Let’s discuss the heavyweight tech brawl that conspired between WordPress and WP Engine that resulted in throwing tantrums and trumpets blasting on who has the better pool of technology infrastructure. WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg officially cut ties with WP Engine’s website hosting service by accessing its open-source web-hosting software for free.
Mullenweg’s announcement was directed to its in-house WordPress community of website owners, notifying them of the latest updates in its service policy that drew the line in differentiating responsibilities similar to WP Engine and its commitments to hike “Automattic” trademark valuation.
WordPress aggressively blew the whistle on third-party tech companies that violated its general public license to account for revenues that don’t reflect on its equity ledger per received royalties from third parties.
Mullenweg told WordPress community subscribers that “any WP Engine customers having trouble with their sites should contact WP Engine support and ask them to fix it.“ This report connotes WordPress entitlement to receive its share of royalties that WP Engine has previously evaded to pay and no longer be overlooked henceforth.
For example, Mullenweg is the CEO of Automattic Inc. which leads a cohort of subsidiary open-source web-hosting infrastructure including WordPress, WooCommerce, and others.
Several internet users have reportedly mistaken WP Engine as a subsidiary of either Automattic or the WordPress Foundation that bankrolls WordPress open-source infrastructure with zero interest in generating revenue.
I want to share: https://t.co/CmCwbcxZfD has blocked @wpengine customers from updating and installing plugins and themes via WP Admin—disrupting essential work for #WordPress users, agencies, freelancers, and plugin developers.
Meanwhile, WP Engine is yet to acquire its GNL that certifies its brand ownership likewise legalizing its royalties entitlement. The website hosting provider has been generating revenue by disabling and locking down a WordPress core feature without a trademark license.
Mullenweg boldly said, “What I will tell you is that, pending their legal claims and litigation against WordPress.org, WP Engine no longer has free access to WordPress.org’s resources.”
For a small nonprofit, being caught in the middle of this could be costly if we need to migrate our sites to a new host. That money/time should be used for our mission.
WordPress founder added that “WP Engine wants to control your WordPress experience, they need to run their user login system, update servers, plugin directory, theme directory, pattern directory, block directory, translations, photo directory, job board, meetups, conferences, bug tracker, forums, Slack, Ping-o-matic, and showcase. Their servers can no longer access our servers for free.”
At the center of the controversy is WP Engine’s use of WordPress’s open-source code without contributing back to the community. Mullenweg has accused WP Engine of profiting off its open sources website infrastructure without zero royalties calling them a “cancer” to the WordPress community
Retaliating to WP Engine trademark abuse, the ban prevents WP Engine customers from accessing WordPress resources, including plugin and theme updates, which could leave their sites vulnerable to security issues.
Mullenweg has stated that WP Engine needs to obtain a trademark license to continue using WordPress’s intellectual property. WP Engine disputes these claims, arguing that they have done nothing wrong and are being targeted by Mullenweg.
However, WP Engine has sent a cease and desist letter to Automattic, accusing Mullenweg of harassment and making false claims. They argue that they have done nothing wrong and are being unfairly targeted.
WP Engine customers may face difficulties updating plugins and themes, potentially leaving their sites vulnerable to security issues. Mullenweg has advised customers to contact WP Engine support for assistance.
The situation is ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight. WP Engine has until October 1st to resolve the conflict or acquire a GPL to trademark that licenses it web hosting services as legal brand.
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