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Technology Stocks : RealNetworks (NASDAQ:RNWK) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: steve harmon - analyst who wrote (1703)	2/13/1999 5:32:00 AM
From: B. A. Marlow	Respond to of 5843

Welcome to SI, Steve H. Thought this was a cameo appearance but see that a new discussion thread has been created around your analysis. A terrific idea. For those still unaware of the SI Steve Harmon thread: Subject 25566 Interesting call on RNWK takeout prospects. If so, then it should be soon. Especially interested in your thoughts about resolution of the MP3 phenom and controversy. Who ends up with WinAMP (Nullsoft) and MP3.com? Currently, loose missiles, but here to stay. WinAMP user base exceeds 7mm, growing at 1.5mm/mo, moving toward streaming and security capabilities. MP3.com going mainstream with VC financing. Secure formats of IBM, T and Liquid Audio offer consumers low perceived value and are technically questionable. Enjoy your work. BAM

To: steve harmon - analyst who wrote (1703)	2/13/1999 12:38:00 PM
From: Technologyguy	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 5843

Knowing Rob Glaser, I can't imagine him wanting--or allowing Real--to be taken over. His model is to own the means of getting to streamed media on the Internet. He is an incredibly stong-minded and independent person who, I think, would fight any attempt at a merger or take over. I do agree, though, it would make great business sense for AOL or @Home to try to the take over. @Home, particularly with its acquisition of Excite, which has the only streamed media search engine, makes much sense.

To: steve harmon - analyst who wrote (1703)	2/13/1999 1:57:00 PM
From: sam	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5843

I absolutely agree that AOL would be the perfect buyer for RNWK. And I'd be very, very surprised if AOL wasn't headed in this direction. Why? Streaming video is clearly the immediate future of the internet, particularly as broadband and Direct Rambus take hold this coming year. By purchasing RNWK, AOL would own one of the major components in control of that app. The other major player? MSFT. AOL seems to view MSFT as its major competition in the internet world. By purchasing Netscape, they and MSFT control the major browsers (with AOL having the slight upper hand). By getting RNWK, they and MSFT would control the future of streaming video (again with AOL having the better position) -- a huge windfall for AOL. Everyone else would have to kiss their (or MSFTs) ring to play. Currently, RNWK is a bargain for AOL in a stock swap deal. Does RNWK WANT to be taken over? Probably not. At least, not yet. JMO