Tim Krause - PhD

For many reasons, we need to remind our clients that open source does not mean free or no cost. We still need developers, document, and we still need specialized components. Below are my favorite and least favorite commercial Joomla components, modules and plug-ins.

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The best

• Comsubs Cost: Approx. $100USD
  I needed to convert a 1.0 Joomla site to 1.5, mainly because a free component for managing membership renewals was a bankrupt pain in the neck. We took the plunge with Comsubs, which has a 30 day money-back guarantee, and haven't look back yet. Excellent choice, with no good free alternatives.
• Docman 1.5 Cost: Approx: $16USD
  Don't get me wrong: this is an amazing component, the price is great, and the developers have been responsive. I posted earlier information on how the new Docman module infrastructure worked, and they were quick to help me clarify how it worked. My primary disappointment: the time it took for this native component to appear so that I could finally run my Joomla 1.5 site natively. Updating files is still a little quirky: make your updates through the front-end and no problem; through the back-end you'll either get a duplicate file error, or a file exists error.
• sh404SEF: Cost: $35 USD
  I started by trying to get Joomla's native SEF functionality to work, but the hacks to core code freak me out. In addition to highly configurable SEF by component and by page, I also get some pretty remarkable protection and reporting against some common attacks. The only reason I can't rate higher: Comsubs and Docman make me money; sh404SEF protects the investment. Vitally important, but clearly a supporting role.
• BF Quiz: Cost: Approx: $60USD
  My goal was to create a quick assessment tool for helping individuals assess their readiness for Web content management systems. This component is complex and offers a nice array of functionality. The upgrade from the trial to commercial version was a bit confusing, and all I can say is that Docman does a hell of a lot more for a hell of a lot less. But still a very solid component and one that I would recommend.

The worst

• Jcalendarpro Cost: Not Available
  I was looking for a better way to integrate a Google calendar into the site, and this looked like a great alternative. I don't remember what I paid, and price is not as opaque as it used to be. When I purchased this component, it didn't work. I requested a refund, but was promptly told the development team would help me with my issue. After emailing a description, I never heard from them again, and never received a refund. This one wins the biggest loser award.