The software giant and RealNetworks hammer out an agreement that puts aside their legal differences and aims to shore up their respective digital music strategies.
Real, Microsoft reach truce
Under deal, Microsoft will pay $460 million in cash to RealNetworks to settle antitrust claims and $301 million in cash to support Real's music and games efforts.
Photo: Gates, Glaser shake hands Glaser on finding Harmony with Microsoft
newsmaker RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser describes how he finally buried the competitive hatchet with longtime rival Bill Gates.
Microsoft not out of legal woods yet
Settlement with RealNetworks deprives EU's antitrust prosecution of major corporate ally. But Real's evidence was already in.
Antitrust truce frees rivals for bite at Apple
Steve Jobs rebuffed RealNetworks 18 months ago. Today's deal with Microsoft now bolsters an anti-iPod alliance.
Details of the Microsoft-Real agreement
FAQ The RealPlayer and the Rhapsody music service get a boost on Windows systems and MSN Messenger.
Can Microsoft buy RealNetworks' silence?
Companies mum on settlement speculation as the software giant's antitrust appeal proceeds in Europe. November 12, 2004
Friend and foe
Sun gets nearly $2 billion in a broad agreement with longtime enemy Microsoft. But the money doesn't mean Sun is out of the woods--and the two say they'll remain fierce competitors. April 5, 2004
Europe plays hardball with Microsoft
In a decision that could affect consumers, competitors and PC makers, the European Commission requires Microsoft to unbundle Media Player from Windows and pay a $613 million fine. March 24, 2004
Antitrust replay
RealNetworks files a $1 billion lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing the software giant of illegally using its Windows monopoly to limit consumer choice in digital media. December 18, 2003
Burying the hatchet
Microsoft and AOL Time Warner agree to a far-reaching settlement that includes technology sharing, software distribution and a $750 million payout. May 30, 2003
Microsoft, Real to work together
Bill Gates and Real CEO Rob Glaser describe the new cooperation between the rivals. (Glaser speaks first.)
October 11, 2005
Rivals Palm, Microsoft team up September 26, 2005
Sun and Microsoft call a truce April 2, 2004
