RealNetworks

Founded in 1995 and based in Seattle, RealNetworks is a pioneer in the Internet media industry. Because the Internet was initially built to handle text-based information only, RealNetworks created the technology that would enable end-user to create, send, and receive audio, video, and other multimedia services via the Net. RealNetworks provides a universal platform for the delivery of any rich media-from any point of origin, across virtually any network, to any person on any Internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world.

One of RealNetworks' flagship products, RealPlayer, is the second most widely-used Internet-based software application in the world. RealPlayer is installed on 92 percent of all home PCs in the U.S., and its user base grows by hundreds of thousands of new users per day. In general, RealNetworks technology is used to broadcast more than 350,000 hours of live sports, music, news, and entertainment over the Internet every week, and hundreds of thousands of hours of on-demand content are also available.

Formerly known as Progressive Networks, RealNetworks is the recognized leader in the streaming media market and continues to develop and market software products and services designed to enable computers (and other consumer electronic devices) to send and receive audio, video, and other multimedia services over the Web. Rob Glaser is the founder and CEO. He worked for Microsoft for ten years before leaving to found RealNetworks. The first RealPlayer was released in 1995, and the company registered its 50 millionth user in January 1999. Glaser was also member of President Clinton's Advisory Committee on Public Interest Obligations of Digital Television Broadcasters.