RealNetworks Renews Distribution from Intel

RealNetworks, Inc., Monday announced it has secured distribution of its RealOne Player — the successor to the most popular media player software on the Internet — on Intel Corp.’s newest PC desktop motherboards.

The move helps bolster the Seattle-based company’s chances of defending its market share against industry giant Microsoft Corp., which is gaining on RealNetworks with its Windows Media Player version 7. Microsoft, which bundles the media player with its operating system, is expected to unveil its next-generation platform, code-named Corona, this year.

Shares of RealNetwork soared more than 20 percent in mid-Monday trading on the news.

RealNetworks said RealOne boasts more than a half-million paid subscribers.

Under the Intel agreement, computer manufacturers and system integrators will now be able to easily integrate the RealOne Player into their PCs. “We couldn’t be happier about extending our relationship with Intel,” said Steve Banfield, vice president, Strategic Relations, RealNetworks.

Today’s agreement marks the latest development in an ongoing strategic relationship between RealNetworks and Intel. The
companies have collaborated on both video technology and distribution arrangements for several years, the latest being the
announcement that the RealOne Player will be supported by Intel’s mobile chipsets.

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