IP: RealNetworks Poses Challenge to Microsoft

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

By JOHN MARKOFF

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21 ‹ In a significant challenge to Microsoft,
RealNetworks plans to announce a new version of its software on Monday that
can distribute audio and video in a range of formats, including Microsoft's
own proprietary Windows Media.

The new software is intended for large media companies and other
corporations that need to send audio and video data to customers and
employees in a variety of different formats. But RealNetworks acknowledged
that it was possible that the company might incur Microsoft's legal wrath.

Nevertheless, Rob Glaser, a former Microsoft executive who founded
RealNetworks as Progressive Networks in 1994, said he believed the strategy
was good for both Microsoft and consumers.

"A rational way for them to respond would be to say, `This is great,' " he
said. "That would be Microsoft of the future."

Mr. Glaser said his company, based in Seattle, had developed a version of
the Microsoft Media Server software that comes with the Windows operating
system.

<snip>


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/22/technology/22REAL.html


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