Note: If you are no longer active in your scouting unit, please forward this email to an active member of the unit to insure they receive this communication.

SOAR Customers,

For the past 3 days I have been looking at what is required to get the SOAR services up and running on a new server with an updated operating system and software versions. I ran final tests on the newly provisioned server yesterday. The short and unfortunate answer is that it will take weeks to bring it back up. Given the complexity, I also can’t easily commit to a specific date.

You all need websites services immediately to continue your daily unit operations and communications. So the right thing to do is to provide that to you.

Both Troopmaster and TroopWebHost are reputable and feature rich website services for scouting organizations. After talking to the owners, they were eager to assist. One thing I’ve always loved about the scouting community – genuinely great people.

We made arrangements to assist in your transition from SOAR to them. This will include import of data from your SOAR website and special discounts to start. In a bad situation, I want to thank both Troopmaster and TroopWebHost for their support.

You can go and setup a website on their services and get started NOW! The choice of which is yours. Full details can be found below.  While each has many of the same features as SOAR, keep in mind that their user interface will be new to you and take some time to get used to.

SOAR website services will not be available again. We are going to focus on getting customers their data and working with Troopmaster and TroopWebHost to get it imported.

I am deeply saddened by all of this. SOAR and all of you have all been my life for the last 18 years. I will miss it greatly. At the same time, it’s the right thing to do for our customers.

Michael Kabot

Owner – SOAR

Troopmaster

Troopmaster’s Web 2.0 has services for both Packs and Troops.

1. Go to their website www.troopmaster.com.
2. Pick the appropriate Web 2.0 version: PackMaster or TroopMaster.
3. Add it to your cart and checkout.
4. In the notes section, let them know you are a SOAR customer and provide your SOAR ID.
5. They will then add the remaining time on your SOAR subscription to your account.

TroopWebHost has services for both Packs and Troops

1. Go the appropriate website above.
2. Click the Order button and checkout.
3. Once your site is created, open a support ticket and let them know you are a SOAR customer and provide your SOAR ID.
4. They will then credit your account $50, a special first year reduced rate for SOAR customers.

Customer Data

I am working to provide you access to your customer data by Monday, in a secure manner. It will be in the form of CSV files for each set of data: roster, events, groups, email lists, page content, etc. In addition there will be ZIPs for files/attachments and photos.

Troopmaster and TroopWebHost are working on import programs for that data into their sites. Again, huge thank you to them for going above and beyond to help.  The exact details of what and when are being worked and will be communicated as soon as available. It will start with basic imports for roster, groups/email lists, and events.

What Should I Do Next?

1. Make sure you have at least 2 unit leader subscribed to this mailing list to receive communications. Use the Subscribe button below.
2. Review the offerings from both Troopmaster and TroopWebHost.
3. Pick one and sign up for their service fpllowing the instructions above.
4. Get the basics of your new unit website setup and running.
5. Get your leaders logged in and starting to learn the new service.
6. When SOAR data is available, download and save it.
7. When imports become available, use your SOAR data to populate your new website.