SMF vs. Everything Else

[d3v]

This is a topic that compares features available for SMF ( including all the packages that can be found here on the forums) versus every other board system there is. Such as phpBB, vBulletin, Invision and etc.

This is not to start a competition (too late for that) or a flame war ( this forum's users seem to be mature enough not to go that way). This in order to find out what other possible features that can be added to SMF which are currently non existant for this system, yet exist for other BBS and are appreciated by users.

So the only interesting posts here are the ones that display unique features of the forum systems that SMF doesn't have...yet 

I'll start with couple

Integrated instant messaging
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Those are the options that I haven't seen on SMF

[Trekkie101]

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?action=printpage;topic=42824.0
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I do have a 70% finished comparison between SMF 1.0.X and phpBB 2.0.X, ill update it tonight/early tomorow and post it, ill make it for 1.1 instead.

I tried IPB before but never got very far with the comparison. vB is rather sadly the same.

[d3v]

sweet

I'll try to install the popular systems on my server and do the comparison when I have the time

[1MileCrash]

ill save you the trouble.

these are your results- SMF > All.

[dtm.exe]

Integrated instant messaging

Do you mean like this?

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?action=pm

-Dan The Man

[dtm.exe]

ill save you the trouble.

these are your results- SMF > All.

ROFL, I like the way you think, Tippmaster .

-Dan The Man

[codenaught]

I was considering writing a document with a checklist comparing SMF with others. Maybe I should go through with it. 

[1MileCrash]

yeah, but it would look awkward to have phpBB on a checklist, but no checks...

know what i mean?

[d3v]

ill save you the trouble.

these are your results- SMF > All.

Actually I'm not even going to argue that. I already made that preference long time ago. I'm simply interested in what else can be added.

Do you mean like this?

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?action=pm

-Dan The Man

Not Private Messaging, I meant Instant Messanging... a live Feature, also with possibility to have a basic CHAT Room. Check out ZeroForum, it has that feature

yeah, but it would look awkward to have phpBB on a checklist, but no checks...

know what i mean?

I'm pretty sure that phpBB has something that SMF doesn't, their repository of files is scary. A lot of them perform similar functions, but it's still scary 

[Ben_S]

SMF is a forum, if people wanted a chat room, they could download some chat room software.

[1MileCrash]

word up.

plus....integrated chat mod? ello? 

[Daniel D.]

I hope we won't never have an integrated chat mod ... (I know we won't have it )

[dtm.exe]

I hope we won't never have an integrated chat mod ... (I know we won't have it )

He was referring to the mod itself.

-Dan The Man

[rhizome]

Hmm...wonder if this is a really useful topic 

I'm sure many of use can find/come up with lots of suggestions

E.g. How about something which displays 'show which users have read a particular topic'
Or 'whisper' posting which lets you send messages inline within a topic thread which can only be seen by you and your recipient(s)
Or an editable 'knowledge base'
...
wouldn't the list be endless, and which ones would be really useful?

I sometimes wonder which direction will SMF go:
1. Continue to expand its core features so it has as many as the likes of vB & IPB
2. Improve it's core features further rather than expanding, otherwise u get bloatware
3. Let the mod community flourish in a controlled way so additional functions can be optionally added for a user; but not end up like phpbb were there are insecure/conflicting mods and hacks

It's also interesting that SMF don't seem to publish roadmap which indicates the direction the s/w will develop. What is planned in 1.2? (Not that I'm asking for one as I'm sure it will be good)

[Grudge]

rhizome,

We don't publish a roadmap as we are never completely sure Although most stuff we had planned for 1.1 was put in some was shelved (Most notificably a moderation queue - much to Owdy's annoyance ) Although we always have internal goals issuing roadmaps raises expectations and sometimes we just can't deliver everything!

[rhizome]

I kinda guessed the thing about the roadmap Grudge

Shame though, as imagine all the users moaning at ya when u don't deliver a feature

So what about the 1 - 3 list I concoted? Or u gonna say it's a mixture of all three?!

[d3v]

word up.

plus....integrated chat mod? ello?  Cheesy

in form of a modification only!

Actually if it was my choice I'd throw even more stuff out of the core and offer it as packaged. Now with 1.0.5 The latest and greatest packages section works as well, so it's even easier to get latest stuff. The core is doing great as it is, all I see for the future is improved code and compliance. This topis is mainly about modifications/add-on scripts/etc

[general_issimo]

This is a topic that compares features available for SMF ( including all the packages that can be found here on the forums) versus every other board system there is. Such as phpBB, vBulletin, Invision and etc.

Hi, quite old, that topic, i hope, it's not too late. Otherwise for all those who use the search-function and looking for something like this.

http://www.forensoftware.de/index.php [nofollow]

Please Mention, that this is only a comparison of features. Don't forget to think about qualities like security an performance, when you choose your software! I don't know, how
"up-to-date" that is, so use it at your own risk!

[Ben_S]

It's wrong in loads of places, not just out of date but wrong.