RealNetworks offers streaming discount

RealNetworks began offering a 20 percent discount Tuesday for the commercial use of its streaming media software. The software, called Helix Universal Server, allows companies and developers to stream audio and video via the Internet. RealNetworks offers a free, open-source version of the software but charges for commercial use of the technology.

The promotion launches shortly after RealNetworks reported that its software sales declined 6 percent from the previous quarter and remained flat from the same period last year. However, revenue was up 14 percent from last year, a result of greater revenue from online music business.