IBM and RealNetworks, Inc. Thursday announced that the companies will provide and jointly promote Internet media solutions featuring RealNetworks’ RealSystem on IBM’s UNIX server line, including RS/6000 systems and the new IBM eServer pSeries products. RealNetworks’ Internet media solutions enable IBM’s UNIX customers to add digital streaming audio and video to enhance their e-commerce websites and internal communications.
Under the arrangement, IBM UNIX e-commerce customers can now implement rich media presentations throughout the sales process — including multimedia catalogue presentations before and during the sale, and customer support and training after the purchase. In addition, this solution gives enterprise customers the ability to deliver streaming media intranet and extranet training and education to their employee bases.
“This solution we’re offering with IBM will enable IBM customers worldwide to reach the broadest Internet audience with their rich media content,” said Tom Hull, vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks, Inc. “Internet media helps e-businesses connect with their customers by adding an element of excitement and emotion to their online content and we are thrilled to be joining with IBM to bring this ability to businesses around the globe.”
“We’re excited to work with RealNetworks to provide our customers with a complete streaming media e-business solution,” said Mike Kerr, vice president of products, IBM Web Server unit. “This agreement further demonstrates IBM’s commitment to deliver a full range of world-class e-business applications on the industry’s most powerful UNIX platform.”
RealNetworks and IBM also announced today that RealNetworks has joined the IBM Partner program, a unified program that helps IBM Business Partners with marketing support, education, certification, technical support and rewards.
This development may do as much or more for IBM than for Real. IBMs sagging profits were a major part of what dragged down the Dow Jones so drastically this week,whereas RealNetworks has announced record results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2000. Net revenues for the third quarter were $67.1 million, an increase of 92% from $34.9 million in the third quarter of 1999.
Dont hold your breath for another AOL/Time-Warner flip-flop power deal, but it does seem that the stronger of the new Net players still retain and are perhaps consolidating their financial positions despite the recent demise of so many dot-coms.
