The Sobi project started in 2006 when we wanted to create a directory website with Joomla! for our own city, but couldn't find a suitable directory component. Since Joomla! is open source, we initially developed Sobi from an existing component. To support the Joomla! open source community, we provided Sobi to all Joomla! users in the Joomla! Extensions Directory (JED).

Sobi found a strong response from users, and a large number of feature requests arised. However, the structure of Sobi1 was not suited to implement these new features, so we decided to develop an entirely new component.

The first Sobi2 version was published in September 2006, 4 months after Sobi1, and was even more popular. Using an integrated interface for extensions, the functionality of Sobi2 could be extended without changing the core code, which has led to over 80 extensions available on the JED for Sobi2. The Sobi2 component has been downloaded over 500,000 times to date.

Four years and many feature requests later, Sobi2 has reached its limits. New programming techniques and Joomla! versions made the development of a new component seem like the next logical step.

The result today is SobiPro.

With SobiPro, we present a component, which is created from the beginning to be extensible by its modular design. By sub-dividing the data into sections, and an integrated rights management (ACL), SobiPro can be used for many functions of a website. A flexible template system with templates for each view allows a maximum of individual design.

We are proud to present our new SobiPro Directory Component at J! and Beyond 2011 in Kerkrade, Netherlands, the largest International Joomla! conference which we are also supporting as a Silver Sponsor.

Interested visitors can check the SobiPro project booth where we would like to show you the major features of this extension, and let you see firsthand some of the improvements and learn more about SobiPro.

As soon as voting is open, vote on the J and Beyond site for our live presentation "Exploring SobiPro" to attend our talk for a complete overview.

SobiPro is not as much our child as it is yours. It's grown up from the desires of the Sobi community, from your desires.