How big is too big for a forum conversion?

Say you're running one piece of software but get to the point you want to convert to a different one. Does the size of the forum (in terms of post count or member base) further complicate matters? Is there a perceived "ceiling" where it is no longer worth the conversion? Or does the size of the board affect the cost of conversion if you get it professionally done?

 

For me nothing, but I suppose it's easier when you are familiar with the schema of the software involved on a personal level. Tell MyBB and phpBB to take a hike and go with SMF for Blue Moon and PrP? Maybe...

 

Uh, I don't understand that last sentence. How is that related?

 

I'd say there's no forum too big. If you get the software that does it, and you pick the right one, you should find it's only as tricky as upgrading your forum, even to the same higher numbered software than you're currently using.

What I'd do if I was you is contact the developer(s) of the software you're looking to port into. And get them checkout your forum, if it's big, to see if they can see any implications.

If you've got modifications and so on, you will probably need to uninstall them (properly, and database/file-wise - mod dependent) and then I'd even consider upgrading your forum to the next one of it's type, to ensure nothing else you have done since the last upgrade has changed anything.

Clearly you need to backup EVERYTHING in a couple of backup version typs (so your database, try doing it raw in sections, and then get a gzip version and so on) and download all your files and save them a couple of times. And really ensure that should poo hit the fan you've got your back covered.

Then, if it IS really big. Contact the members saying you're attempting an upgrade which could cause issues with may need troubleshooting time to find a work-around. And ensure they're all aware of the situation.

If you have peak times 5 - 8 PMT. Choose your less busiest times to start the upgrade/transfer. So if you DO have issues, you're not annoying lots of the members, just as few perhaps. But you can't win them all, and once it's done, I'm sure you and the members will love it.

Good luck. It's not easy even on a small forum if it's one close to your heart.

 

I'm familiar with the schemas of all three, so I would have little trouble doing a manual conversion if I needed to.

 

Something about his forums, I think. Still trying to decode that last part myself.

 

... I need learn how to convert...

 

Good advice Dan..nothing to add here..

 

If it's really big, make sure the conversion happens in batches; vB, at least, will allow you to choose how many accounts are processed at once.

 

I've seen and assisted the conversion of forums with up to 30 million posts and over 100,000 users. The only difference is the time involved.

 

Out of sheer curiosity, how long did that entire process take?

 

Actual import took 22 hours but most of it was automated. Probably another 10 hours verifying the import and making sure permissions were set properly. The entire process, from installation to go live took 60 days. This included several test installations and database wipes.

 

Holy spumoni, 60 days? I would have been tearing my hair out by day 5.

 

I don't know if I could have made it past hour five. But that's just me.

 

Holy :cow:

 

I'd become extremely impatient (most likely irritable). That's an insane amount of time!

 

Meh.. When I worked for Protection One, in 2000-2001, we converted a 1.2 terabyte database from SQL Server to Oracle. It was an 18 month job and cost the company $30 million dollars. $11 million of that was hardware and software for the Oracle servers though. Triple redundant RS/6000 machines with 10 terabyte drive arrays.

Having done that previously, these forum transfers are fairly easy. Usually when a company converts 30 million posts though, they have different people monitoring it. Plus you can stop and start it at specific intervals. Most time consuming issue is initial configuration and customizing the look and feel to match the previous site or commissioning a new user interface at the same time.

 

Oh holy... :lol: That's crazy.

 

no forum is too big - i have faith in vbulletin and always will

 

If you ask, it shall deliver. :lol: