Now that it has been announced publicly, I can tell you that we've picked Shelby Arena to replace our existing ChMS system.

Attachment: arena.gif (8447 bytes)Last year I installed the pre-Shelby version of this system and got to kick its tires. It is beautiful. When you finally get to see it you'll understand what I mean. Between Jon's eye, David's code and their combined knowledge of ministry needs, they have really created a useful ChMS system.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to sit with David, an original developer of this system, and look at the changes they've made to the engine (now an ASP.NET 2.0 package). With the 2.0 rework, it now appears that it will be possible to easily integrate your own custom code/assemblies into the package (provided Shelby still intends on making this a licensing option).

With Arena's ability to handle your web site content, it will become the platform for our "MyCentral" project we'll be soon working on.

In the upcoming weeks I hope to also share with you more news about Arena -- once I'm given the green light to say it...