Social Networking Software Review: Chameleon and rSitez
For my project of building a flexible web site that can be used as social network as well as a community magazine, I tested two social networking software: Chameleon and rSitez.I used rSitez social networking software first and saw that it carried most of the features I expected from the site I had in mind. My test users were able to create events, put up classified ads, upload audio and video, conduct instant messaging, have live chat rooms, synch a calendar, send emails, invite other users, post original text content, make blogs and forums. I was also able to place ads and even allow users to sell items using an Ebay-like feature, which was really a good touch.
Then I tried on the Chameleon social networking software. At first I thought Chameleon seemed more suited for making dating sites, but really it has so many features that I began to see many possibilities for my company.
Chameleon offers the regular features that rSitez also has, like the Profile Page, uploading photo and video, making comments, status updates, create forums and blogs, but Chameleon was more flexible for the magazine aspect of my site. I was able to create separate landing pages where my users can view and pay for the content I offer. I was also successfully able to put up advertisements. Chameleon has something rSitez doesn't, which is the virtual space where users can create avatars and interact. It was really such a cool feature, my test users enjoyed it a lot.
Also, Chameleon offers a 3-D chat, voice recording, and VOIP Phone. These already are trumping rSitez limited features. Since it uses Ajax-based software, Chameleon allowed my site to accommodate up to more than 600,000 users. The administration controls and panels were very easy to navigate, more so that the ones provided by rSitez. The design too of Chameleon templates are striking and more attractive to look at.
This social networking software even runs an advanced MP3 players. Chameleon is possibly a treasure trove of features. My users can also select from an unlimited list of world languages.
I can also separate members into three membership types, in case I'd like to place a hierarchy in membership privileges. The site statistics with Chameleon is also very detailed, and according to the specs, my affiliate ID is associated with every user's profile, increasing my company's compensation for hits. There's also a "love calculator" function that's perfect for making dating service online.
When I'm not satisfied with a template design, I can change it using both rSitez and Chameleon. But with Chameleon it was much quicker, in 5 seconds or so. Plus, when my users where using Chameleon they realized that the major functions are all visible on the home page. rSitez was also effective this way, but my users found Chameleon-run web site easier and more enjoyable to use.
I think as a business owner what I appreciate is that I only had to pay Chameleon once and I got all I needed. rSitez has a lot of monthly or quarterly payment options that can be good for other small businesses. But I got confused with their terms for each payment arrangement. Chameleon, in the end, is the social networking software for my company.
