Who owns WordPress? This is a question that often arises among users and developers of the popular content management system (CMS). WordPress, being one of the most widely used platforms for creating websites, has a complex ownership structure that involves various entities. In this article, we will delve into the history and current ownership of WordPress to provide a comprehensive understanding of its origins and governance.
WordPress was initially created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little in 2003. At the time, it was a fork of another blogging platform called b2/cafelog. Since its inception, WordPress has gained immense popularity and has become the go-to choice for many website owners and developers. Over the years, the platform has evolved significantly, with contributions from a vast community of developers and designers.
In terms of ownership, WordPress itself is an open-source project. This means that the source code is freely available to the public, and anyone can contribute to its development. The WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in managing and protecting the WordPress brand. The Foundation is responsible for ensuring that the project remains open-source and that its community continues to thrive.
The WordPress Foundation is owned by the WordPress community, which includes developers, users, and contributors from around the world. The organization is governed by a board of directors, who are elected by the community. This democratic structure ensures that the interests of the community are represented and that the project remains open and accessible to all.
While the WordPress Foundation owns the brand and ensures that the project remains open-source, there are several companies and individuals who have played significant roles in the development and growth of WordPress. One of the most notable entities is Automattic, a for-profit company founded by Matt Mullenweg. Automattic provides services and products related to WordPress, including WordPress.com, Jetpack, and Akismet.
Automattic has acquired several WordPress-related companies over the years, such as Akismet, Gravatar, and VaultPress. These acquisitions have helped Automattic to expand its offerings and provide more value to the WordPress community. However, it is important to note that Automattic is not the sole owner of WordPress. The platform remains an open-source project, and its development is driven by the contributions of the community.
In conclusion, the ownership of WordPress is a shared responsibility among the WordPress community, the WordPress Foundation, and various companies and individuals who have contributed to its growth. While Automattic has played a significant role in the development of WordPress, the platform’s open-source nature ensures that its future is shaped by the collective efforts of its diverse community. Understanding the complex ownership structure of WordPress helps us appreciate the collaborative spirit that has made it one of the most popular and versatile CMS platforms in the world.
