Real Networks Seeks Musical Alliance With Apple

[Mason]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/media/15real.html?hp


RealNetworks made a direct appeal last week to Apple Computer, its Internet music rival, suggesting that the two companies form a common front against Microsoft in the digital music business.

The offer to create a "tactical alliance" was made on April 9 by Rob Glaser, chief executive of RealNetworks, the Seattle-based Internet music and video service, in an e-mail message to Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chairman.

But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Mr. Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing


Definitely an interesting story. Wonder what will happen.

[billyboy]

It goes on to say that "Steven Job" will probably turn down the offer. It is one thing for HP to sell HPods and have an HP iTMS, but another where Real are concerned. As I see it, the success of iTMS and iPod is the whole integrated store browse, purchase, download, play and manage experience. It works like a dream. Anything less than that from Real with their store and Apple's iPod would probably be a disaster as far as Jobs was concerned . It just takes a few stupid software glitches or intrusive ads or something very un-Apple from Real to tarnish iTunes/iPods image. Maybe Real should let Apple tweak and iTunes-ify their store and media software, and stick an Apple logo in a prominent position. Then Jobs might be interested.

The Real music deal - from Apple.

[applemacdude]

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[Rower_CPU]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=67789