Who Owns WordPress? A Simple Overview [2023]
Who owns WordPress? This is a common question among those who use or want to use the popular content management system, which powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. WordPress is the most popular content management systems (CMS) used to build websites. It is an open-source platform that is free to use and has a vast community of developers who contribute to its growth.
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However, many people often wonder who owns WordPress, and what is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. In this article, we will explore these questions in detail.
Who owns WordPress?
The short answer is that WordPress is owned by the community of developers who contribute to its development. It is an open-source project, which means that anyone can use, modify, and distribute the code. The project is managed by a non-profit organization called the WordPress Foundation. The foundation is responsible for ensuring the long-term viability of the project and protecting the WordPress brand.
The WordPress Foundation was established in 2010 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, who were the co-founders of WordPress. Matt Mullenweg is a software developer and entrepreneur who has been involved with WordPress since its inception. He is also the CEO of Automattic, a company that offers a range of products and services related to WordPress, including hosting, security, and analytics.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is the website where you can download the open-source WordPress software for free. It is a self-hosted platform, which means that you need to have your own web hosting and domain name to use it. WordPress.org gives you complete control over your website, and you can customize it as per your requirements.
WordPress.org offers a vast library of free themes and plugins that you can use to enhance the functionality of your website. You can also purchase premium themes and plugins from third-party developers. The WordPress community is continually developing new themes and plugins, and you can find solutions for almost any requirement.
WordPress.org is entirely free to use, and you can download and install it on as many websites as you want. However, you will need to pay for web hosting and domain registration, which can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per year, depending on your requirements.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a website hosting service that offers a simplified version of WordPress. It is a commercial service offered by Automattic, the company founded by Matt Mullenweg. WordPress.com takes care of hosting, security, backups, and software updates, so you don’t have to worry about any technical aspects of your website.
WordPress.com offers a range of plans, starting from a free plan that comes with basic features and limited customization options. You can upgrade to a paid plan to access more advanced features, such as custom domain names, premium themes, and plugins. The paid plans range from a few dollars per month to hundreds of dollars per year, depending on your requirements.
WordPress.com also offers a range of premium services, such as website design, SEO optimization, and website migration. These services are provided by Automattic and can help you get your website up and running quickly.
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
The main difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is the level of control you have over your website. With WordPress.org, you have complete control over your website, including the ability to customize it as per your requirements. You can install any theme or plugin, and you can modify the code as per your requirements. However, you are also responsible for hosting, security, backups, and updates.
With WordPress.com, you have less control over your website, but you also have less responsibility. WordPress.com takes care of hosting, security, backups, and updates, so you don’t have to worry about any technical aspects of your website. However, you are limited to the themes and plugins offered by WordPress.com, and you cannot modify the code.
Another difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is the cost. As mentioned earlier, WordPress.org is entirely free to use, but you need to pay for web hosting and domain registration. The cost of web hosting and domain registration can vary depending on the hosting provider and the plan you choose.
On the other hand, WordPress.com offers a range of plans, including a free plan, and you don’t have to pay for hosting or domain registration. However, if you want to access more advanced features, you need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Another difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is the level of support you receive. With WordPress.org, you are responsible for your website, and if you face any issues, you need to find a solution yourself. However, WordPress.org has an extensive community of developers who offer support through forums and documentation.
With WordPress.com, you have access to customer support through email and live chat. The level of support you receive depends on the plan you choose. The free plan offers limited support, while the paid plans offer more extensive support options.
Which one should you choose?
The choice between WordPress.org and WordPress.com depends on your requirements and expertise. If you want complete control over your website and have some technical expertise, WordPress.org is the best option. It offers a range of customization options, and you can install any theme or plugin you want.
If you don’t have any technical expertise and want a simple solution to create a website, WordPress.com is the best option. It takes care of all the technical aspects of your website, and you don’t have to worry about hosting or backups. However, you are limited to the themes and plugins offered by WordPress.com, and you cannot modify the code.
Who Owns WordPress – Conclusion
In conclusion, WordPress is an open-source platform owned by the community of developers who contribute to its development. The WordPress Foundation is responsible for ensuring the long-term viability of the project and protecting the WordPress brand.
WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform that offers complete control over your website, while WordPress.com is a website hosting service that offers a simplified version of WordPress. The choice between WordPress.org and WordPress.com depends on your requirements and expertise.