As the world's political and media spotlights focussed on the Iranian elections, the Internet was always expected to play an important role in keeping people up to date with developments, but little did we know the Web would also prove to be the scene of political unrest.

As news emerged that incumbent president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had secured 62.6 percent of the 46.2 million votes cast compared to rival Mir Hossein Mousavi's 33.75 percent, tweets started circulating from a section of the country's disappointed and disenfranchised voters.

Even before Friday's elections took place, Twitter had proved a popular outlet for a handful of Iranian nationals to communicate with the outside world, with many expressing their fears, hopes and excitement about the elections. With voting over and the results in, Twitter was used by some of Ahmadinejad's followers to convey their triumph, while Mousavi's supporters posted messages of outrage and disillusionment.

With newspaper coverage restricted, phone lines down, websites blocked and the voices of protesters muffled by tear-gas hurling and truncheon-wielding anti-riot police, the social networking site was one of the limited ways to connect with people.

From today, a new partnership between Associated Newspapers' free titles and PageSuite will see the group's online newspapers including Metro, Metro Ireland, London Lite and 7Days published by the digital publishing solutions company.

The Metro's operations director, Stuart Wood, said: "Our electronic editions provide a convenient way of accessing our content. We are focused on delivering a first-class customer experience and PageSuite's market-leading product helps us achieve that."

PageSuite's publishing package encourages reader interaction, with the use of rich media and flash animation enriching reader experience.

Last month, PageSuite unveiled a new search facility, enabling readers to search for key words and phrases within the digital paper - a feature previously limited to just a few titles. Content can also be tagged and shared via social networking sites, for maximum reach.

Associated Newspapers currently holds an 11-year contract with Metro, although this is due to expire in March next year. Transport for London issued a tender asking for initial "expressions of interest"; the deadline was Wednesday 3 June.

The New York Times is taking its use of social networks to whole new levels, and has announced the appointment of a social media editor for the publication. Jennifer Preston will concentrate "full-time on expanding the use of social media networks and publishing platforms to improve New York Times journalism and deliver it to readers."

According to the pressgazette.co.uk, Thomson Reuters has launched a new resource for small businesses, which it has added to its website.

By visiting the site at reuters.com/smallbusiness, users will be able to access breaking business news stories, commentary as well as audio and video content from a variety of Reuters' business journalists and content partners, including content from specialist US business publications such as BNET, which provides intelligence for managerial professionals, Entrepeneur, Greener World Media which offers environmental responsibility advice, IDG's CIO business technology publication, PC World, Network World, Computerworld and Wired magazine.

Additionally, users will have exclusive access to HR and legal advice in the form of the FindLaw Small Business Resource Center. Supporting the Reuters initiative, the centre offers entrepreneurs guidance on matters such as starting a new business to securing a government contract.