RealNetworks Seeks a Musical Alliance With Apple

andychrist · #1 April 15th, 2004, 04:53 AM

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....

http://nytimes.com/2004/04/15/busine...15real.html?hp

diablojota · #2 April 15th, 2004, 05:18 AM

Yeah, Execs at Apple think he will decline. However, I think this would be another good opportunity to help spread the gospel of the Fairplay...

DJ Rep · #3 April 15th, 2004, 05:57 AM

I think this would be an EXCELLENT idea real networks is a HUGE company with some IMO good codecs and I think the alliance would be very benifical to both partys and especially apple

Veljo · #4 April 15th, 2004, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Rep

I think this would be an EXCELLENT idea real networks is a HUGE company with some IMO good codecs and I think the alliance would be very benifical to both partys and especially apple

I totally agree. RealNetworks has a lot of media files over the net, plus it'd be another amazing opportunity for Apple to take up. Plus, if Apple don't, they'll not only be losing an opportunity but basically forcing another alliance with Microsoft, which isn't good. Put simply, in my opinion, if Apple decline, they're stupid. Nuff said.

powermac · #5 April 15th, 2004, 08:49 AM

Allow Quicktime to use some of their media formats, including .rm, which will never happen

mi5moav · #6 April 15th, 2004, 09:59 AM

If this is true(letter from Glaser) this would amount to a form of Blackmail or very least some very unethical strong arm tactics. This is almost like saying, hey Ace Hardware if you don't form an alliance with us, Lowes, then we will have to form a partnership with Home Depot which will lead to your demise. I don't think so. I think Glaser is one of the most sophmoric individuals out there, of course he has turned the company around the past few years, while Apple's quicktime has just been on what seems like cruise control from Reno to Little Rock.

I can see the alliance happening, but I don't think the letter can be 100% substantiated. I think the Sun/Microsoft things have turned a lot of people heads. This year could bring some big alliances. Companies see this year and next as a window of oppurtunity to attack MS, there may be some truth into their claims. Every 10 years you might be able to take some market share away from the Giants when they blink... ala, coke, ibm, ford this may be MS year to blink.

Natobasso · #7 April 15th, 2004, 10:04 AM

I think "demise" is taking things a bit far. The letter is really a business proposal, not a threat, in my view. Of course, has the letter been substantiated? ;(

jackdahi · #8 April 15th, 2004, 10:31 AM

I think that if the proposal was indeed made to Apple, It would have to be considered by Apple. Real Netorks is a solid company.

Apple might look at it in thwo ways; first it may be a good way to sell iPods. Second it is direct competition with iTMS. But since iTMS is not a real money maker for Apple, it will be interesting to see what the outcome is.