>> but I am equally fascinated with rnwk. If you go the the news section of yahoo, you'll find a new feature called Video Highlights, which is presented via Realplayer G2. It's primitive (even with my, ahem, fat pipe dsl connection <g>), but, imho, a work in progress that will grow into a Killer App. I know that Microsoft has capitulated and become a RealNetworks licensee, as has IBM and many others.<<
IMHO, the MSFT capitulation was a nice affirmation of the market leadership RNWK enjoys but no more important than that.
The real.com basis for RNWK's gorilla stature is that Real Networks provides open platform media streaming while MSFT, true to form, streams only on MSFT platform servers.
Couple that fact with the ubiquity of the RealPlayer G2 client software and as a result, 85% of content now available is streamed using RNWK software.
MSFT's decision to allow WebTV customers use of Real Networks software was based on their customer's demands to access that content. MSFT does not need to capitulate further and I wouldn't expect Gates and Co. to concede anything more.
But Glaser will continue to outmaneuver his former employer with the advantages of a clear focus on media streaming, cross platform solutions, and the many friendly alliances and partnerships he has cultivated (unlike Mr. Softee).
>>What I'm still researching is the strength of their ipr.<<
Please share your research when complete. Thanks, Rory |
