America Online Inc.(AOL) has joined forces with RealNetworks
Inc. in order to combine their technologies and produce an
interactive, broadband entertainment system. The agreement will
allow AOL to use RealSystem 8 throughout its network and
RealPlayer, RealNetwork’s media streaming technology, will be
incorporated in AOL 6.0.
The arrangement will be mutually beneficial as RealNetworks will
be given access to AOL’s 23 million members and AOL will be able to
deliver better quality audio and visual products to its
customers.
The president of AOL Interactive Services, Barry Schuler
stated:
“We are pleased to work with RealNetworks to
deliver a seamless, high-quality streaming digital media experience
to our members... Our goal has always been to provide our members
and users of our web-based brands with the best possible
interactive experience, and our new agreement with RealNetworks
will help us do just that.”
According to the arrangement, Realplayer and the Netscape
Browser will now be distributed together through Netcenter. Also,
RealNetworks, will offer software enabling users to register with
AOL’s services when distributing its RealPlayer technology in
future.
