(PHP or Python) Developing something like www.tribe.net

[Mir Nazim]

Hi there.

I am about to undertake a project. My employer wants it to be developed
in PHP. While I was thinking that Python will be better for this job.

The project will implement the functionality similar to Yahoo360
(http://www.360.yahoo.com), http://www.Tribe.net, Orkut etc.

1) There will be a groups like functionality like google groups.
2) Groups/personal blogs/albums/events/buddy lists etc. need to be
implemented.
3) Most importantly it needs to be implemented like platform. that is
it has to expose API or web services so that application implemented on
it can talk to each other and other applications can talk to it.

My employer wants to go with PHP because almost all the functionality
is available with a Drupal CMS for PHP. But it is important to note
that for an application, rather a platform, which is intended to be
used for a long time, time to implement should not be the major
criteria above good design and maintainability(in which python scores
highest).

IMHO Zope3/Quixote seem to be the obvious choice here. Though
functionality is not available on them but i think time spent now will
be gained by gains in better design and maintainable code base.

Now I want this wonderful c.l.py community to pour in their suggestions
on what would be better alternatives. Also may we try various
combinations of frameworks like Zope3 for components, Twisted2.0 for
network functionality etc.

PS: I am leaving out Zope2.x and Twisted1.x as a lot has changed in
newer versions and I don't want to be hanged when Zope3 becomes
official.

Thanks 

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Mir Nazim