Ever wondered who profits every time you check if your internet is slow or your favorite website is down? Well, get ready for a surprise. Ziff Davis, the company behind popular tools like Speedtest and Downdetector, has just sold these services to Accenture for a staggering $1.2 billion in cash. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just about money—it's about a strategic shift in focus. According to Ziff Davis, the sale will allow them to double down on their core brands, like IGN, Mashable, and Everyday Health. Sounds like a win-win, right? Not so fast. This move comes on the heels of some controversial decisions, including layoffs at Eurogamer and a reshuffling of editorial staff that left VG247 as a shadow of its former self. So, is this a smart business move or a sign of trouble? Let’s dig deeper.
The story starts back in 2014 when Ziff Davis acquired Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, for a mere $15 million. Fast forward to today, and that investment has paid off big time. Reuters reports that the Connectivity division, which includes Speedtest and Downdetector, raked in an impressive $231 million in 2025, thanks to the 5G rollout and a pandemic-driven surge in bandwidth demand. But here’s the part most people miss: Accenture, a global tech consulting giant based in Dublin, sees this acquisition as a game-changer for its AI-driven network intelligence services. In corporate speak, they’re aiming to build 'end-to-end network intelligence services essential for AI-based transformation.' Translation? They want to dominate the future of how businesses manage and optimize their networks. Bold move, but will it pay off?
While the deal is expected to take a few months to finalize, Ziff Davis will continue to operate Speedtest and Downdetector in the meantime. And this is where it gets controversial: As Ziff Davis trims its gaming and tech media branches, Accenture is expanding its tech empire. Is this a sign of the times—media companies shedding tech tools to focus on content, while tech giants scoop them up? Or is there more to the story? What do you think? Are these strategic shifts a smart move, or is something bigger brewing beneath the surface? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
