Glad the forum is back

[Rolfeb]

THANK YOU to all who worked hard to get TOCH running again!

[Theo Boiten]

A big thank you to Ruy and others who worked hard to get the forum back alive!

Cheers, Theo

[JaganP]

HI Ruy

Another in my opinion preferred option is to find a good forum package that has effective vbulletin database migration tools (for v3.7.x) and can be installed on the latest php (we are running on 5.3 extended support - current version is 8.0!!)

Upgrading to Vbulletin 3.8.11 would be the solution i think

vBulletin 3.8.11 requires PHP 5.6.0 through PHP 7.1.33 and MySQL 5.5.8+.

Even though you may not have yearly support from Vbulletin you can still login to members area of the site and download the latest version of 3.x.xx under your current license and upgrade. that might help. But i know its still a lot of work to ensure current site doesnt break

[Ruy Horta]

7.0 - is still considered legacy, but at least it is a more modern version of php.
Upgrading to 3.8.11 would probably be relatively easy.

This could be a short term solution, but I have to check if I can upgrade my package, without affecting the current legacy php5.3 install. I need enough space to have two forums running side by side to have a full test and fall back.

Will check with my ISP.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Ruy Horta]

Ok, first obstacle.
In order to get 3.8.11 I need to renew my license for 4.x (or maybe later…).
That’s what started the decline in the first place, vbulletin business model.

They do not allow me to upgrade to v4.x
I have only the option to upgrade to v5.x

This comes in two main options
- License (your own install) @ USD 200-360,-
- Service (monthly / yearly on their cloud) starting @ USD 180,- per year (low traffic, like TOCH!)

License also requires ISP costs to be added at approx. USD 100/150,- per year.
Of course this does not include the necessary bagage and time to perform any migration / upgrade.

I wonder however if vBulletin is the right choice for an upgrade path?

[Nick Beale]

Ruy, if you decide on an upgrade or new software, I suggest that a crowdfunding appeal to the members would be appropriate (unless you’re rich, of course!).

[John Manrho]

I would fully support a request for $$$, in other words, happy to support. My knowledge about software of forums is zero.....my time is limited so happy to support in $$$

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by John Manrho

I would fully support a request for $$$, in other words, happy to support. My knowledge about software of forums is zero.....my time is limited so happy to support in $$$

I was thinking € but I agree.

[TigerTimon]

Nick,
he was trying to type Dutch guilders (florin sign) I guess ;-)

[John Beaman]

I will gladly make a donation. Just say when and how.