In October 2007, Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and Akismet, acquired Gravatar, a service that provides globally recognized avatars. This acquisition marked a significant step in Automattic’s journey to enhance user experience across the web.
What is Gravatar?
Gravatar, short for “Globally Recognized Avatar,” allows users to associate an image with their email address. When users comment on Gravatar-enabled sites, their avatar appears alongside their name. This feature helps establish a consistent online identity across various platforms.
The Acquisition
Automattic’s acquisition of Gravatar was finalized on October 17, 2007. The deal was a strategic move to integrate Gravatar’s services with WordPress.com, enhancing the commenting system and user profiles. The terms of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.
Immediate Changes Post-Acquisition
Following the acquisition, Automattic implemented several changes to improve Gravatar’s service:
- Integration with WordPress.com: Gravatar was seamlessly integrated into WordPress.com, allowing users to manage their avatars directly through their WordPress accounts.
- Enhancement of Service Speed: The infrastructure supporting Gravatar was upgraded, resulting in faster avatar loading times.
- Expansion of Avatar Sizes: The default avatar size was increased from 80×80 pixels to 128×128 pixels, providing higher-resolution images.
- Making Premium Features Free: All previously paid Gravatar features were made available for free to users. Additionally, refunds were issued to those who had purchased premium services within the last 60 days.
Impact on the WordPress Ecosystem
The acquisition had a profound impact on the WordPress ecosystem:
- Improved User Experience: Users experienced a more personalized and consistent identity across WordPress.com and other Gravatar-enabled sites.
- Enhanced Commenting System: The integration of Gravatar improved the commenting system on WordPress.com, making it more engaging and user-friendly.
- Increased Adoption: With Automattic’s backing, Gravatar’s user base grew significantly, becoming a standard feature on many websites.
Long-Term Developments
Over the years, Gravatar has continued to evolve under Automattic’s ownership:
- API Access: Gravatar’s API allows developers to integrate avatar functionality into their applications, broadening its reach beyond WordPress.
- Support for Multiple Avatars: Users can now associate multiple avatars with different email addresses, providing greater flexibility.
- Continued Integration with WordPress: Gravatar remains deeply integrated with WordPress, enhancing user profiles and commenting systems.
Conclusion
Automattic’s acquisition of Gravatar in 2007 was a pivotal moment in the development of the WordPress ecosystem. It not only enhanced user experience but also set the stage for future innovations in online identity management.
As Gravatar continues to evolve, its integration with WordPress remains a testament to the success of this strategic acquisition.