RealNetworks' RealPlayer G2 Ships on IBM(R) Consumer PCs
First Major PC Manufacturer to Ship RealPlayer, IBM Provides Purchasers of Aptiva(R) and ThinkPad(R) i Series PCs with Instant Access to the Broadest Range of Streaming Media Programming on the Web
July 15, 1999 09:01 AM
SEATTLE, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- RealNetworks(R), RNWK , the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet, today announced that IBM has begun shipping RealNetworks' RealPlayer(R) G2 with IBM Aptiva Desktops and ThinkPad i Series notebook computers, enabling customers to easily access RealAudio(R) and RealVideo(R) programming on the Web. In conjunction with the agreement, IBM will also be promoting RealPlayer on its consumer affinity site, Owner Privileges, and promoting streaming media programming in RealNetworks' format.
"In keeping with our promise to consumers, we have chosen to bundle the market leading RealPlayer G2 on the Aptiva and ThinkPad i Series PC's as another means to enhancing and simplifying life through computer and Internet technology," said Mike Braun, general manager of IBM's Consumer Division. "With unique features available through RealPlayer G2, such as streaming media search and popular programming available through RealChannels, IBM will, for the first time, be providing its users with instant access to this outstanding range of streaming media programming on the Internet."
"We're pleased that IBM has chosen to distribute RealPlayer G2 on their popular consumer PC's, enabling IBM consumers to easily experience the power of rich media on the Internet," said Maria Cantwell, senior vice president, Consumer Division, RealNetworks, Inc. "This agreement further validates the RealPlayer as the standard way to experience the widest range of streaming media programming on the Web."
"Consumers now have direct access to the Web's rich media content straight out of the box," said Larry Gerbrandt, senior vice president, Paul Kagan Associates, a media research and consulting firm based in Carmel, CA. "Integration at the factory level also speaks to the growing significance of streaming media technology, placing it almost on par with Internet browsers."
IBM currently uses the Internet and streaming media in a variety of ways to enrich its Web visitors' experience by providing real time exposure to unique and historical events. Examples include the June 25th IBM webcast of the entire opera of Verdi's Aida from the arena of Verona, Italy; this e-performance can still be viewed by visitors to the IBM site. Other IBM streaming media initiatives include the July 6th webcasting of Wimbledon, an IBM sponsored international tennis event, as well as the company's annual shareholders' meeting led by IBM Chairman & CEO, Lou Gerstner.
About RealPlayer
With more than 69 million registered unique users, RealPlayer is the de facto standard for streaming multimedia on the Internet, providing one-click access to the best audio and video programming on the Web. Built-in RealChannels(TM) and Presets provide direct access to streaming media programming from within RealPlayer and continue to drive usage with more than 1 million media accesses per day. Integrated search capability enables users to easily explore the breadth of RealAudio and RealVideo programming right from within RealPlayer.
RealNetworks maintains more than 85% share of the streaming media market, with more than 85% of all streaming media Web pages on the Internet using industry leading RealAudio, RealVideo, RealFlash(TM), RealText(TM) or RealPix(TM), and more than 350,000 hours of live RealAudio and RealVideo programming available each week (Source: Hotbot).
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc., based in Seattle, WA, is the recognized leader in streaming media delivery for the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. RealNetworks can be found on the World Wide Web at real.com.
NOTE: RealNetworks, RealPlayer, RealAudio, RealVideo, RealPix, RealText, and RealChannels are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. RealFlash is a trademark of RealNetworks and Macromedia, Inc. IBM, Aptiva and ThinkPad are trademarks of International Business Machines, Corp. All other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE RealNetworks, Inc.
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