WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a web building platform operated by Automattic. Launched on November 21, 2005, it provides hosting infrastructure and operational services for websites built with the open-source WordPress content management system. Unlike self-hosted WordPress installations, in which users deploy and administer the software on their own hosting environment, WordPress.com integrates the WordPress software with managed hosting, platform operations, software maintenance, and technical support. Although WordPress.com is built on the same core WordPress software distributed through WordPress.org, the two projects serve different purposes. WordPress.org distributes the open-source WordPress software for self-hosted deployment, whereas WordPress.com provides WordPress as a managed hosting platform operated by Automattic. While Automattic is a major contributor to the WordPress project, neither WordPress.com nor Automattic controls the open-source WordPress project or the WordPress Foundation.