Go To

RealNetworks

Provides multimedia software for the Internet.

Headquarters:
2601 Elliott Avenue
Bellevue, WA 98121
Employees: 1,594
CEO: Robert Glaser
Stock symbol: RNWK

Website: http://www.realnetworks.com

Career Site

RealNetworks is a leading creator of digital media services and software, such as Rhapsody, RealArcade and RealPlayer. Consumers use our services and software to find, play, purchase and manage free and premium digital content, including music, games and video. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use our products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and other consumer electronics devices.

In 2006, RealNetworks reported record revenue of $395.3 million and net income of $145.2 million, which included a settlement from Microsoft to settle antitrust legislation.

In June 2007, Real acquired Exomi, a provider of mobile software and services for a total upfront cash payment of approximately $11 million, and a commitment to make additional contingent cash payments of up to an aggregate of approximately $5 million if certain financial performance targets are met over the next three-year period. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Exomi provides the messaging and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) gateways that are necessary for mobile carriers to deliver mobile entertainment services such as Music on Demand, Video on Demand, Ringback Tones, Games and other services to the mobile handset.

History

The company was founded by Robert Glaser, a former Microsoft executive, in Feb. 1994 as Progressive Networks. It invented and released the RealPlayer and RealAudio software in 1995 to allow users to watch and listen to content online just as the growth in the Internet exploded. The company changed its name to RealNetworks in 1997 and went public that year.

The company has been involved for several years in antitrust litigation against Microsoft, accusing the software giant of trying to muscle out its software with Windows Media Player.

In 2000, RealNetworks began offering premium content online directly to consumers in a subscription service. In 2003, RealNetworks purchased Listen.com and built the Rhapsody music service.

Updated August 1, 2007