Hello :)

I'm planning on getting a vBulletin license to run a forum, but I can't make up my mind whether to get a 1-year leased license for $85 or to get the permanent license for $160.

Here's some simple calculations of how much it would cost to keep it running for up to 3 years:

Leased License
1st year total: $85
2nd year total: $170
3rd year total: $255

Own License
1st year total: $160
2nd year total: $190
3rd year total: $220

Using the leased license, one pays less to run a vB forum over 2 years. Running it through the 3rd year and above would cost more than if using an own license.

Should I make the decision based on how confident and committed I am to ensure that my site will be around for more 3 years?

Also, vBulletin license holders - Which type of license are you holding? What made you decide on one type over the other?

if the leased liscence will cost less for a shorter time value, the i suggest you get that, because in 2 years, there will be much better boards than vbulletin, but if it includes free upgrades, then you might want to get a permanent liscence

<<EDIT>>

Depending on the site, if its going to be around for 2+ years you might invest in an owned license, the cost of renewal is much less. I never have liked the idea of leasing software, if I buy it, I wanna be able to use it when ever, and where ever..

<<MOD NOTE:
I've edited the comment above, thus I'm editing the comment about the comment above, coolguy23 needs to read the forum guidelines one more time.
<</MOD NOTE>>

he can always try something like phpBB for free :stickout

And why should he contact you by email for that information, when you could have stated it in a post???

Personally i use the leased licences, with todays everchanging marketplace, even though i plan on having forums for years to come i may not plan on using that forum for years to come.

Steve

You could sign up for their affiliate program and then buy through your link there. It would save you quite a bit of money that way.

I'd buy it personally. The current version is quite functional.
You don't have to upgrade it every year.

And, The Prohacker,
Yes.............strange comment:eek2:

Go for 1 year own license. You won't regret it.

well i have 1 owned license of vB since i have every intention on my vB forum people around for a loooong time - even my 2 domains .com/.net for my vB forum are paid for up to 2003/2004 :)

one thing no one's mentioned here...

PRICE INFLATION

Zenn, your calculations are under the huge assumption that vBulletin's price won't increase every year...and they obviously will. If you look at UBB, their prices have more than doubled since they started a few years back. Buying a lifetime license will at least ensure that you won't wake up one day and find yourself paying $250 or more dollars just to keep your happy & popular forum online. The guys at vB seem a little less money-hungry than at UBB, but they offer a great package and no one could blame them for increasing prices...especially if they wanted to open or upgrade their offices for future developments.