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Google Analytics : Update
Things seem to be improving with Google Analytics. Reports are now populated more regularly (at least once every 24 hours) and the overall response times are very good. Despite the rocky start, I'm thoroughly impressed with Analytics.
Upgraded to SQL Express 2005
Up until a few minutes ago, this DotNetNuke installation was running off a MSDE 2000 database. After running a few tests on a locally installed copy of DotNetNuke with SQL Express 2005, I upgraded the live site to SQL Express 2005 as well.

During the install on the live site, I ran into two problems. First, SQL Express complained about a problem with WMI. To fix this, I stopped the WMI service, deleted the WMI repository, restarted the WMI service, and connected to the WMI via the MMC to rebuild the repository.

Next, midway through the install SQL Express 2005 complained about a problem with the SQL Server Native Client which it (supposedly) installed right at the beginning. To fix this, I unpacked SQLEXPR.EXE, located the file "sqlncli.msi" and ran it to uninstall the SQL Server Native Client. I then re-ran the SQL Express 2005 setup. This time everything went through flawlessly.

So far, all seems well. The upgrade to SQL Express 2005 did not affect this blog however, since it's running off a MySQL 4.1 database. How's that for diversity!
Google Analytics : Not quite there yet
Google Analytics looks like it will be a massive hit for Google - if they can get it to work, that is. I signed up for Google Analytics and installed the JavaScript code as requested. Google verified the code, and said it would take 12 hours before I start seeing reports. After eventually waiting 36 hours, I finally got some data in my reports. Yeah! Two days later, my reports are once again not being populated with any data. No doubt the demand for Analytics took Google by complete surprise and they totally underestimated the amount of resources required to keep Analytics afloat.

I will say this though : The reports are stunning! Once Google gets a grip on the server resource side of things, Google Analytics will be - by far - the best free web site stats/analytics service available.

UPDATE : Google is no longer taking any new signups for Analytics until they have added the additional resources required to handle the load. This seems like the right thing to do at this point.
Presstopia Forum PA is now available
I just released the Private Assembly (PA) version of Presstopia Forum - a simple, easy-to-use forum module for DotNetNuke 3.1.1. or 3.2. Enjoy!
Google introduces Google Analytics
I have used Urchin web analytics software for a long time for site statistics. Urchin was recently purchased by Google. Today Google announced a free web based site traffic analysis service similar to SiteMeter and StatCounter called Google Analytics.

Signup is fairly simple. At the end, you get a chunk of JavaScript to insert into your web pages' <HEAD> element. For Presstopia Blog, this would be in your main.ascx file (located under your template folder).
Support forums now online
I just added a Forums page for general support questions, tips, announcements and the like. You will have to register in order to post to the forums (anonymous users can still view the forums though).
Conversion to DotNetNuke now complete
Presstopia.Com is now once again fully functional and running on the DotNetNuke platform. This will significantly simplify adding content to Presstopia.Com, changing site layouts, and so forth in the future.