WordPress Jetpak

Jetpack is a plugin that is independent of any theme. (So no it doesn't really tie in with any themes. I assume by "tie" you mean required by a theme.)

Jetpack has lots, and I mean lots of features. So this plugin may be a good solution for some features that you want on your site. Maybe take a look here for the features and see if it fits the needs you have.

Also if you are familiar with some features from wordpress.com and are wondering how to get them on your wordpress.org site, this may also be a great solution for you.

This is plugin is made by the folks at Automattic, the people behind wordpress.com. So you can trust that there plugin will probably be good quality code wise.

I know for myself, I refrain from using Jetpack at times, because it has too many features or I could build something custom that will suit my needs. For others, Jetpack is way to get a lot of awesome features all at once and not worry about how to build them.

Best thing you can do is take a look at the Jetpack features and see if there are features you need. Also there is very little risk to trying Jetpack on your site. So you could just experiment download it, play around and see if you like it.

Rose, Thanks, info exactly what I wanted to know. Allan