Consulting and IT services giant Accenture has agreed to acquire Speedtest and Downdetector for $1.2 billion from Ziff Davis, marking a major move into internet performance data and analytics.
The two platforms are widely used by people around the world to measure internet speeds and check whether websites or online services are experiencing outages.
Speedtest allows users to quickly test their internet connection performance, while Downdetector helps identify when popular online platforms are down or facing technical problems.
Both services are operated by Ookla, which Ziff Davis acquired in 2014. Ziff Davis also owns well-known digital media brands such as CNET, IGN and Eurogamer.
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet said the company plans to use the data generated by Ookla’s products to help businesses and governments deploy artificial intelligence safely and more effectively.
The network performance data collected through Speedtest and Downdetector could be used to support cloud service providers and AI hyperscalers that rely on strong and stable internet infrastructure.
The deal still requires regulatory approval before it can be completed.
Despite the acquisition, Accenture said the Ookla business will continue to operate as it does today.
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Ookla CEO Stephen Bye said joining Accenture will allow the company to expand its network data services to large enterprises around the world while helping improve global connectivity experiences.
