Net Communities, digital publisher of ITProPortal and THINQ, has expanded with the acquisition of technology, gadget and gaming review site ITReviews.
Net Communities will also launch Techbuff.com early in 2011, a new “eye-candy” video and photo gallery technology site.
ITReviews.co.uk was established in 1998 by technology journalist Alex Cruickshank, offering independent reviews of new technology products by experienced IT journalists.
It has since developed a growing and loyal audience of tech and gadget enthusiasts globally, with nearly half a million unique visitors accessing the site monthly, mostly in the UK.
Andy Evans, MD at Net Communities said: “ITReviews’ excellent reputation and loyal readership perfectly complements the growing Net Communities portfolio of owned and operated sites, allowing us to deliver a complete range of knowledge to an exceptionally valuable and active online tech audience.
Our services now range from 24/7 tech news commentary via ITProPortal.com, in-depth analysis and opinion with THINQ.co.uk and now we have reviews and videos/photo libraries with ITReviews.co.uk and TechBuff.com.
These online resources provide both advertisers and the tech sector audience with a valuable integrated environment.
“I’m grateful to Alex who has dedicated years of his expertise to developing this highly respected technology review site, which is now in great hands as we plan to further develop the site in the coming months,” added Evans.
Alex Cruickshank, founder of ITReviews.co.uk said: “Having delivered on my early dream of creating an honest, independent and occasionally entertaining site for reviews of new technology and gadgets in the form of ITReviews.co.uk, it’s time the site received some new investment for the future. Net Communities was the only real contender during the acquisition process as it is the leader in technology focused editorial online with a team that I fully trust to help build and expand the site in the future, whilst maintaining its credibility.”
Investment and redesign of ITReviews.co.uk is scheduled for early 2011, which will include a new look, new features and even more content. All existing staff and contributors are expected to move with the site to Net Communities, with an expanded team planned in the near future.
Techbuff.com, from Net Communities is also expected to go fully live in early 2011, offering technology lovers the opportunity to see the latest tech products online via HD videos and photosets from YouTube presenters such as Darryl Mitchell. Darryl has already built a very strong following on YouTube with his unique independent and approachable reviews of the latest tech and has enjoyed more than 2.5 million views in the past 12 months.
Andy Evans added: “Right now we are still in rehearsal with TechBuff.com, but we are exceptionally excited to be launching this new site in early 2011. It’s pure eye-candy for tech professionals and enthusiasts, which uses the public’s favourite medium of photos and video to bring the latest technology to life. Covering the latest technology launches and innovations from new mobile devices and tablet computers to computer games and hardware. Darryl is a formidable presenter and we’re developing this channel to optimise the talent of YouTubers like Darryl.”
www.ITReviews.co.uk
www.Techbuff.com