For years, Wordpress has enjoyed its position of being the most popular content management system. By powering 40% of all the world's websites, it's usually the first choice for small business owners.

So, the fact that Wordpress endangered its position by getting into a dispute with WPEngine is a grave concern to small business owners. It's a clear case of consumers needing to protect themselves, while the very systems that support their business could be failing them.

A recap of the feud: Wordpress accused WPEngine of ripping off their copyright infringement by using Wordpress' trademarks. They also accused WPEngine of not contributing to the open source system that supports Wordpress. They demanded that WPEngine pay licensing fees, as well as compensation for lost licensing revenue.

​Click here to read the whole drama as explained by TechCrunch.

WPEngine refused, claiming their use of the Wordpress trademark "WP" is covered under fair use. Then, Matt Mullenweg, Wordpress' CEO, banned WPEngine from accessing Wordpress' resources. This ended up breaking WPEngine's plugins and themes, leaving their customers' websites incapacitated. Now, both companies are going to court.

Mullenweg's recent act is to boast about how many companies have left WPEngine

A new website called WordPress Engine Tracker, estimates that 54,660 customers have left WPEngine since September 21, 2024.

While Mullenweg gleefully boasts, the real losers are small business owners. These are the people who have suffered from disrupted business, lost income, anxiety, massive frustration, and helplessness at being caught up in a war that had nothing to do with them.

Kind of sad all around really.

Consumers need to know how to protect themselves in case they get caught in future crossfires between software platforms. Knowledge is power.

If you remain with Wordpress:

1. Work with a hosting provider that provides managed Wordpress hosting. Their servers are configured specifically for Wordpress, provide enhanced security, increased performance, regular backups and expert support.
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2. Create a contingency plan by making sure you download a backup of your website to your computer, regularly.
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   A backup keeps all data, and other website components such as code files, databases, images, plugins and themes. Backups should be provided by a reputable website host as part of their regular service.
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   ​Here's a more lengthy article on how to back up your website.

You could also consider moving away from Wordpress to another content management system

Choosing a CMS will depend on:

• Your level of technical ability. Are you looking for a platform that works for beginners (think website builders such as Wix, or Squarespace), or are you comfortable with more technical solutions (such as Drupal or Joomla)?
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• Do you have control of your domain name, and a choice of where you can host your website?
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• Can you access your own backups?
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• How well does the platform integrate with other solutions, such as a CRM, email marketing software, etc
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• Does the platform provide templates so you don’t have to design from scratch?
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• What does the platform state about security or access to your data?
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• How does the platform handle search engine optimization?
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• Do the costs fit into your monthly tech budget?
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• And of course, what do other users say in review sites?

For small business owners, the mass departure from WP Engine is a reminder that platform stability is just as important as features or price.

To avoid being collateral damage in future platform disputes, stay informed on industry changes, and have contingency plans in place.

In the fast-moving world of digital business, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s protection.

Thank you for reading!​
Temi

What software would you like me to review in future issues?
Let me know at: news@softwareroiguide.com​

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