List and Ignore-List

IPB iPhone app - If you have an iPhone, you can get an iPhone-optimized interface to the forums ( http://www.invisionpower.com/suite/iphone )

Custom BBCode

Later tonight, the forums will be put into maintenance mode in order to freeze the database. Unlike the SMF version updates, there WILL be downtime. And there WILL be significant things to fix before we're back to 100%. But in the end, we'll have better forums. I will try to have IPB functional by tomorrow morning. After that it will take a few days to get everything customized and perfected.

I will make the transition as smooth as I can, but it will be a bit bumpy. Especially since there will be a learning curve for all of us, myself included as I have never used IPB before.

["User"]

I'm looking forward to this!  I did some work as a tech admin of Star Fox HQ which ran a free version of IPB (IP.Board 2.3.0) so I'm somewhat familiar with how to use it.  Although from what I see this version will be a heck of a lot better.

[Fire Yoshi]

Sounds awesome!  Better customization is always an ups for me, can't wait for the makeover. :)

[FoxMcCloud]

Sounds exciting!!! I am lookign forward to the changes

[DZComposer]

Hmm... It may have to wait until Monday, as they have to manually approve all orders and they are closed Saturday and Sunday.

[Fureox]

Ooo this seems pretty cool, can't wait :)

[DZComposer]

Oh, it is worth mentioning that all posts and other such things will be saved.

[TheRedFox8]

Which has to be obvious, right?

Heh, doubt you'd make the switch if everything was wiped! 

[Nova]

IPB iPhone app - If you have an iPhone, you can get an iPhone-optimized interface to the forums ( http://www.invisionpower.com/suite/iphone )

I approve.

["User"]

I approve.

I thought you retired? 

[Nova]

I thought you retired? 

Yeaah, But I still like to read and stay current. The retirement was more to stop being an ass to everyone.

The Iphone app makes it UBER easy to read SFO while im in bed or taking a bath.

[Sideways]

Who uses their iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad in the bath?  :trollface:

["User"]

Who uses their iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad in the bath? 

Pfffft...only kids take bathes.  I once browsed SF-O while taking a shower.  :trollface:

[The Shaper]

Pfffft...only kids take bathes.  I once browsed SF-O while taking a shower. 

And I once browsed SF-O while being shot at but you don't see me braggin' about that.  :trollface:

[Nova]

Who uses their iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad in the bath? 

My touch/feel senses are more sensitive than the average person. When I take a bath/swim for a period of time my skin becomes very smooth and it causes an indescribable feeling when I rub different materials like jeans, cotton, silk (omfg silk <3) and other materials. My friends will often see me rubbing my hands on my jeans and other materials over and over. Its hard to explain but its good. I like.

Iphone passes teh time in the bath.

[Fureox]

I hope the change solves the logging out problem.

I'm getting hit with it pretty hard.

[Redeemer]

I trust your logic, DZ, make the move. :)

[fox1235]

Hey, I heard these come with there own chatrooms.

Will we be getting them?

[Shinigami]

I can offer my help if you need it DZ; I've got experience with Invisionfree which is similar to IPB, methinks.  Of course I'm in college so I won't be around every day of the week, but regardless--if you guys have any trouble I'll do what I can to try and help you staffers get used to it.

[Scott7]

Will the site still have the same layout as it does now?

[DZComposer]

It will be similar. But since they are different software, there will be differences. Especially on profile pages.

I will try to build the custom theme as close to this one as I can. IPB is known to be easy to theme (unlike vB), so that is a plus for me.

[Icy]

I guess DZ will make an SF type of theme for IPB, but I don't think it's compatible with SMF themes.

Good luck on changing software, DZ, and I hope the transition is as smooth as possible.

As much as I hate anything other than SMF, I will still be just as active here.

BTW, just wondering, but do iPhone apps like the one you mentioned work on an iPod Touch?

[Shinigami]

I'm not DZ, but I'll answer that one. they tend to do, Icy since both the iPhone & iPod Touch basically run on the same software.

[DZComposer]

OK, so here's what is going to happen. If I receive the installer today, I will immediately put SMF into maintenance mode and begin the process of moving.

If I do not, than later this evening I will put SMF into maintenance mode to freeze the database so that I can get a good backup. How long downtime on Monday would be is dependent on when I get the installer. If it get it early in the morning, I will try to have a functional IPB up and running by mid-day. If I get it later, class will prevent me from installing it immediately.

On the iPhone app question:

Compatible with iPhone' date=' iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.

[/quote']

IPS says they have an Android app in the works as well.

[Sideways]

So far, it looks good.