RunningGag
asked on
Need a discussion forum that integrates with SharePoint / Active Directory
Currently we are running SharePoint 2003 (upgrade to 2010 is a possibility for next year). We are looking for a discussion board that has the integration of SharePoint boards, but the usability of phpBB or VBulletin.
I had looked at LightningTools' Social Squared (which appears to be an overlay on top of SharePoint?), and if we were running 2007 or 2010, it would be the solution for us. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with 2003.
I have looked into Jive, Lithium, etc. but they appear to be much more full featured than what we are looking for (and probably quite a bit more expensive than the < $5000 of LightningTools' product)
phpBB would solve most of our issues, but from what I've read its integration leaves much to be desired.
Does anyone have any insight for me? I'm starting to get frustrated with this project. Oh, I should mention that the key drivers to the decision are: Low cost, minimal administration, integration with existing systems.
I had looked at LightningTools' Social Squared (which appears to be an overlay on top of SharePoint?), and if we were running 2007 or 2010, it would be the solution for us. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with 2003.
I have looked into Jive, Lithium, etc. but they appear to be much more full featured than what we are looking for (and probably quite a bit more expensive than the < $5000 of LightningTools' product)
phpBB would solve most of our issues, but from what I've read its integration leaves much to be desired.
Does anyone have any insight for me? I'm starting to get frustrated with this project. Oh, I should mention that the key drivers to the decision are: Low cost, minimal administration, integration with existing systems.
"integration with existing systems" may be the key to finding suitable software. SharePoint 2010 sounds like a viable upgrade path, could this be accelerated to meet your objectives. In my experience your key drivers are met by implementing few tightly intergrated systems, addding 3rd party utuilities will add administration, cost and complicate integration with existing systems.
ASKER
Unfortunately, SharePoint 2010 isn't an option right now.
have you tried searching on codeplex?
here is a nice forum piece, it looks alot better then the default discussion board.
http://spforums.codeplex.com/
here is a nice forum piece, it looks alot better then the default discussion board.
http://spforums.codeplex.com/
ASKER
Hi Jimes,
I wanted to let you know that I'm looking at your suggestion. Given the number of stability complaints, I'm not sure that it would work for us, but I'm still investigating.
I wanted to let you know that I'm looking at your suggestion. Given the number of stability complaints, I'm not sure that it would work for us, but I'm still investigating.
ASKER
I'm in the middle of meeting with several companies to see what they are offering. In case someone else runs across this problem, I'll list a couple that look promising:
Outstart sells a comprehensive collaboration suite, but they are willing to sell off pieces rather than the whole suite.
Fusetalk sells a forum product that does AD integration, single sign-on, and does knowledge basing, at a fairly compelling price.
Outstart sells a comprehensive collaboration suite, but they are willing to sell off pieces rather than the whole suite.
Fusetalk sells a forum product that does AD integration, single sign-on, and does knowledge basing, at a fairly compelling price.
SocialText may be worth a look. A standalone device with several adoption options.
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