Ning, (www.ning.com), the leading platform for custom social experiences, today announced a new set of product options focused on giving Network Creators even more ways to develop and grow their networks online.
Three versions of the Ning Platform – Ning Pro, Ning Plus, and Ning Mini – will launch in July of 2010, and will include all of the features that Ning Network Creators have come to rely on for over the past five years, along with exciting new upgrades and options.
As part of this announcement Ning has signed a letter of intent with a major educational company to sponsor all K-12 education Ning Networks globally and keep the service free for teachers and their students.
Ning provides a powerful platform that enables Network Creators to focus on the important work of developing their communities. Since its inception, Ning has been focused on building the best product to serve the needs of these passionate individuals.
“Our Network Creators are some of the most passionate and creative users of social networking technologies on the web, and by focusing on our three new product offerings, Ning will be able to extend the power and control we bring to our customers,” said Jason Rosenthal, CEO, Ning. “We’re excited about our company’s new direction, and see these premium products transforming the way that current and future Network Creators build with Ning.”
As previously announced, Ning will phase out its free ad-supported product in favor of these three new price and feature offerings. This shift will put the emphasis squarely on the most active Network Creators, and enable them to build even more engaging custom social experiences for their members.
Ning Network Creator Manny Hernandez notes, “I was glad to learn the details about the new price options. They cover a broad range of Network Creator needs, including a low-cost option aimed at nonprofits and individuals. Ning has been a great solution for us on TuDiabetes and EsTuDiabetes, where we use most of the current premium services they offer. I find the new Ning Pro option a great deal and a good fit for our needs and budget.”
Feature-rich platforms
The Ning Platform offers a host of powerful features for Network Creators; including blogs, photos, forum tools, branded media players, extensive design controls and integration with other leading social media services.
Over the coming months Ning will roll out even more ways for Network Creators to enhance their networks, including the following updates:
The ability to replace the Ning ID with a custom sign-in system, as well as support for authentication with Facebook, Twitter and more
New APIs to enable mobile and desktop application development opportunities
Increased design flexibility through additional homepage text boxes and RSS modules, as well as improved header and footer control
Network Creator controls to enable access to premium content
Reporting and analytics around member usage, content and demographics
New Product Packages
Ning Pro: As Ning’s flagship product, Ning Pro is the right choice for Creators who are serious about building a comprehensive social experience and need flexibility, integration and support. Ning Pro Networks offer unlimited membership, full control over branding, multimedia options including music uploads and branded players, and advanced customization. Price: $49.95 / month or $ 499.95/ year
Ning Plus: Ning Plus offers a robust set of tools and features to grow a highly-engaged, branded social network. Ning Plus Networks provide unlimited membership, full control over branding, and features including events, groups, chat, pages and Ning Apps. Network Creators using Ning Plus will also have advanced customization options that include the ability to edit CSS, add Javascript and make use of a Language Editor. Price: $19.95 / month or $199.95 / year
Ning Mini: Ning Mini is the fastest and simplest way to start social networks for a classroom, small non-profit or family group, giving organizers the ability to create a social network in under 30 seconds. Networks using Ning Mini have access to Ning’s core features including, blogs, photos, forums and video embeds, and the added ability to run custom advertising. Price: $2.95 / month or $19.95 / year
Current Network Creators will have the opportunity to select the package that is right for them within 30 days of the July rollout. Those choosing to migrate from the Ning platform will be provided with the time and tools to export their members and content using standards-based data feeds.
About Ning
Ning is the leading online platform for the world’s organizers, activists and influencers to create social experiences that inspire action. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Ning offers an easy-to-use service that enables people to create custom branded social networks. With more than 300,000 active Ning Networks created across politics, entertainment, small business, non-profits, education and more, millions of people every day are coming together across Ning to connect around the topics they are passionate about. Ning was co-founded in October 2004 by Chairman Marc Andreessen and is privately held. For more information, visit www.ning.com
