“CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), the global source of
technology and commerce-related information, data, exchanges and
services, today announced that it has acquired AppWatch (http://www.appwatch.com), a leading directory of
thousands of the latest pre-tested Free Software and Open Source
downloads, including Linux distributions, drivers, utilities and
applications. AppWatch downloads will be integrated within the
business channels of the company’s ZDNet.com and CNET.com Web
sites, providing CNET Networks’ audience of millions of IT
professionals a robust, current source of powerful business
applications. During the third quarter of this year, CNET Networks
reached 43 percent of professionals in the MIS/technical universe
who are active online at work, according to Nielsen
Netratings.”
“John Rowell, creator of AppWatch, will remain in his role as
Senior Producer. In addition to contributing to AppWatch’s
integration with CNET Networks’ brands, Rowell will continue to
serve as a trusted guide to the newest distributions and
development projects, announcing new versions and maintaining an
exclusive database of changes and up-to-date links to all software
releases. Since its founding, AppWatch has become a leading source
of tested software, providing detailed history logs on the most
popular Free Software and Open Source software available.”
“Linux and Open Source applications are becoming increasingly
popular among today’s IT professionals, who are drawn to the
applications’ power, flexibility and affordability. According to
International Data Corp., the Linux market, including embedded
Linux, is expected to reach more than $11 billion by 2001. By
sector, hardware is expected to total $6 billion in 2001 and
embedded software is likely to amount to $5.2 billion. One of
several strategic Linux-related acquisitions by CNET Networks,
AppWatch will be integrated as relevant throughout CNET’s
enterprise business channel ( http://enterprise.cnet.com ) and ZDNet’s Business
and Technology Channel (http://www.zdnet.com/enterprise/). During the
last six months, the company acquired LinuxDevices, the definitive
content and community site for Linux as an embedded system and
Linux Hardware Database, a popular provider of Linux hardware
resources. With these three acquisitions, CNET Networks is now able
to provide turnkey hardware, software and community solutions to
all segments of the Linux marketplace.”