Topic: Joomla 1.0.15 & SMF 1.1.7

[proudbird]

I've been reading up on my issues here for the past three days. It seems the more I read, the more confused I get.

My main issue is the SMF bridge. Here is a brief description of my set up:

I've recently started a website. My hosting cpanel has Fantastico. It has Joomla 1.0.15 and SMF 1.17 as databases. As most, I am now getting to the point to where I want my site bridged with SMF. I really like SMF and I really like Joomla CMS. That is the set up I want to stay with. After reading here, it seems that will not be happening. At least not with the versions I have anyway. So, I'm scratching my head wondering what to do and what new problems will occur as I push forward, not just with Joomla/SMF but, the other 2 databases I have that will be a part of this website. We are wanting to debut the website around Feb or March of 2009 so, I still have time to start back building from the ground up if needed.

Here are the databases that come with my hosting packages that I would like to use:

1) Website.....................Joomla (version 1.0.15)
2) Forum........................SMF (version 1.17)
3) Gallery.......................Coppermine (version 1.4.19)
4) Store.........................CubeCart (version 3.0.17)

I understand that this is a Joomla/SMF bridge support board. I feel that this is where my problems will be the worst. I already have the gallery bridged. Haven't tried the store yet. That is why I am focusing on this bridge issue.


With everything that I have, I really need advice on which direction I should go. Should I just go ahead and start over and update Joomla to 1.5 and SMF to 2.x? And if so, will I run into problems of my templates not working on the new versions of Joomla & SMF? Or should I simply swap over to Mambo since it is basically the same set up as Joomla (from what I have seen thus far)? But then will that create another possible issue with templates? Or will Jfusion be the answer to my problems?

I hope this isn't too many questions at one time but, it just seems that one problem creates a chain reaction of potential problems.

Thanks in advance for any support and/or advice.

~PB~

[Kindred]

I would suggest switching to mambo, there are no more officially supported bridges for smf/joomla (of any version)

As I understand, JFusion is still in alpha stages...

[proudbird]

Thanks. I was kinda leaning towards swapping over to Mambo. That is why I was asking. I had installed a Mambo CMS just to see what it was like and surprisingly, it looked just like Joomla. The A-panels looked identical except for a button highlite feature and I think the review link was missing in the Mambo. By the way, do you know if Mambo (4.6.5) is their newest version? I see that is offered my my host.

I was reading that the Jfusion beta was suppose to be released Dec 25th. That would be a heck of a Christmas present if they did and it worked for what I need. 

By the way, SMF is great! I want to continue using it. I will set up a Mambo test site and try to build it from the ground up while I await the release of Jfusion.



EDIT: Already made the transition to Mambo. It was very easy and the template I had on my Joomla site works on Mambo as well.  Took all of about 15 minutes to get everything set up. Great advice and I am right back on schedule. Thanks!

[Sedin]

i got jfusion on my site right now and its working just fine. cant wait till the final version rolls out

[FidelGonzales]

Personally, I would refrain from Mambo, which is not as heavily supported on its own forums or with the extensions Joomla possesses. Furthermore, there is a far better bridge available than what is available in Jfusion and any other Joomla 1.5 bridge. Read the post quoted below.

I have tried JFusion and found it easy to install once it became more stable, but its integration is limited and doesn't wrap SMF with its own URLs. Fortunately, the SJSB project has improved greatly, installs easily and works exceptionally well. It is simply the best and most comprehensive forum bridge for Joomla and only working one that is based upon SMF 2.0. Currently, SEF URLs are not yet fully functional but being focused on. This and several other key features will be addressed with the next release that ought to be out within the coming weeks.

http://groups.google.com/group/sjsb/
http://www.youpokeme.com/sjsb/index.php?option=com_smf&view=forum&Itemid=2?board=1.0

[Kindred]

Personally, I disagree with everything you just said (although the Jfusion bridge is nice)

[FidelGonzales]

Personally, I disagree with everything you just said (although the Jfusion bridge is nice)

Okay. Some reasons as to your opinion may help educate us as to the benefits Mambo has over Joomla.

[FidelGonzales]

1) Website.....................Joomla (version 1.0.15)
2) Forum........................SMF (version 1.17)
3) Gallery.......................Coppermine (version 1.4.19)
4) Store.........................CubeCart (version 3.0.17)

PHOTO GALLERY
By the way, if you are considering on integrating these packages, I would suggest you consider Gallery2 over Coppermine, as it is easier to administrate, more intuitive from the front end and tends to appeal better for SEs, but then again, it is a pain to migrate from one server to another. Also, the plans are to release Gallery3 here soon.

Perhaps a better alternative is JoomGallery, which is native to Joomla, can easily migrate from one server to another and has a lot of the bells and whistles G2 has, specifically a very cool watermark tool. I may be switching most of my sites to JoomGallery here soon. http://www.joomgallery.net/

ONLINE STORE

I prefer Virtuemart, as it is native to Joomla, integrates well with most other applications so that you can better integrate the user experience and better benefit from search engine-derived traffic. I do not know that CubeCart integrates. Though, Magento and OsCommerce seems to. Both are good alternatives, but Magento seems a better pick over OsCommerce, which is far more difficult to administrate than Virtuemart, which is easy to admin.