Per the readme notes included with the update the following items have been improved upon:

• Updated user interface to better sit within the WordPress admin aesthetics. Clean up of moderation, navigation, and support interfaces.
• Improved comment exporting and local backup. Exporting is now down in smaller chunks and addresses execution timeout and server memory issues.
• Faster JavaScript loading. The main comment system JavaScript is now loaded asynchronously and will not block the loading of other widgets and scripts on the page.
• Better handling of closed/disabled comments on pages and posts.
• Disqus now updates the permalink URL of the comment thread when it changes from WordPress. This addresses previous issues with missing Reactions (tweets, etc) and missing comments.
• More consistent handling of comment counts. Comment count script is included the default post loop, but can also be tweaked to be included in the wp_footer.
• Single sign-on with WordPress accounts integrated into plugin (VIP only).
• Fixes and compatibility workarounds with other WordPress plugins.

I, personally use Disqus here on THE Tech Scoop, there are two other main competitors for blog commenting (JS-Kit and Intense Debate). I haven’t used JS-Kit, but am familiar with Intense Debate. Interestingly enough, Intense Debate is part of the Automattic family and has incredibly tight linkages into WordPress, obviously – it appears thought that Disqus is getting very close to providing a similar feature set with this latest release.

Site owners out there – do you use a 3rd party comment system on your blog or do you stick with the included default?

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I’m liking what I see thus far and can’t wait until the private beta is opened to the rest of us.

The service is divided into two offerings. Phonebooth Free which is perfect for small businesses, freelancers and independent professionals and provides all the functionality folks in that space space need:

• A free local phone number
• 200 free minutes per month
• Custom call routing to any phone
• Extensions and voicemail expandability
• Read voicemail in email (meaning you get a transcript)
• Dynamic website widget (very cool)

When your needs expand, you can switch to the Phonebooth OnDemand service that offers a full-featured office phone system with support for HD desk and conference phones. So all the features of Phonebooth Free plus:

• Unlimited local and long distance
• Conference calling
• Detailed call reporting
• and a few other tidbits all for $20 per person, per month

Phonebooth.com is at SXSW right now and making the rounds there with media, analysts and enthusiasts (I will never miss another SXSW again !!)

If you’re in need of a service like this I’d recommend checking them out [here]. I can’t say precisely where this service differs or exceeds in functionality from Google Voice or Ribbit – I’m waiting to be let into the beta – hint, hint… When I do get in I’ll do a product comparison.

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I’m really digging the Cloud Slam idea and delivery model.

On March 23-25 the 2nd Annual Virtual Conference on Cloud Computing will be hosted online. No travel expenses, no expensive hotels…it’s all online – BRILLIANT !!

The event covers the latest trends and innovations in the world of cloud computing with various panels, workshops and tutorials focused on the following areas:

• Technology
• Implementation
• Legal
• Security
• Business models
• Research

Registration is either $50 for the Regular ticket or $150 for the VIP ticket. The difference being that the VIP ticket grants you access to all sessions, panels, and proceedings and you get a DVD full of collateral; with the Regular ticket you don’t get the DVD.

To register click [here].

If you attend drop us a line and let us know how the conference was.

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Here are Matt Mullenweb and Mike Little, the founding developers of WordPress, talking about WordPress history, open source as a philosophy and their individual backgrounds.

This video was recorded at WordCamp UK 2009.

Check out as Cesar Alaniz and John Pozadzides sit down and go over what could be available in the coming 45-60 days (no one can effectively predict Apple’s App Store approval cycle).

This is the one thing missing in the Woopra arsenal, in my opinion, that Clicky has over them.

What I do like is that the Woopra team is reaching out to us the user community for suggestions and feedback for functionality prior to the release of the app. I have a sneaking feeling that this app may cost something when it’s actually released.