I don't hear too much from RealNetworks these days, so I was surprised to read that RealNetworks today unveiled its next generation enterprise solution, the Helix Server Unlimited, for wired and now wireless devices. This latest version of the Helix server provides Real's enterprise customers the ability to deliver 3GPP content to a wide variety of multi-media enabled mobile handsets. According to RealNetworks, "Mobile content on the handset have traditionally been focused on entertainment, but for the enterprise market such as corporations, higher education institutions and local governments it is also a valuable informational and educational tool."

I give it 6 months before Microsoft comes out with a similar solution. Perhaps Windows Media Services 10 Series? Currently Microsoft is on version Windows Media Services 9 Series.

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RealNetworks Rolls Out Next Generation Mobile Enterprise Solution

Helix Server Unlimited is the first multi-format, cross-platform enterprise streaming server for both wired and wireless devices

Customers include higher education institutions and municipalities

RealNetworks®, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), the leading creator of digital media services and software, today unveiled its next generation Helix™ Server for mobile enterprises. The Helix Server Unlimited is Real's enterprise solution for delivering a cost effective, flexible, high quality streaming experience to wired, and now, wireless devices. The new version supports 3GPP technology, enabling enterprise customers to stream mobile content to a wide variety of handsets and other wireless devices.

"Real has built a strong foundation of delivering innovative mobile technology and services, and we're very excited to be extending our advanced mobile capability to our enterprise customers," said John Giamatteo, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Business Products and International Operations for RealNetworks. "The latest version of the Helix server delivers a high quality, rich mobile streaming experience for our partners to stay on the cutting edge of the converging multimedia market."

The Helix Server Unlimited is the only multi-format, cross platform enterprise streaming server on the market to deliver RealAudio®, RealVideo®, Windows Media, QuickTime, Mpeg-4 and 3GPP from a single server infrastructure. The server fits within existing operating system environments and supports Windows, Solaris, Linux and Unix-based operating systems for streaming. New features include support for SNMP v3 and next generation protocols such as IP v6, as well as improved firewall support and Helix Rate Adaptation for better utilization of network resources.

MOBILE STREAMING CUSTOMERS
The mobile application is currently being implemented by several of Real's enterprise customers, including the City of Seattle and Virginia Tech. The City of Seattle has been streaming its television programming to the desktop for over 8 years and is now expanding it to the handset.

"The mobile component is another great value-add service for our residents," said Nate Eckstine, City of Seattle Department of Information Technology. "Our citizens used to have to catch our council meetings, arts and public affairs programming on TV or order a tape before we made it available on demand on the PC, but now with the enhancements to Real's server they can watch from their local coffee house or anywhere else."

Virginia Tech plans to stream a variety of content to student's multimedia handsets that can be used in formal and informal learning experiences.

"Real is providing a valuable and convenient tool, and we're very excited about the possibilities of a mobile offering to our faculty and students," said Glenda Scales, Associate Dean of Distance Learning and Computing, Virginia Tech. "Delivering video and audio to wireless devices will give our students increased flexibility with accessing learning or informational materials anywhere, anytime."

Enterprise customers seeking more information about Real's Helix Server Unlimited should call a Real representative at 1-800-444-8011 or visit www.realnetworks.com/products/media_delivery.html.

About RealNetworks, Inc.
RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody®, RealPlayer® 10, and casual PC and mobile games RealNetworks has more than two million subscribers to its premium content subscription services. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks' consumer software at http://www.real.com. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com/company.

© 2005 RealNetworks, Inc. RealNetworks, Helix, Rhapsody, RealAudio, RealVideo and RealPlayer are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc.