WordPress Future Outlook: The Drama, Prospects, and Implications for You in 2025
In the dynamic world of web development, the choice of Content Management System (CMS) can significantly impact project timelines. This is due to the streamlining development process that the right CMS can provide. However, not all CMS platforms are created equal, and sometimes, corporate infighting can cloud the decision-making process.
A notable example of this is the ongoing legal battle between WordPress, the widely-adopted open-source CMS powering over 40% of the internet, and WP Engine, a popular managed hosting provider. The drama between these two entities, which erupted in 2024, has not affected the stability, open-source nature, or wide adoption of WordPress.
The conflict began when Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, publicly accused WP Engine of profiting off WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks without contributing back to the ecosystem. In response, WP Engine issued a Cease and Desist letter and later filed a lawsuit against Automattic.
The court ruling in December 2024 mandated that WP Engine's access to WordPress.org must be restored, and Automattic was required to roll back any restrictions imposed on WP Engine customers. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the software itself continues to operate as usual.
Amidst this corporate drama, KOTA, a Creative Digital Agency specialising in Creative Web Design, Web Development, Branding, and Digital Marketing, stands as a beacon of platform-agnostic approach. KOTA operates its own in-house hosting platform and partners with Kinsta for managed hosting. Every project at KOTA starts with a CMS discovery process to determine which platform best suits the project's needs.
KOTA offers a free brief template to avoid miscommunication headaches, scope creep, expectation misalignment, and brand inconsistency. They help clients choose the best CMS for their new website without the drama associated with corporate infighting. If there are multiple viable options, KOTA outlines the pros and cons to help clients make informed decisions.
Whether it's WordPress, Statamic, Storyblok, or another headless CMS, KOTA analyses project requirements and recommends the best CMS fit. For agencies like KOTA, it's a reminder to remain platform-agnostic and choose the right CMS for each project, ensuring a smooth development process and a successful end product.
Despite the legal drama surrounding WordPress and WP Engine, the platform remains largely unaffected for users and developers due to being protected under the GNU Public License. This serves as a testament to the resilience and community-driven nature of open-source software, ensuring that it won't be derailed by corporate infighting.
In conclusion, the choice of CMS can greatly impact a web development project. By remaining platform-agnostic and focusing on the needs of the project, agencies like KOTA can help clients make informed decisions and avoid the drama associated with corporate infighting.
