The title is to mount a comeback challenge to long standing rival PC World, the first foreign IT title to launch in the mainland, after owner Ziff Davis forged a JV with Chinese firm SEEC Media. The publication also faces stiff competition from strong local titles such as Chip.
Ziff Davis first published a Chinese version of PC Magazine in 1996, but withdrew the title in March last year.
SEEC said it was developing a new business model to compete in China based on PC Magazine's experiences in the US, where the title diversified into conferences and seminars as IT professionals and enthusiasts increasingly turned to the internet as a source of information.
SEEC added that PC Magazine was also setting up its own testing laboratory in China to provide local content, although it added that how much local content the magazine contains would depend on IT manufacturers' marketing plans and release schedules. PC's US testing lab supplies over two-thirds of the magazine's content.
SEEC is also planning to launch a Chinese version of Better Homes and Gardens by Q4 after signing a licensing deal with its owner, Meredith, earlier this year.
