Automattic Launches Jetpack, Gives WordPress.org Users WordPress.com Perks
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Apparently people on WordPress.org had been clamoring for more of the premium features of WordPress.com, and today founder Matt Mullenweg has decided to give them the “best of both worlds,” with Jetpack, a plugin that gives the self-hosted users all of the “goodies” of WordPress.com with the freedom (and GPL) that being a WordPress.com user affords.
Mullenweg explains his motivation behind the offering, “The dot.org users can get the best of WordPress.com without giving up control, which might be the future of open source in general.”
Jetpack will eventually replace 20/30 plugins with just one and WordPress has partnered up with Bluehost, Dreamhost, Go Daddy, Hostgator, Media Temple and Network Solutions to make this bundle available immediately with the one-click WordPress.org installs upon launch.
While premium features like Blackbird Pie still remain in the realm of WordPress.com users only, WordPress had combined eight of its most requested features into JetPack: Hovercards, Stats, After the Deadlines, Twitter widget, shortcodes, shortlinks, easy Facebook/Twitter/Wordpress sharing buttons and Latex.
Says Mullenweg, “If you’re on WordPress you’re part of the family, it shouldn’t matter if we host you or not.”