vBBible - background on issues/current status/beta testing

[davidw]

Around 4 months ago, I decided to write a Bible hack for vbulletin (actually it would probably benefit most any forum type -phpbb/nuke/etc.- as the code is being written from the ground up - then ported over to vbulletin). January 1st, there was a major setback to this, not that I saw it even coming - for months later.

A little background:
I work for an ISP and am one of 4 people who run the Internet part of the cable system (1/4th of the ISP). My main job is to handle tech support phone calls. I handle roughly 90% of all dial-up and cable Internet problems & questions. I also filter 75% of our wireless customers. My secondary job is to fix computers for our customers (at least those who are within driving distance) which is something most ISP do NOT do. My side job is building systems for people. I've also been trying to study to take the A+/Network+ cert exams, then onto my CCNA and MCSE.

The problem:
On January 1st, of all days, we lost our main CMTS. We immediately put a backup to replace it, but that didn't go withou problems. While it took hours to fix it to put it into production, one problem loomed. Our main CMTS handled 6 nodes, this one only handled 1. So we ordered a new CMTS while having to drive to reset the backup. A new one came and there were problems with it, so we sent it back, and got a second one. That one had other problems with it. We sent that one back and got yet another one. That one had problems too. This with having major issues regarding our backup. We finally got one that worked! This also prompted us to upgrade our CMTS software. That in turn meant that I had to take the backup subscriber list and match it making any and all changes to our cable billing system. That took a few days. We finally imported that information into our new CMTS software and that brought us to where we were about a few days ago. We finally got it all back up and running smoothly.

Now, I'm still in shock about this one, but as of last week, something has gone on with the Bell company regarding 800 number ISP usage which some ISPs use for out-of-reach customers. Apparantly, the Bell company(ies) decided to either enact or enforce a regulation regarding calling an 800 number (or toll free equivelant) in regards to Internet connection. What that means to me is that our biggest competitor just got shut down and we are now handling a huge influx of calls for dial-up customers either signing up or returning to us. So, if its' not one thing, it's been another.

Now - the script (yay!)

I am 90% completed (and have been because of the above issues) with the script. One I am done with it, it should be portable to a number of different CMS'. I will then port it to vBulletin (vbscript) and post in this thread when the time is right, requesting beta testers. I already have a dozen or so emails and PMs in regards to this. If anyone else is interested in beta testing, please let me know so I can email you the script when its ready.

The script is based on the King James Version as this is the only sql I have.
Thanks for you patience!