Company Overview

RealNetworks, formerly Progressive Networks, invented the streaming software that delivers audio, video, and other multimedia content over the Web in real time. Founded in 1994 by former Microsoft VP Rob Glaser, RealNetworks released its flagship RealPlayer in 1995. Today, hundreds of millions of people have downloaded RealPlayer to stream audio, video, and other multimedia content, competing against Microsoft’s Media Player and Apple’s QuickTime. The company also offers software and subscription services for news, sports, and entertainment content and downloadable games. Not only can you download RealNetworks software via the Web, but you will also find it bundled into everything from servers and computers to wireless devices and other electronics. The company’s Helix products, which support the media delivery process from creation to playback via the Internet, are its other line of business. In the extremely hot digital music arena, RealNetworks offers its Rhapsody subscription service, which it gained when it acquired Listen.com in 2003, as a direct competitor to Apple’s iTunes products. The company’s main growth strategy has focused on content delivery to wireless devices, partnering with phone manufacturers such as Nokia and service operators such as Siemens. It’s also experienced growth in the gaming market, acquiring game developers GameHouse in 2004 and Zylom Media Group in 2006. Most recently it announced plans to acquire wireless provider WiderThan.