http://drupal.org/node/38829
UIEForum is a complete forum system, that is intended to replace the existing drupal forum module.
Due to it's separate database design, it can co-exist quite happily with the default drupal forum, however it is recommended that only one be enabled at a time.
This module's design is not based around the drupal node-system. It uses it's own tables for storing forum data. There is a possibility that this will change at some stage, but for now it's the easiest, and most logical method to proceed.
UIEForum was originally developed as a 'homebrew', standalone forum for www.unreal.ie - and has since been ported over to suit drupal's code structure and rules, as the site is due to move to the drupal system in the coming months. This is still a work in progress, so I fully expect there to be various bugs, however alot of work has gone into the development of the original system, and now the drupal port, so here's hoping that it's not too buggy.
The module allows for the use of groups (roles) to provide security on specific forums, and as such, can be a suitable replacement for users that are currently debating moving from a VBB (or similar) environment.
At the moment, a fixed list of smilies are available, but this will be moved to a database list soon(ish).
Development of this module is ongoing, so be sure to check back frequently.