Invision Power Services have, for a long time, dominance on the internet's paid forum software service. Undergoing many changes since its original conception, it has managed to boast a steady growing clientele and community. Many add-ons and readily available modifications mean it can be tailored to suit most sites that need an interactive community for anything from general discussion sites to online tech help or even corporate sales queries.
IPB 3 is keeping up with the growing trends of the internet offering advanced security and features while not compromising it's easy to use interface. The layouts seem a little more basic on the generic skin with the side menu's giving it a more website feel. The basic skin doesn't appeal to everyone, but as always will be highly modable.
The administrator control panel is easy to navigate around. As with any forum software, it can be a little daunting to first time users, advanced users should have no problems navigating the new look backend with most items being easy to find in the appropriate places.
Add-ons will likely be slow to come by at first as programmers get a feel for the new code, surely some of the 2.3.x add-ons wont work, but the most popular ones will be updated quickly by Invision Power Services, as well as the many other third party sites dedicated to Forum software.
Presently 3.0.0 Beta 3 is the latest release. It is not updateable, so don't install it on your live site. It uses IonCube encoding software for security. This ensures that there is strict control over the release and ensures any problems are code-related and not due to user modifications. To download it, make sure you are a subscribed member and head over the IPS website for more information.
IPB 3.0 is definatly a step forward. Time will tell if the general public likes it. The problem with older versions is that you always felt like you were using the same software with just a different color scheme. Hopefully this version will suit developers with site integration as well maintaining ease of use for users, from advanced 'net surfers to beginners alike.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
