Blogging platform WordPress is the latest to jump onto the social networking bandwagon. Called “BuddyPress,” the developers aim to make the “social experience” even easier. Although BuddyPress is based upon Wordpress‘ own collaborative blogging software, Wordpress MU, many analysts predict that it will take on a much more traditional, MySpace-like, appearance. BuddyPress is scheduled for a fourth-quarter launch.

WordPress isn’t the only blogging platform experimenting with social networking. According to developer Six Apart, Movable Type Pro will contain a new feature called “social publishing.”  Social Publishing will allow users not only to post comments, but rate them as well. Bloggers now also have access to the “Action Stream,” which lets them easily change and switch content with other sites.

While some are anxiously awaiting the arrival of BuddyPress, many others are still signing up for established sites like Facebook, especially in markets outside North America. Facebook membership grew only 9% in North America, compared to 25% elsewhere according to comScore. Europe is especially on a roll, with 35 million users, a 303% increase from the year before. Many analysts agree that the North American market is in more of a “cooling off” period. North America remains Facebook’s strongest region, with roughly 49 million people subscribing to the service.

In other social networking news, CW Teo has written a great piece about how you can use sites such as StumbleUpon to enhance your business. In “Targeted List Building With Social Bookmarking and Networking,” Teo not only talks about the underlying principles of these sites, but how you can use them to create social buzz about your product or service. This article is a must for anyone who wishes to not only stay up-to-date with the current social trends, but expand their business as well.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) is coming to the iPhone. Global IP Solutions, a company known for their knowlege in the IP field, officially announced the launch of their development platform. Prospective iPhone developers will now be able to implement the Global IP engine called “VoiceEngine Mobile” into their application. As of now, VoIP will only be available through the phone’s Wi-Fi connection.

Disqus, the service designed to take the pain out of commenting in blogs, has gotten an upgrade. The new “Disqus 2.0” features several new tools, including a new user interface and general programming improvements. Perhaps the most intriguing addition, is the new WordPress plugin. With this plugin, commenters on your blog are now able to store Disqus comments directly onto your blog instead of Disqus‘ server, giving you more control. Disqus 2.0, and the WordPress plugin are available now — and they’re free.