Simple-Press forum vs vBulletin forum

[jcharles110]

I'm evaluating using either vBulletin or Simple Press forum plug-in My site is a content heavy site for teachers and parents and most of the forum discussions will center around general education questions and answers -- no support and no current plans to use the forum as a means to sell subscriptions. I'd appreciate any advice on either platform. I've outlined below what I've researched and concluded so far:

vBulletin

- uses a separate database and is a completely separate install. Can integrate with Wordpress but sounds pretty tricky.
- costs around $200
- Functionality includes forums AND calendars, events, polls, groups
- It appears that you have to use their separate Google XML sitemap module versus the XML Google Sitemap you may be using via a WP plug-in
- Good SEO including customizing meta tag titles, descriptions, etc.
- Flexible user permissions
- Every forum option you can think of
- Paid subscription options
- Can be skinned to mimic your site but since it's a separate install you're essentially replicating your site header, etc. and have to duplicate changes.
- Huge user base and very stable
- Lots of programmers familiar with the software in case help is needed with integration
- Positive comments on this StudioPress forum from what I've found
- Active forum

Simple-Press
- Integrates as a plug-in and uses the same registration system as Wordpress. I haven't installed it but assume that it adds tables/fields to the existing database rather than creating a new one.
- Free, though they do survive on donations to keep the engine running smoothly.
- I've read in a few places that it can be a bit slow. However, they've come out with a few new versions so perhaps that's been addressed.
- Good SEO and interestingly it integrates with the All in one SEO plug-in. Ability to change title, description, keywords, etc.
- Works with the Google XML Sitemaps plug-in
- Customizable to fit with the site look. It also appears that you can integrate while keeping your sidebar.
- Blog posts and forum topics can be linked. Hmm. Not sure how this works exactly but it sounds potentially interesting.
- Large user base and tested with WP 3.0
- Positive comments on the StudioPress forum
- Active forum

My pending conclusion:

The only real advantage I can see with vBulletin over SimplePress is the paid subscription option and possibly a little speed (if I'm right). Otherwise, Simple-Press is lower cost, appears to be stable, integrates well with WP, and works with the existing Google XML sitemap plug-in.

I'm interested in any comments. I'm sure there's some good points I'm missing and want to be sure to integrate the best solution on my site.

Thanks in advance!

Jerry

[violet]

If it's important to integrate your forum with WP, then SimplePress is a great choice. The support there is wonderful and friendly and they answer questions promptly.

My personal preference is SMF (Simple Machines) forum because it has tons of features, themes and plugins and it's open source.

I've used Simple Press, VBulletin, phpBB, BBPress and SMF and I prefer SMF.

[jcharles110]

Thanks Violet, I'll check out Simple Machines too.

[october-29]

I just discovered this and I'll give it a try on my next project:

http://vanillaforums.org/