BuddyPress is a sister project of WordPress and quite accurately described as "Facebook-in-a-box" perfect for the creation of niche social networks.

BuddyPress is essentially a set of plugins built on top of WordPress MU (Multi User) adding the kind of social interaction you’ve come to expect from your favorite social network. BP is great for companies, organizations, clubs and groups... you name it!

Features include:

• Extended Profiles
• Private Messaging
• Friends
• Groups
• Activity Streams
• Blog Tracking and more...

A major benefit of BuddyPress is that you get the power and stability of WordPress. Its easily extensible and is compatible with most of the WordPress plugins out there.

Another key benefit is the freedom to 'Bring Your Own Terms Of Service' to your social network. Unlike Ning, Facebook and MySpace who can do pretty much anything they want with your content, it is really up to you to decide your own terms of service for your unique community.

To view screenshots, and learn more please visit: www.buddypress.org/about