I have been sitting on this news for about a week, but I am really excited about this announcement and what it means for social networks in the future.

Matt Mullenweg of WordPress (Disclaimer: This site was built on a WordPress platform and I am a big fan) announced that WordPress Multi-User will have the ability to create a social network in the next release later this year.

The new edition is called BuddyPress.  The features include all of the standard features of a social network, including  the ability to add profiles, friends, photo galleries, and other sharing tools.

There is an index of 350 plus social networks as of right now.  We report on one in our Beyond posts each week.  Most of these sites have been built by companies or talented programmers.  Many offer great opportunities for marketing.

The reason I am so excited about BuddyPress is the fact that WordPress is a platform that brings web 2.0, user interaction, and simplicity to the general population.  I believe the tools for social networks will empower creative types from all over and that will in-turn produce a wealth of exciting an engaging social networks.  The benefit to brands is there will be even more marketing opportunities that are highly targeted to interests and demographics.

I have a lot of ideas swimming around for ways to use this new service.  Have a good weekend!