vBulletin Overkill?
 

My student engineering group has asked me to start a forum in order to make it more convenient to create/discuss new ideas for competition. I immediately thought of Vbulletin since it seems to be the most popular forum in use. However, after looking into the cost, I believe it may be a bit overkill for our application. Here is some info regarding our proposed forum:

-Max accounts ~200
-Max users online ~10
-Needs to be very secure (we don't want other competing schools gaining access).
-A built in file hosting system would be very nice (small files e.g. docs, jpegs, autocads, etc.)
-My web programming skills are limited

So do you think vBulletin is appropriate for our needs? Or is there something else out there that would better satisfy our needs? We basically just want this forum so we can communicate easier and allow everyone to get some input in the decision/design process.

Thanks!

Depends on whether you feel it's worth the cost really. It will do the job.

vBulletin can accomplish everything that you need to be done, but in all honesty, I think a open-source forum would make more sense considering the fact that they're free.

Don't get me wrong; I love vBulletin! For a two hundred member forum that doesn't need anything fancy, but only needs the basics; I'd suggest phpBB3, or MyBB. The things that you require are standard in most forums, including free ones.

vBulletin is more popular among those looking for customization, and building large communities.

Regards,

I don't think vBulletin would be overkill. I'm really happy with it, and it would definitely do all that you want. If you don't want to spend the money I'd recommend first SMF or possibly PhpBB. But, if you spend the $160 and buy vB, I think you'll be happy you did.

vBulletin is without question the best paid forum software. The question is, does he need a paid solution for a forum as simple as his?

As already mentioned before, vBulletin can do all you are asking for.

vBulletin has one of the best track records considering security, something that might not be the same for some of our (free/paid) competitors.

If it is worth the money is something only you can decide..

I've been using vB since 2002 and I must say it's one of the best forum softwares I have come accross :)

Chris

Get $1 from each member. I am sure your students can afford $1...

It has a good track record in patching security fixes. That is far more than can be said for the competition. However, it's had just as many vulnerabilities as phpBB or anyone else :) It would only take a private exploit to be discovered, an attack calculated and planned among those who know about it, and the same kind of devasation that happened a year or two ago with phpBB is possible.

That being said, if you only have a small community, I'd say stick with a simpler piece of kit :) If you have plans for a larger community, then it may be wise to invest now :)

I don't see what size has to do with it. If I were setting up a private forum for, say, my (extended) family members only, say 20-30 users, I'd still choose vBulletin, because it's easier to manage, customize etc than SMF or PhpBB.