Global consulting firm Accenture will acquire the connectivity division of Ziff Davis for $1.2 billion, bringing some of the internet’s most widely used network-testing platforms under its umbrella.
The deal includes well-known tools such as Ookla, Speedtest and Downdetector, along with enterprise-focused services from Ekahau and RootMetrics.
The acquisition signals how valuable network performance data has become as companies and telecom providers rely on faster, more reliable connectivity to power cloud services, artificial intelligence systems and digital platforms.
Accenture says the acquisition will strengthen its ability to help telecom companies, enterprises and cloud providers understand how networks perform in the real world. Tools such as Speedtest and Downdetector already track internet speeds and service disruptions across millions of users globally.
With the information provided by the data, along with the consulting and AI services of the company, Accenture seeks to provide deeper insights to the clients regarding the performance of the network as well as the user experience. The importance of the data has been heightened as the business world has come to rely on the connectivity provided by the network to run cloud applications, AI services, etc.
According to industry experts, the move by the company also indicates that the lines between telecom infrastructure, cloud platforms, and enterprise technology services are blurring.
For Ziff Davis, the sale of the connectivity business enables the company to focus on its core digital media business. The company has a number of well-known online properties that specialize in gaming, technology, and health content.
The connectivity business accounted for $231 million in revenue, representing 16% of the total revenue of Ziff Davis.
The sale also gives Ziff Davis access to significant cash that can be utilized elsewhere in the business.
Once the deal closes, Accenture will add the connectivity platforms to its broader technology and consulting services. The company already advises telecom operators, governments and large enterprises on digital transformation and network infrastructure.
With the addition of real-world network analytics from platforms such as Ookla and RootMetrics, Accenture aims to deepen its role in helping organisations design faster, more resilient digital networks.
The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.