Editing ZDNET

{{Short description|Business technology news website}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = ZDNET
| logo = ZDNet logo 2022.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| screenshot = 
| caption = 
| url = {{URL|https://www.zdnet.com/|zdnet.com}}
| commercial = 
| type = [[News website]]
| registration = Optional
| language = English, Japanese, French, Korean, German
| num_users = 36 million monthly<ref name="Wolfram Alpha">{{cite web|url= https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=monthly+visitors+zdnet.com |title = Monthly visitors to zdnet.com | publisher= [[Wolfram Alpha]] }}</ref>
| owner = [[Ziff Davis]]
| editor = Jason Hiner
| launch_date = {{Plain list|
* {{Start date and age|1991|04|01}} (subscription service)
* {{Start date and age|1994}} (website)<ref name="IDCH"/>
}}
}}

'''ZDNET''' is a business technology [[news website]] owned and operated by [[Ziff Davis]]. The brand was founded on April 1, 1991, as a general interest technology portal from [[Ziff Davis]] and evolved into an [[Enterprise software|enterprise IT]]-focused online publication. After being under the ownership of [[CNET Networks]] (2000–2008), [[CBS Corporation]]/[[ViacomCBS]] (2008–2020), and [[Red Ventures]] (2020–2024), ZDNET was reacquired by Ziff Davis in August 2024. CNET was included in the acquisition as well.

==History==
===Beginnings: 1991–1995===

ZDNET began as a subscription-based digital service called "ZiffNet" that offered computing information to users of [[CompuServe]]. It featured computer industry forums, events, features and searchable archives.

Initially, ZiffNet was intended to serve as a common place to find content from all [[Ziff-Davis]] print publications. As such, ZiffNet was an expansion on an earlier online service called PCMagNet for readers of [[PC Magazine]]. Launched in 1988, [[PC Magazine|PCMagNet]] in turn was the evolution of Ziff Davis' first electronic publishing venture, a bulletin board, which launched in 1985.<ref name="Ziff-Davis">{{Cite web |date=April 1, 1996 |title=ZDNet celebrates five years of success in subscription online services |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZD+NET+CELEBRATES+FIVE+YEARS+OF+SUCCESS+IN+SUBSCRIPTION+ONLINE...-a018143807 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074037/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZD+NET+CELEBRATES+FIVE+YEARS+OF+SUCCESS+IN+SUBSCRIPTION+ONLINE...-a018143807 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |access-date=April 1, 2010 |publisher=Ziff-Davis}}</ref>

In late 1994, Ziff-Davis expanded onto the World Wide Web under the name "ZD Net".<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZIFF-DAVIS offers advertisers space on world wide web; Charter marketers include Oracle and Gateway 2000
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = March 29, 1995
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+OFFERS+ADVERTISERS+SPACE+ON+WORLD+WIDE+WEB%3b+CHARTER...-a016731794
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
  | archive-date = December 10, 2017
  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123955/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+OFFERS+ADVERTISERS+SPACE+ON+WORLD+WIDE+WEB%3b+CHARTER...-a016731794
  | url-status = dead
  }}</ref><ref name="IDCH">{{Cite book |author=Pederson |first=Jay P. |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/ziff-davis-media-inc-history/ |title=International Directory of Company Histories |publisher=[[St. James Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-55862-441-2 |volume=36 |location=Detroit, Michigan |pages=521–526 |oclc=769045545 |ol=8607071M}}</ref> Dan Farber, former editor-in-chief of ''[[PC Week]]'' and ''[[MacWeek]]'', was named editor-in-chief of the property.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2, 1996 |title=ZIFF-DAVIS announces promotion of Dan Farber to vice president and editor-in-chief of ZDNet |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+ANNOUNCES+PROMOTION+OF+DAN+FARBER+TO+VICE+PRESIDENT+AND...-a018245012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122242/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+ANNOUNCES+PROMOTION+OF+DAN+FARBER+TO+VICE+PRESIDENT+AND...-a018245012 |archive-date=2011-05-11 |access-date=April 1, 2010 |publisher=Ziff-Davis}}
</ref> By June 1995, the site was recording web traffic of 2.5 million pageviews per week.<ref name="ZD-unifies"/>

On June 20, 1995, Ziff-Davis announced the consolidation of its online information services under a single name, ''ZD Net''. The service had grown its membership to 275,000 subscribers across six platforms: CompuServe, [[Prodigy (online service)|Prodigy]], [[AT&T]] Interchange, [[MSN Dial-up|the Microsoft Network]], [[AppleLink]] and [[eWorld]].<ref name="ZD-unifies">{{Cite web
  | title = ZIFF-DAVIS unifies its online services under a new name: ZDNet
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = June 20, 1995
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+UNIFIES+ITS+ONLINE+SERVICES+UNDER+A+NEW+NAME%3a+ZD+NET-a017072062
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
  | archive-date = May 30, 2017
  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170530230311/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZIFF-DAVIS+UNIFIES+ITS+ONLINE+SERVICES+UNDER+A+NEW+NAME%3a+ZD+NET-a017072062
  | url-status = dead
  }}</ref>

===Early history: 1995–2000===

By its fifth anniversary in 1996, the collective "ZD Net" brand—now on the Web, [[AOL|America Online]], Microsoft Network and Prodigy—counted 300,000 subscribers and was named the second-highest grossing advertising site on the web.<ref name="Ziff-Davis"/> The site also expanded overseas: initially to [[France]], [[Germany]] and the [[United Kingdom]]; later to [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Italy]], [[South Korea|Korea]], [[Malaysia]], [[Russia]], [[Spain]], [[Taiwan]] and [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 1997 |title=Ziff-Davis Announces The Launch of 10 New, International Editions of ZDNet |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ziff-Davis+Announces+The+Launch+of+10+New%2c+International+Editions+of...-a019028513 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122228/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ziff-Davis+Announces+The+Launch+of+10+New%2c+International+Editions+of...-a019028513 |archive-date=2011-05-11 |access-date=April 1, 2010 |publisher=Ziff-Davis}}
</ref>

In 1997, the website—now the brand's flagship property—underwent another redesign that featured topical "channels" of content. It also marked the change in name from "ZD Net" to "ZDNet".<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Unveils Innovative Web Site Design at Internet World '97; Delivers Wealth of Content Through Distinct Topic 'Channels'
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = March 12, 1997
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Unveils+Innovative+Web+Site+Design+at+Internet+World+'97%3b...-a019197892
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

====ZDNET News====

Two months prior, the company launched ZDNet News, or "ZDNN", the site's first dedicated section to original reportage.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZD Net Launches ZD Net News, Breaks the Mold of News-Oriented Web Sites
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = November 19, 1996
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZD+Net+Launches+ZD+Net+News%2c+Breaks+the+Mold+of+News-Oriented+Web...-a018871663
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> Among the journalists hired to staff the department were former [[Computer Shopper (US magazine)|Computer Shopper]] executive editor Charlie Cooper, [[San Jose Mercury News]] business editor Steve Hamm, PC Week Inside senior editor Bill Snyder, PC Week editor [[John Dodge (editor)|John Dodge]], [[Computerworld]] editor Michael Fitzgerald and PC Week editorial director [[Jim Louderback]].<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Unveils Enhanced ZDNet News Web Site: the Number One Source for News on the Digital Revolution
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = November 19, 1996
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Unveils+Enhanced+ZDNet+News+Web+Site%3a+the+Number+One+Source+for...-a019353021
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

In 1996, the first dedicated advertising sales team began with the hiring of Ken Evans, formerly a CMP Media executive in New York, as Senior Director of Advertising Sales.  The appointment of digital publishing executive [[Dan Rosensweig]] as ZDNet's first president capped a year of significant change for the brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cheggcom-names-daniel-rosensweig-as-president-and-chief-executive-officer-83367592.html|title=Chegg.com Names Daniel Rosensweig as President and Chief Executive Officer |access-date=February 2, 2010}}</ref>

In 1998, ZDNet launched "Inter@active Investor", or ZDII, a spin-off website for investors that offered financial news and information on technology companies.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Introduces Inter@ctive Investor, Web's Most Comprehensive Source of Financial News and Information on Tech Companies
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = February 2, 1998
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Introduces+Inter%40ctive+Investor%2c+Web's+Most+Comprehensive...-a020209600
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

====ZDTV====

On May 11, 1998, Ziff-Davis launched ZDTV as the first [[cable television]] channel and website to offer 24-hour programming about computing and the Internet. The venture, which was partly owned by Vulcan Enterprises, was supported with a staff of 170 and incorporated ZDNet content on its website, ZDTV.com.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDTV Goes Live From its San Francisco Studios
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = May 11, 1998
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDTV+Goes+Live+From+its+San+Francisco+Studios-a020581907
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite web
  | last = Krigel
  | first = Beth Lipton
  | title = ZDTV starts broadcasting
  | publisher = CNET
  | date = May 11, 1998
  | url = http://news.cnet.com/2100-1023-211074.html
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> The channel would later become [[Tech TV]].

By the end of 1998, ZDNet was the dominant technology brand online. It led its closest rival, [[CNET]], by a 26 percent margin and was the 13th most popular site on the Web, reaching 8.4 million users, or 13.4 percent of all users on the Web.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = 13 Percent of All Web Users Visited ZDNet in October.
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = November 30, 1998
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/13+Percent+of+All+Web+Users+Visited+ZDNet+in+October.-a053275589
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> The site would reach an additional 600,000 users within a year.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Sites Reach Traffic Milestones: 9 Million Visitors, or Nearly 15 Percent of All Web Users in March.
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = April 27, 1999
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Sites+Reach+Traffic+Milestones%3a+9+Million+Visitors%2c+or+Nearly...-a054478080
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

====ZDNET the company====

In 1999, Ziff-Davis spun ZDNet off as a separate company and offered it as a tracking stock, ZDZ, to accompany the parent stock, ZD. An initial public offering raised $190 million, but the tracking stock was eliminated in early 2000 and revived as common stock.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/1117/Ziff-Davis-Inc-COMPUTER-TECHNICAL-PORTAL-ZDNET.html|title=Inc Ziff-Davis – Computer And Technical Portal, Zdnet}}</ref> The new company soon acquired Updates.com, a software upgrade service. It was incorporated into the site's "Help Channel."<ref>{{Cite web 
  | title = ZDNet to Acquire Updates.com.
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = June 7, 1999
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+to+Acquire+Updates.com.-a054806640
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

====Consumer expansion====

In 1999, ZDNet also launched "Tech Life", a network of six consumer-focused tech sites intended to attract parents ("FamilyPC"), music listeners ("ZDNet Music"), gadget enthusiasts ("ZDNet Equip"), gamers ("ZDNet [[GameSpot]]") and basic users ("Internet Life" with [[Yahoo]]).

It also launched "Computer Stew", a web-based comedy show about technology that featured John Hargrave and Jay Stevens,<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Launches 'Tech Life' Consumer Channel "A guidepost at the crossroads of technology and your life".
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = October 25, 1999
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Launches+'Tech+Life'+Consumer+Channel+%22A+guidepost+at+the...-a056888268
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> as well as the first ZDNet Holiday Gift Guide.

On December 30, 1999, ZDNet launched a $25 million branding campaign in response to a $100 million advertising campaign launched by rival CNET.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

ZDNet's lead over the competition narrowed by 2000. Despite a record 10.7 million unique users in January, it managed only a 13 percent lead over the next competitor.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Sites Becomes First Technology Content Property to Surpass 10 Million Unique Monthly Visitor Milestone.
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = April 7, 2000
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Sites+Becomes+First+Technology+Content+Property+to+Surpass+10...-a061381948
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> By mid-2000, ZDNet had expanded to 23 countries in 14 languages on six continents.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet GameSpot Creates Ultimate Gaming Destination.
  | publisher = Ziff-Davis
  | date = May 10, 2000
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+GameSpot+Creates+Ultimate+Gaming+Destination.-a061992987
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref>

===The CNET years: 2000–2007===

On July 19, 2000 [[CNET networks|CNET Networks]] (ZDNet's largest rival) announced that it would acquire ZDNET for about $1.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = CNET Networks, Inc. Acquires ZDNet to Create the World's Leading Platform For Buyers, Sellers and Suppliers of Technology Products and Services.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = July 19, 2000
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+Networks%2c+Inc.+Acquires+ZDNet+to+Create+the+World's+Leading...-a063555054
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref> Some analysts thought that the merger of CNET and ZDNET would lead to redundancy in their product offerings, but research revealed that their target audiences had just 25 percent overlap.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/20/business/cnet-is-buying-what-remains-of-ziff-davis.html|title=CNET Is Buying What Remains Of Ziff-Davis |access-date=November 14, 2017 | work=The New York Times |first1=Greg |last1=Winter |first2=Alex |last2=Kuczynski |date=July 20, 2000}}</ref>

In 2001, Ziff Davis Media Inc. reached an agreement with CNET Networks Inc. and ZDNET to regain the URLs lost in the 2000 sale of Ziff Davis Inc, to Softbank Corp.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2001_Jan_23/ai_69405336/|title=Ziff Davis Media to Regain URLs |access-date=January 23, 2001 | work=Business Wire |year=2001}}</ref>

In 2002, CNET Networks launched ZDNET sister site Builder.com, a site intended for enterprise software developers.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = CNET Networks Announces 'Builder.com,' Serving the Evolving Needs Of Enterprise Software Developers; New Site Goes 'Beyond the Code,' Offering Real-World Expertise to Help Developers Make High-Stakes Technology Decisions.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = March 18, 2002
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+Networks+Announces+'Builder.com%2c'+Serving+the+Evolving+Needs+Of...-a083906577
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122213/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+Networks+Announces+'Builder.com%2c'+Serving+the+Evolving+Needs+Of...-a083906577
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref> On July 7, 2002, CNET Networks acquired Newmediary for its database of more than 30,000 enterprise IT white papers.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = CNET Networks Acquires Newmediary
  | publisher = Commonwealth Capital Ventures
  | date = July 7, 2002
  | url = http://www.commonwealthvc.com/index.cfm/News/ArchivedNews/Archive_2002?NID=747
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130203324/http://www.commonwealthvc.com/index.cfm/News/ArchivedNews/Archive_2002?NID=747
|archive-date=Nov 30, 2011}}
</ref> ZDNET had integrated its services into its "Business & Technology" channel as early as January 2001.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Launches Comprehensive Site for Government IT Professionals; Resource Serves ZDNet's Large Audience of Government Decision Makers with the News, Blogs, Whitepapers, Video, and Discussions They Care About.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = January 9, 2001
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Teams+With+Newmediary+to+Provide+Request+for+Proposal...-a068912288
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122257/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Teams+With+Newmediary+to+Provide+Request+for+Proposal...-a068912288
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref>

====Realignment====

In 2003, CNET Networks redesigned and relaunched ZDNet as an enterprise-focused publication intended to help business executives make better technology decisions.

The entire site was realigned as part of a CNET Networks B2B portfolio that included CNET News.com, Builder.com and TechRepublic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/16081/|title=CNET Networks Re-launches ZDNet |access-date=February 17, 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511132148/http://www.mediapost.com/publications/index.cfm?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=16081 |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |website=MediaPost |first1=John |last1=Gaffney |date=February 17, 2003 }}</ref>

A "Tech Update" section was created to serve as a directory of proprietary IT research (dubbed "IT Priorities"), and a new "Power Center" was implemented to prominently feature webcasts, white papers and case studies from partners. ZDNet also offered eight enterprise-targeted newsletters, as well launched its first blogs.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = CNET Networks Re-launches ZDNet with Enterprise Buyer-Driven Content and Marketing Solutions.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = February 18, 2003
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+Networks+Re-launches+ZDNet+with+Enterprise+Buyer-Driven+Content...-a097759480
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122235/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+Networks+Re-launches+ZDNet+with+Enterprise+Buyer-Driven+Content...-a097759480
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref>

In 2005, ZDNet Government was launched. Editorial features included writing by former Utah CIO Phil Windley, TechRepublic columnist Ramon Padilla and CNET News reporter Declan McCullagh. ZDNet also launched its first original podcasts in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Launches Comprehensive Site for Government IT Professionals; Resource Serves ZDNet's Large Audience of Government Decision Makers with the News, Blogs, Whitepapers, Video, and Discussions They Care About.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = August 9, 2005
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Launches+Comprehensive+Site+for+Government+IT+Professionals%3b...-a0134966627
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122210/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Launches+Comprehensive+Site+for+Government+IT+Professionals%3b...-a0134966627
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref>

====ZDNET Blogs====

In 2006, ZDNET experienced another redesign that reduced its editorial focus on traditional news articles and product reviews and emphasized a growing network of expert bloggers, now totaling more than 30. The blogs covered topics such as enterprise IT, open source, Web 2.0, Google, Apple and Microsoft, and featured journalists David Berlind, Mary Jo Foley and Larry Dignan.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = ZDNet Unveils the Next-Generation of Business Tech Publishing, Weaving Voice of Bloggers Around News, Product Reviews, Vendor and User Content.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = December 5, 2006
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Unveils+the+Next-Generation+of+Business+Tech+Publishing%2c...-a0155501890
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122148/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZDNet+Unveils+the+Next-Generation+of+Business+Tech+Publishing%2c...-a0155501890
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref>

On February 19, 2008, Larry Dignan was appointed editor-in-chief of ZDNet and editorial director of TechRepublic,<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = Larry Dignan Named Editor-in-Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of TechRepublic.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = February 19, 2008
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Larry+Dignan+Named+Editor-in-Chief+of+ZDNet+and+Editorial+Director+of...-a0175041667
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122246/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Larry+Dignan+Named+Editor-in-Chief+of+ZDNet+and+Editorial+Director+of...-a0175041667
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref> replacing Dan Farber, who became editor-in-chief of CNET News.com.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = Dan Farber Appointed Editor-in-Chief of CNET News.com.
  | publisher = CNET Networks
  | date = February 19, 2008
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dan+Farber+Appointed+Editor-in-Chief+of+CNET+News.com.-a0175041672
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122206/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dan+Farber+Appointed+Editor-in-Chief+of+CNET+News.com.-a0175041672
|archive-date=May 11, 2011
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref>

===The CBS years: 2008–2020===

On May 17, 2008, [[CBS Corporation]] announced that it would acquire CNET Networks for approximately $1.8 billion.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = CNET sold to CBS for $1.8 billion.
  | publisher = CBS Corporation
  | date = May 17, 2008
  | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET+sold+to+CBS+for+%241.8+billion.-a0181364984
  | access-date = April 1, 2010
|via=The Free Library}}
</ref> The entire company would be organized under its CBS Interactive division.

In May 2010, ZDNet redesigned its site to place emphasis on the topics its blog network covers—now "Companies," "Hardware," "Software," "Mobile," "Security" and "Research"—and de-emphasize the downloads and reviews it imported from CNET post-merger.<ref>{{Cite web
  | last = Dignan
  | first = Larry
  | title = ZDNet's redesign: A walkthrough
  | publisher = ZDNet
  | date = May 5, 2010
  | url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/zdnets-redesign-a-walkthrough/
  | access-date = April 1, 2010}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://marcsdesign.com/blog/a-spring-refresh-for-zdnet/|title=A Spring refresh for ZDNet |website=marcsdesign |access-date=August 5, 2010}}</ref>

=== Red Ventures: 2020–2024 ===
After the [[CBS Corporation]] merged with [[Viacom_(2005–2019)|Viacom]] to form [[ViacomCBS]] in 2019, ZDNet was sold to [[Red Ventures]] in September 2020.<ref name="Red-Ventures-acq">{{cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=September 14, 2020 |title=ViacomCBS Reaches Deal to Sell CNET for $500 Million to Marketing Firm Red Ventures |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/cnet-viacomcbs-sells-red-ventures-1234768810/ |access-date=December 12, 2020 |website=Variety}}
</ref> On August 17, 2022, ZDNet announced "the biggest upgrade in the 31-year history of the brand, including a new hand-drawn logo and new brand color, 'Energy Yellow'", in anticipation of "a wave of technology advances to sweep the world's biggest industries in the years ahead."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/welcome-to-zdnets-next-chapter/|title=Welcome to ZDNET's next chapter|publisher=ZDNet |first1=Jason |last1=Hiner |date=August 17, 2022|access-date=August 17, 2022}}</ref>  In March 2023, ZDNet was affected by layoffs that cut 35% of its staff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2023-03-02 |title=CNET Hit by Mass Layoffs but Says Cuts Are Unrelated to Use of 'Emerging Technologies' Like AI |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/cnet-layoffs-artificial-intelligence-red-ventures-1235541332/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> In August 2024, Ziff Davis signed a deal to purchase CNET and ZDNet from Red Ventures.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2024-08-06 |title=CNET to Be Acquired by Ziff Davis for More Than $100 Million |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/cnet-acquired-ziff-davis-100-million-1236096835/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The deal completed later in 2024, bringing ZDNET back under the ownership of Ziff Davis for the first time since it was acquired by CNET Networks in 2000.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Ziff Davis Completes One Acquisition in Q3 2024 |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001349422/en/Ziff-Davis-Completes-One-Acquisition-in-Q3-2024 |location=[[New York City]] |publisher= |agency=[[Business Wire]] |date=2024-10-01 |access-date=2024-10-05}}</ref>

==Content==

ZDNet operates a network of about 50 blogs loosely aligned by its major verticals: companies, hardware, software, mobile, security and IT research. Within those general areas are blogs on gadgets, management strategy, social media, datacenters, technology law, SOA, healthcare, CRM, virtualization and sustainability.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} The site also offers product reviews on consumer gadgets, electronics and home office equipment.

==Awards and recognition==

At the 14th Annual Computer Press Awards in 1999, ZDNet was adjudged the Best Overall Online Site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerpress.org/awards/awardwinners/14thpressrelease.html|title=Technology Journalists Honor the Best in Their Field|access-date=November 14, 2017}}</ref>

In 2007, the Association of Online Publishers awarded ZDNet UK under the Business Website category for its contribution to innovation in incorporating Web 2.0 and community features effectively on its site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/it-at-work/2007/10/04/zdnetcouk-wins-best-business-website-award-39289803/|title=ZDNet.co.uk Wins Best Business Website Award |access-date=April 10, 2007}}</ref>

==International editions==

===ZDNET Japan===
A Japanese news publishing company called Asahi Interactive owns the ZDNet Japan website.

===ZDNET UK===
The ZDNet UK Live feature displays real time news updates and comments on the website and on social media including Twitter.

===Other editions===
Other country editions include Australia, Asia, Belgium, China, Germany, Netherlands, UK and France, in their native languages.

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.zdnet.com/}}

{{Ziff Davis}}
{{Red Ventures}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zdnet}}
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1991]]
[[Category:American technology news websites]]
[[Category:Computing websites]]
[[Category:Former CBS Interactive websites]]
[[Category:Red Ventures]]
[[Category:2008 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2020 mergers and acquisitions]]