RealNetworks and IBM To Collaborate On Secure Digital Music Distribution Applications
Agreement Incorporates RealNetworks Client Technology in IBM-Developed Electronic Music Management System
LOS ANGELES and SEATTLE, April 12, 1999 ? RealNetworks©, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet, and IBM today announced an agreement to develop an application that enables consumers to receive and process music and related data from the Internet using IBM security features.
IBM and RealNetworks will integrate RealNetworks client technology and encoding tools into IBM's Electronic Music Management System (EMMS), a system developed for the preparation and distribution of all forms of digital content, including music. The IBM EMMS is being used by BMG, EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music to conduct the first-ever market trial of a system that combines security features with convenient and fast distribution of full-length, CD-quality albums to consumers. The market trial will begin this spring.
"The Internet has precipitated a revolution in the way people are accessing music for their personal use," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO, RealNetworks, Inc. "We view this collaboration with IBM as a significant step forward in insuring that artists and content distributors have confidence that their songs are protected when delivered over IP-based networks. At the same time, we are tremendously excited to utilize our music delivery technology in a security architecture that could profoundly change the way people sample, purchase, collect and experience recorded music."
"The EMMS is a significant component in IBM's technology portfolio for delivering e-business capability to the media and entertainment industry," said Richard K. Selvage, general manager, IBM Global Media and Entertainment Industry. "By collaborating with RealNetworks, the undisputed leader in streaming media, IBM will be adding new capability to EMMS. We believe this will benefit our media and entertainment customers and help accelerate consumer demand for purchasing media content over the Internet." "For digital distribution of music to evolve into a mass market, it is critical that two key challenges be addressed. One is to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and music companies and the other is to provide consumers with a flexible and compelling music experience. This agreement does that," said Allen Weiner, Vice President of Services, Netratings. "The collaboration between RealNetworks, with its technical leadership and its near ubiquitous position in the streaming media market, and IBM, with its secure digital music system, represents an important next step in realizing the mass market potential of this new distribution medium."
EMMS is based on open architecture and is capable of managing and distributing multiple types of media content over multiple networks. IBM has designed EMMS to be interoperable so it can evolve over time to integrate technology advances in music compression, encryption and formatting. The integration of RealNetworks technology is an example of IBM's intention to work with leading industry technology providers to continually enhance EMMS.
IBM and RealNetworks are committed to developing new applications for the digital music marketplace that are consistent and compatible with the goals of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI). SDMI is an initiative which seeks to create a forum to bring music and technologies companies together to develop voluntary standards for digital security and interoperability.
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), based in Seattle, is the recognized leader for media delivery on 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 www.real.com.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM is helping media and entertainment companies worldwide take advantage of the business opportunities made possible by digital technology. IBM offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, networking and service offerings that is transforming the traditional creative and business processes of media and entertainment companies and positioning them to leverage their intellectual assets into new commercial opportunities. The fastest way to get more information about IBM is through ibm.com. |
