Page 199 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Cloud Computing

Notes Forums: If you’ve chosen to create a forum, the most popular platform is vBulletin, which starts
at $195 per site/forum. While it’s pricey, it has the most robust set of features and is most widely
used. Google vbulletin and your keyword to see what other groups are using this platform in
your niche – you’re bound to find them.
Webdeveloper.com is an example of a forum built on the vBulletin platform.

Not ready to invest in forum software? A popular open-source alternative to vBulletin is phpBB.
It has less functionality comparatively, but still provides the basic forum functions and needs.
Social Networks: If you wish to go beyond a forum, two popular platforms for building your
own social network are Ning and BuddyPress.
Ning, once a free service, now has plans at $2.95, $19.95 and $49.95 per month, depending on the
number of members you want and space you’ll need.
Figure 13.2: Tennisopolis: A Social Network Built on the Ning Platform

Tennisopolis is an example of a social network built on the Ning platform.

Example: A great example of a group built on their platform is Tennisopolis, a personal
favorite of mine as I am an avid tennis fan and player. Members can connect with each other,
participate in forums, create blogs, private message, share photos and video, join groups and
much more.
An alternative is the free BuddyPress. The solution is meant to be integrated on top the WordPress
platform. So if you’re already familiar with WordPress as a blog or content management system,
you should be able to learn the ins and outs of BuddyPress as well.

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