One of the most effective and trusted pieces of forum software on the market today is vBulletin. Many large websites make use of the software, as it offers a number of different applications that are very helpful for a range of different types of sites. When working with a great provider, this software offers users a wealth of different benefits and advantages. Several different versions are available, and we will cover all of them in this article. Read on to learn more about using vBulletin.
Benefits of vBulletin
One of the prominent reasons that so many companies enjoy using the forum software is the flexibility that that layout offers. It works similarly to an open-source system, and this allows users to utilize a number of various third-party options to make the system work perfectly for their needs. They offer a number of paid and free extensions for the system as well, and this also helps to increase the overall value for users.
Another one of the great benefits is that there are quite a few different options when it comes to choosing hosts for the system, including cloud hosting options. This allows users to sort through the various hosts so they can find the one that suits their needs the best.
The installation of the system is quite simple, even for those companies that may not have a large and robust IT department. This lets business owners worry about the other needs of their business, such as attending to customers and clients. When you have a good cloud host for the system, it ensures smooth use of the forum for you and for the visitors as well. It is a stable and simple-to-use piece of software that should be able to provide you with all of the forum needs your business could possibly have.
The Different Options With vBulletin Cloud
Using vBulletin Cloud will actually allow them to host the forum for you. They will take care of the hard work and the infrastructure, while you are able to use all of the functions and features of the site. You will also have admin control over the site. Currently, they have three different options available – Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
The Bronze option costs $14.99 a month if billed annually or $19.95 for those who choose to go on a month-to-month basis. This comes with 25 GB of bandwidth, which is usually more than enough for new forums or those that have a relatively small amount of traffic. This package comes with free support for the forum.
The Silver package costs $29.99 a month when billed annually or $39.95 for a month-to-month option. This comes with 75 GB of bandwidth, making it a good choice for forums with a moderate amount of usage. This package comes with free forum support and ticket support.
The Gold package is $59.99 a month when billed annually. It costs $74.95 a month if you go on a month-to-month basis instead. This is a good choice for large forums that have a substantial amount of traffic. It comes with 200 GB of bandwidth, along with free phone, ticket, and forum support.
All of the plans come with automatic upgrades to the latest versions of vBulletin. It is also possible to scale the program to meet the needs of different sites. In addition, you will have 100 GB of storage available for all sites. There are automatic daily backups, and you can put your trust in the security they offer. They want to keep you and your forum users safe.
What Does vBulletin 5.0 Offer?
While many will be more than happy to use the cloud hosting that vBulletin offers, others may want to buy the software on their own and then use their own host instead. This is entirely possible. You can choose the latest version of the software, vBulletin 5.0 Connect or their Mobile Bundle. New licenses for vBulletin 5.0 Connect are $249, while an upgrade from a previous version is just $209. The vBulletin 5.0 Connect Mobile Bundle licenses are $399, while the upgrade is $359.
The forum software comes with a wide range of features and applications. For example, it includes groups, polls, blogs, SEO-friendly URLs, a variety of support options, RSS, Captcha, email verification, member groups, a login strike system, and much more. It also offers a robust number of control panels, including those for admins, moderators, and users.
The forums themselves have a number of features as well. You can create private forums, and forum and thread subscriptions, and you can add avatars, polls, and more to posts. Members will have their own profile pages. It’s easy to moderate, and it’s easy for individual users to tailor their experience with the system. It’s even possible to change the styles and templates to create a system that is just what you want for your forum no matter the subject or the size. The forums are easy for the end user as well, which is extremely important when it comes to these types of sites. You want your visitors to feel comfortable using the site and posting.
Getting Started with vBulletin
Installation is easy. After purchasing the system through their site at vBulletin.com, you can simply download it and then install it on your server. Those who may still worry that the installation or upgrade is too much for them can always buy the professional installation service for $149.
You may want to consider using the trial, just to make sure that it’s the right product for you and that you understand how to use all of the features and functions properly. The trial is available for 72 hours, which should be plenty of time to get a feel for the software. If not, it’s always possible to reregister to start the trial again. However, most should be able to get a good idea of how everything works in their initial trial.
You will see that it is actually quite simple to use thanks to the site builder tools in the software. It’s possible to create a community website in a matter of minutes, even if you do not have any programming skill at all. They have simple layout tools and drag-and-drop features that help to make everything nice and easy for you. In no time, you will have a great looking site up and running.
Do You Have the Right Host?
Everything about the software is simple and easy to use, which is one of the reasons that it’s the number one choice for those who are looking for high-quality forum software. However, you need to make sure that you have a host that you can trust when you are using the system. Choosing a cloud host that offers great uptime, support, and security will help to ensure that you have the best possible results. Of course, if you don’t want to choose an outside host, there is always vBulletin Cloud, which is a very good, cost-effective, and safe option.