RealNetworks Ties-up With Google, Mozilla

RealNetworks, Google, and Mozilla have announced a new multi-year agreement under which Real would offer the Google Toolbar and the Mozilla Firefox Web browser with RealPlayer. While installing RealPlayer, users will now be given the option to install either the Google Toolbar or Firefox, free of charge. Moreover, The Google Toolbar and Mozilla Firefox will soon be available options for customers of RealPlayer, Rhapsody music service and RealArcade games. Rob Glaser, chairman & CEO for Real said, “The Google Toolbar has been a welcome addition to Real customers because Google simplifies and enhances how they interact with the Web. We think our customers will feel the same way about the Firefox Web browser.” Mozilla has joined the two year partnership between Google and Real under which the latter has already distributed millions of Google Toolbars to Internet users. The term of each agreement is for two years, with the possibility of extending them further depending on a number of factors, including the volume of downloads recorded. With this collaboration, the three companies hope to beat the competition, namely Microsoft and its media player, browser and other software. According to RealNetworks, the deal should also help expand their user base, as RealNetworks distributes more than 2 million pieces of software a day globally.