The Past, Present and Future of WordPress

WordPress continues to be the world's most popular content management system, powering over 63% of all websites. I recently had the chance to discuss in-depth with Somer Athari, Noble Studios' Associate Technical Director and our longest-serving team member, about WordPress' impressive journey and what the future may hold for the software.

Early Potential

Q: Back in the day, what struck you most about WordPress’s potential versus that of other systems?

Somer: We started tinkering with WordPress in 2007 when it was gaining momentum in the blogging community. Compared to other open-source alternatives, it was a simple, out-of-the-box solution for creators of content and end visitors. Though basic in features, the open-source community suggested WordPress could evolve more rapidly than the proprietary systems of the time.

Key to Leading the Pack

Q: Today, WordPress owns the Content Management System space with a 63% market share. What made that possible?

Somer: WordPress dominates now because the community fulfilled that early potential. So many contributors over 20 years have created this mature, flexible, widely trusted platform. Automattic, the lead commercial entity behind WordPress, has also strategically supported plugin and theme ecosystems. This constant collaboration is the key ingredient.

Differing from Other CMS Options

Q: For the less tech-inclined readers, how is WordPress different from other CMS options?

Somer: Unlike other proprietary CMS options, WordPress thrives on an open-source philosophy. This means its continuous improvement is driven by a global community of contributors prioritizing usability and accessibility. This grassroots approach fosters innovation, creating a CMS catering to a diverse audience. The extensive user base also generates network effects, making accessing hosting, pre-built themes, documentation, support and developers easier when building a WordPress site. Essentially, WordPress's strength lies in its commitment to open-source principles, aligning with a philosophy that encourages collaboration, transparency and community-driven innovation. This ethos is what defines and drives the WordPress community, making it a dynamic and inclusive platform for users worldwide.

Exciting Future Trends

Q: What future WordPress roadmap initiatives most excite you?

Somer: So many promising items are on the horizon with Phases 3 and 4 of their roadmap! I'm eager for upgrades like real-time co-editing features for collaborative publishing and re-imagining the media library for easier asset management. Multilingual native WordPress support is also on the horizon! With its roadmap paired with the passion of its contributor community, WordPress will continue leading CMS innovation.

The Preferred CMS Moving Forward

Q: Will Noble Studios keep using WordPress moving forward?

Somer: Absolutely, WordPress aligns beautifully with our values and vision. We are powering open, accessible experiences that users and clients easily understand. We plan to leverage WordPress for years to come rather than shifting to trendy proprietary platforms. It's the full package: mature, yet forward-thinking. The CMS of the past, present AND future!

As we reflect on the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future of WordPress, it's clear that its continuous evolution and such a passionate community support make it the preferred CMS for Noble Studios. With exciting trends on the horizon, such as real-time co-editing and an enhanced media library, WordPress remains at the forefront of CMS innovation.

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