ProBoards BetaZone Officially Launched!!!

[Ryan Roos]

What is BetaZone?
ProBoards BetaZone allows forum administrators to test their existing forums with our new ProBoards v5 forum software. We'll make a copy of your existing forum and upgrade it to ProBoards v5 at a new temporary URL. This v5 version of your forum will allow you to test what v5 has to offer without it affecting your current forum. You can also create new v5 forums from scratch if you want to experiment even more.

When is BetaZone?
BetaZone has started. If you have already signed up then you will receive your invite with a Beta Key. We will be sending keys out in batches. So it may be a while before you recive your key. Once you do you can go to www.proboards.com/betazone to start testing ProBoards v5.

I haven't signed up yet, where can I?
Go to www.proboards.com/betazone and fill out the sign up form.

What does the Beta in BetaZone mean?
Beta means that this isn't the final version of the software. We are still working on bugs and perfecting the software. It also means that things are subject to change. We may need to take BetaZone offline from time to time for updates as well. We ask that you be understanding and patient during these updates.

What do I have to do in the Beta?
Well, we hope that you'll test out the software and enjoy it. However if you do find a bug we hope that you'll report them in our bugs board. You can also use the other Beta boards here in Support for help and assistance with your v5 copy.

Can I save themes and plugins from my BetaZone copy to use on my real forum?
You can export themes and plugins to your computer. After forum is upgraded to v5 you can import them. This will help save you time later on. We've done our best to finalize the themes and plugin sections.

What will happen to threads, messages, etc from my v5 copy?
It's just a temporary copy. Any content you post will be removed when BetaZone ends. Use the forum to test the software itself. Don't make it your new forum.

If you have any other questions about how BetaZone works please ask them below. Thank you!!!

[flyoffacliff]

First to reply!

Glad to hear beta-zone is released. I noticed my beta-zone board was offline earlier today, but it is fixed now.

EDIT: This thread needs updated now that beta-zone is released: support.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=openbetadiscussion&action=display&thread=415589

[Cheshire]

Awesome! When the Beta testing is over, and the final product released, will the boards that where testing the beta forums be switched to the new version automatically?

[flyoffacliff]

Nov 6, 2012 17:28:57 GMT -8 Cheshire said:

Awesome! When the Beta testing is over, and the final product released, will the boards that where testing the beta forums be switched to the new version automatically?

No, it is just for testing. Data created in beta-zone will be lost:

What will happen to threads, messages, etc from my v5 copy?
It's just a temporary copy. Any content you post will be removed when BetaZone ends. Use the forum to test the software itself. Don't make it your new forum.

[Cheshire]

I know that, I mean... When the beta testing is over, will site owners that tested get THIER sites switched to V5, or will we have to move everything over manually? Start from scratch? I was told that eventually it will be an option open to the general public, to switch over, but will the beta testers be first in line for that?

[flyoffacliff]

Nov 6, 2012 17:41:35 GMT -8 Cheshire said:

I know that, I mean... When the beta testing is over, will site owners that tested get THIER sites switched to V5, or will we have to move everything over manually? Start from scratch? I was told that eventually it will be an option open to the general public, to switch over, but will the beta testers be first in line for that?

"Transition Period" is the next stage. I would guess it will start between 1 and 6 months from now. But no official date has been confirmed. After transition period begins, ANYONE with a Proboards V4 forum can CONVERT their forum to V5 permanently. Beta-zone forums will continue to work during transition period. After the transition period ends, witch will last about 3 months, all beta-zone forums will be deleted and all existing forums who did not upgrade during the transition period will then be forced to do so. I hope that answers your question.

[rchelitalk]

streetlife
They will move a few over at a time, so it may take sometime to get all forums to v5 once they launch it . Keep in mind that BZ will be at least 3 months worth of testing of the software.

I have been here ever since Alpha testing started and do not expect special treatment as far as being at the front of the line.

Be sure to backup your themes from time to time. If you don't you will have to start from scratch (edit: with your themes.)

Be patient we will all get to the end one day

[VS Admin]

Nov 6, 2012 17:41:35 GMT -8 Cheshire said:

I know that, I mean... When the beta testing is over, will site owners that tested get THIER sites switched to V5, or will we have to move everything over manually? Start from scratch? I was told that eventually it will be an option open to the general public, to switch over, but will the beta testers be first in line for that?

All of your threads, posts, etc will be copied over. You do not start from scratch.

[The Dark Knight]

Pat, did you sign up for BetaZone? >.< We need PBS to be on v5!

[Ryan Roos]

Nov 6, 2012 22:26:55 GMT -8 The Dark Knight said:

Pat, did you sign up for BetaZone? >.< We need PBS to be on v5!

It would just be a temporary copy anyway. That wouldn't be very good for a support forum.

[VS Admin]

Nov 6, 2012 22:26:55 GMT -8 The Dark Knight said:

Pat, did you sign up for BetaZone? >.< We need PBS to be on v5!

So... you mean v5.proboards.com?

[My Display Name]

How many invites are sent out a day?

also, I signed up with an email that is not registered with a forum (i didn't create a forum using the email I registered with betazone) does that make a difference?

[VS Admin]

Justin,

All I can say is many invites our sent out daily. It will vary day to day. You do not need to sign up with an address registered on a forum.

[My Display Name]

Nov 7, 2012 13:44:22 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

Justin,

All I can say is many invites our sent out daily. It will vary day to day. You do not need to sign up with an address registered on a forum.

alright thanks

[GooRoo]

The system would not accept the key supplied in the e-mail, the original password I used when I created the Forum December 2003 ... or my current password. So how do I gain access to create my BETA Board?