Web site costs and BB software, advice/info needed

[lendaddy]

I am starting a business venture which will be essentially web based. A big part of its draw will be the message board. Now being a BB junkie I have used tons of different bulletin board platforms and I must say Wayne's is by far the best I have used. Does anyone know what it is and roughly what it costs? Also anybody know ballpark costs associated with maintaining a site similar to Pelican (minus the retail, only the boards)? This will not be in any form of competition with Wayne. Thanks guys.

[RickM]

For a site with this activity I can see some serious monthly bandwidth costs. The beauty of this BB software is that you can scale it to your audience..... http://www.vbulletin.com/

I agree with your statement that this software is one of the best.

[motion]

Wish I could help out, lendaddy, but I'm on the design side of the web. I'm sure you're looking at a few hundred bucks a month for a fractional T1 at the very least, though?

[RickM]

The cost of the software is the least of your worries $85 -160 for lease/license. Do you have a box to host it on or will you be going to an ISP for that? Be extremely careful if sharing a server with other sites (businesses) through an ISP. Even with performance guarantees you can get killed if any of the cohabitants of the server pull any serious amount of traffic.

[lendaddy]

The budget will be relatively large, the traffic will be at least that of Wayne's if not more with limited video support. I realize bandwidth is expensive, I am just looking for a ballpark as I have an informal meeting on this project tonight. Thanks guys.

[lendaddy]

Rick, thanks for the info it, it coincides with what I had thought. Anyway we are open as to whether we would let the ISP provide the server or do it ourselves can you ballpark those prices? And while your at it can you make me an eggsalad sandwich and rub my feet Seriously, thanks a ton for all this info!

[RickM]

I'm going to ask one of my guys here who I believe has a lot of relatively recent experience...he's in a meeting right now.

Also, do you plan on incorporating E-Commerce (CC processing, ordering, catalog etc) site or merely a place to discuss/view subject matter?

[lendaddy]

Just to clarify so my ignorance doesn't scare you. This idea is my baby, but the work will be hired out or done by my wife who is in advertising/marketing. As far as techno stuff goes we will hire out but I need ballparks to start an outline.

[lendaddy]

Also, do you plan on incorporating E-Commerce (CC processing, ordering, catalog etc) site or merely a place to discuss/view subject matter?

Rick, yes there will be CC's and a small one page catalog of items. It is kind of a unique setup(though some similar sites exist and are doing well)> I wish I could say more but I cannot. Thanks again!

[lendaddy]

Motion, can you direct me to a couple of sites you have done? I would really like to see your work. Thanks.

Joel

[RickM]

Joel,

As suspected, after a conversation with a cole we figurwe the minimum cost is going to be $10 - $15K. There are SO many variables that it really is a ballpark guess.

Things to consider which will influence cost:
- Will you buy your own equipment & and have someone else host? (Co-location)

- Will you purchase ALL services? Equipment, comm line, admin cost, backup etc

- Will you host at home or business. With more traffic than here you're talking a least T1 ...do you want redundancy? How far are you from the phone co drop/switch..that will influence cost. Com equipment cost.

- Video will cost you big, even on a small scale. Between extra traffic, processor load and disc space.

- Set-up for Ecommerce: Software, intergration, building custom catalog/graphic art/programmer, Banking/CC startup fees etc

I think you get the picture.

Let us know how things work out...on a high level of course.

[lendaddy]

Thanks Rick, I appreciate the info. Those numbers or even twice that would be doable so we shall see...

[mambodave]

lendaddy I sent you a PM

Dave

[cstreit]

You can also check with Jerry StGermaine. jstgermaine here on pelican. He hosts and can probably help out.