As a WordPress website creator with our own high-speed hosting servers, I understand the importance of reliable, secure, and adaptable hosting for your WordPress sites. The recent conflict between WP Engine and WordPress may not be on every website owner’s radar, but it should be. In light of the issues between these two companies, WP Engine users should consider the benefits of moving their websites to alternative hosts. Here’s why—and what you need to keep in mind to ensure the security of your website if you decide to stay with WP Engine.

Understanding the WP Engine and WordPress Conflict

The current issues between WP Engine and WordPress center around governance, branding, and contribution to the open-source community. Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, has openly criticized WP Engine’s limited contributions to WordPress development and took issue with WP Engine’s use of “WP” in its branding, which he argues could mislead users into thinking WP Engine is an official WordPress entity.

Following these comments, WP Engine filed a lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic (the company behind WordPress) for defamation and extortion, while Automattic accused WP Engine of trademark infringement. In retaliation, WordPress.org limited WP Engine’s access to themes, plugins, and updates, restricting these services and impacting WP Engine’s customer experience.

How This Affects WP Engine Customers

While this dispute may seem like a business matter between two companies, the impact on WP Engine customers is tangible. With WP Engine’s access to WordPress.org restricted, users are experiencing issues with updating plugins, themes, and core WordPress features. For website owners, this means:

• Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular updates, your plugins and themes could become vulnerable to security threats. Hackers often target outdated WordPress components, so failing to stay updated could lead to data breaches, defacement, or other serious security issues.
• Stagnant Features and Performance: WordPress regularly releases updates that improve performance, add new features, and enhance user experience. WP Engine’s restricted access could lead to slower, less optimized sites over time, putting you at a disadvantage.
• Maintenance Challenges: The manual updating process, if WP Engine users lose access to automatic updates, is time-consuming and requires technical knowledge. This added layer of maintenance could be overwhelming for site owners who rely on WP Engine for ease of use and convenience.

With these potential risks in mind, it may be time to consider alternative hosting options. As someone who operates fast, independent WordPress servers, I believe the reliability and freedom of alternative hosting solutions could greatly benefit WP Engine users during this uncertain time.

Why Consider Moving to a New Hosting Provider?

Moving to an independent or alternative hosting provider can provide you with more control, flexibility, and security than staying with a service in flux. Here are some key benefits of switching from WP Engine to a reliable alternative host:

1. Full Access to WordPress.org Resources: Independent hosts have full access to WordPress.org’s themes, plugins, and updates. This means you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest WordPress improvements, maintaining optimal site performance, security, and functionality without hassle.
2. Improved Security Measures: By choosing an independent hosting provider, you’ll avoid the risk of compromised security. Your host will be able to implement custom security measures and work directly with you to ensure your site’s protection without reliance on WP Engine’s restricted access.
3. Greater Flexibility: If your site requires specific configurations, a custom server setup is often more flexible than managed WordPress hosting. You’ll be free to use any plugin or theme that best meets your site’s needs without concerns about WP Engine’s access restrictions.
4. Customizable Speed and Performance Options: With high-speed servers, you can fine-tune your hosting environment to maximize speed, responsiveness, and uptime. When you’re in control of your own hosting setup, you can avoid issues that arise when third-party companies are embroiled in disputes and focus on delivering the best user experience.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Many independent hosts offer competitive pricing that can save you money compared to WP Engine’s premium pricing structure. By choosing an affordable, secure alternative, you can allocate resources elsewhere, such as marketing or website growth.

What to Look for in a New Hosting Provider

If you’re considering moving your site, here are some critical factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition:

• WordPress-Specific Support: Choose a provider with extensive WordPress expertise. Whether you’re troubleshooting plugins or optimizing your theme, you’ll want a host that understands the nuances of WordPress.
• High-Speed Performance: Look for a provider that emphasizes speed and uptime. Features like SSD storage, advanced caching, and content delivery networks (CDNs) can improve your website’s performance.
• Automatic Backups and Recovery Options: Regular backups are essential for WordPress websites. Make sure your new host offers automatic backups and provides a recovery solution in case something goes wrong.
• Easy Migration Services: Many hosts provide free migration tools or services. Check to see if the provider you’re considering offers these to make your transition from WP Engine as seamless as possible.

Considerations for Those Who Choose to Stay with WP Engine

If you’re not ready to make the move, or if you’re waiting to see how the situation unfolds, here are some crucial steps to take to protect your website and data while using WP Engine:

1. Set Up Remote Backups: Relying solely on WP Engine’s backups may no longer be enough. Set up remote backups using services like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault. Remote backups allow you to store your website data in a separate, secure location, ensuring that you have full control over your site’s content and configuration in case of service disruptions.
2. Explore Manual Update Options: If WP Engine’s restricted access to WordPress.org becomes a prolonged issue, you may need to learn how to manually update plugins, themes, and WordPress core. This can be done by downloading the necessary files from WordPress.org and uploading them directly to your site, although it’s a more complex process than automatic updates.
3. Regular Security Scans: Without regular updates, your site may be more vulnerable to security threats. Use tools like Sucuri or Wordfence to regularly scan your site for vulnerabilities and malicious code. These tools can also notify you if any suspicious activity occurs, helping you stay one step ahead of potential issues.
4. Limit Plugin Usage: Every plugin you add to your site increases the risk of potential conflicts and vulnerabilities, especially when regular updates are compromised. Consider reviewing your plugins and disabling any that aren’t essential to your website’s operation.
5. Monitor the Legal Situation Closely: Keep an eye on the ongoing legal situation between WP Engine and Automattic. If the dispute escalates or if WordPress.org imposes additional restrictions, WP Engine users could see further impacts. Staying informed will help you make a well-timed decision if you decide to move your site in the future.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your WordPress Site’s Future

The conflict between WP Engine and WordPress has created a period of uncertainty for WP Engine customers. For website owners who prioritize security, flexibility, and control, moving to an independent hosting provider offers significant advantages. With the right host, you can maintain full access to updates, customize your hosting environment, and ensure that your website is equipped to handle any changes in the WordPress ecosystem.

For those who choose to stay with WP Engine, it’s crucial to implement safeguards like remote backups, regular security scans, and manual update practices to mitigate potential risks. Ultimately, taking proactive steps to protect your WordPress site will empower you to focus on what matters most: creating a great experience for your users and growing your online presence.