Most of us only have a basic knowledge of the software that powers our websites. As this beef shows, ignorance is no longer an option. What we don’t know can really hurt our businesses. It is imperative to get informed so you can protect yourself and your income.
Who are the fighters?
Automattic: Company that develops and coordinates work on the open source software that creates and maintains WordPress.com. WordPress.com powers over 66 million websites*. So, imagine their influence.
WP Engine: A company that provides website hosting services specifically for WordPress websites. Note the initials WP in their name. This will become relevant later.
What’s the fight about:
- Automattic has accused WP Engine of profiting from copyright infringement by using its trademarks, and not contributing to the open source ecosystem that supports WordPress.
They are demanding that WP Engine pay licensing fees, as well as compensation for lost licensing revenue.
- WP Engine contends that it has always contributed to the WordPress open source ecosystem. They are accusing Automattic of overstepping their bounds and extortion by demanding licensing fees for the WordPress trademark.
There are other accusations and back and forth covered in these sources: The Verge | Automattic | CMSWire | WPTavern
The result:
- WP Engine is refusing to pay the licensing fees Automattic has demanded.
- Automattic banned websites that use WP Engine services. At one point, WordPress.org forced users to confirm they are not “affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise” before registering a new account or logging in.
- WP Engine has been banned from using WordPress’ resources. This affects any customers whose websites are hosted with WP Engine.
- The WordPress community as a whole has denounced Automattic’s move.
- First because the ethos of WordPress is to be open source and not controlled by any one individual. For the CEO of Automattic (WordPress) to “attack a company and remove its access is a betrayal of the WordPress philosophy.”
- Due to this negative publicity, there are now perceptions of instability in the WordPress ecosystem (and its leadership) which are affecting the confidence of users relying on WordPress for their websites.
- If this could happen to WPEngine (whether they are in the right or wrong), it could happen to any website host.
- Developers are now wary of relying on the WordPress platform due to widespread concerns about WordPress’ autocracy. Automattic’s power move could wreak havoc on the entire WordPress ecosystem.
There’s a saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. So, as consumers stuck between these two giants, how can you protect yourself?
- Check the ownership of your website host. A number of website hosts are actually resellers of major hosts. If any of them are affiliated with WPEngine, it could affect your website.
- Monitor hosting costs to make sure your price doesn’t suddenly increase.
- Regularly backup your website in case service changes disrupt operations.
- Follow news about the dispute, especially if you use WP Engine or related services. TechCrunch, WPTavern or The Verge are great sources.
- Keep alternative hosting options in mind in case your provider is affected.
*Stat from BuiltWith.com
If there is further fall out from the dispute, keep in mind that WordPress is not the only content management system that exists out there.
In our next issue, we’ll explore several content management systems that don’t rely on the WordPress open source software.