Does VB Cloud automatically include the mobile suite

[sunnyday111]

Hi,

I am currently testing the trial version of VB Connect and would like to subscribe to VB Cloud. Does the monthly subscription automatically include mobile suite (both iOS and Android apps for my forum)? Also, when I subscribe, is there a way to keep the customizations and contents I have put in the trial version? Thanks!

Steve

[Wayne Luke]

The Mobile Suite is an extra one-time fee. vBulletin Cloud does have a responsive style that will alter the page to fit the screens of smaller devices.

We don't currently have a method to transfer information from the Trial to the Cloud.

[sunnyday111]

Great! Thanks so much for the quick response. So I am planning to sign up for VB cloud and purchase the mobile suite. What exactly do I get from the mobile suite? Do I get the source codes for the generic iOS and Android apps? And whatever customerization I do to my forum on VB cloud, do I need to implement those changes on the iOS and Android codes I get from the mobile suites? Thanks again for your help!

[BirdOPrey5]

You do not get source code for the mobile apps.

You will need to create your own Google Play and Apple Developer accounts. I believe Google charges a one time free of $25 and Apple charges $99 a year. These values are of course subject to change.

You will also need access to an Apple computer running a recent version of OSX to be able to digitally "sign" your app before uploading it to be placed in the app store.

--

After you purchase the mobile suite you will get access to our Mobile Publisher in the Member's Area. You will be taken step by step where you enter forum information, upload images for app icons and logos used in the app- these images must be made to specific specifications. (Pixel size and color depth so a good graphics editor may be necessary to use custom logos.)

You will also get to choose the colors used in your app and setup mobile advertisements if you wish.

You then have our system "Build" the app packages for each Google and Apple which takes a short amount of time.

If all goes well you get an email letting you know the apps are ready to be downloaded.

When you return to download the apps you also get step by step directions on how to upload and get your apps made public on each app store. This is where your developer accounts are needed.

[sunnyday111]

Wow. Thanks for the very detailed and helpful answer. I appreciate you guys are responding to my questions so quickly.

I like how mobile suite and Mobile Publisher work. Looks pretty easy to me.

Just to make sure I understand correctly:

1) Each time when I use VB cloud to configure my forum structure (e.g. changing the forum name, adding subsections... etc), those changes will be stored in the cloud. I don't have to go to Mobile Publisher and repeat those changes and republish the app. Only if I want to change the logo, app icon, colors and mobile ads in the app do I need to republish the app.

2) Users accessing my forum using the desktop and mobile will see the same content (messages).

Thanks again for your help!

[Wayne Luke]

1) The app will query your cloud site for structure each time it is run. You don't need to rebuild the app.

2) Yes.

[sunnyday111]

Great! Thanks for your support, Wayne and Joe. You guys are so helpful. I am going to subscribe to VB Cloud today.