Known mostly for their dead simple commenting system, Disqus has announced that they are launching premium services for their 1/2 million plus strong community.
Today, as part of the new Disqus, we’re introducing Add-ons. Add-ons are optional, premium tools and features that augment the core Disqus platform. They’re designed for growing communities that need the best tools and integration available from Disqus.
What are some add-ons? Analytics gives you a unique insight into your community and its growth. Single sign-on lets you seamlessly integrate Disqus with your existing authentication system. An advanced theme editor lets you craft your own custom theme for use with the Disqus platform. Moderation logging and reporting are tools that are invaluable for websites with multiple moderators or admins. (Official Disqus Blog)
Note: Emphasis theirs.
Previously these features were available for VIP clients only, although apparently strong demand from the community prompted Disqus to release premium features (in three flavors) to their users.
Prices currently start at $19/month which should appeal to professional bloggers seeking to gain analytical insight about their commenters.
Disqus also relaunched their API, which will allow third party companies to create their own plugins or applications (like DisqusPro), which should give the company some extra ammunition to compete against rivals like Echo and Automattic’s IntenseDebate.
Disqus’s commenting system is compatible with most major blogging platforms (including Blogger, Tumblr and self hosted WordPress blogs), and it will be interesting to see whether their premium features will help the company reach a million users by the end of 2011.