RealNetworks Inks Distribution Agreement with Novell to Deliver Universal Multimedia Support

RealNetworks Inks Distribution Agreement with Novell to Deliver Universal Multimedia Support

RealNetworks®, Inc. and Novell are teaming up to deliver state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities on the Linux* desktop. Under the terms of the agreement, Novell will distribute Real’s upgraded RealPlayer®, which will support Windows* Media formats, and Helixâ„¢ Bansheeâ„¢ music player as part of its SUSE® Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.

The upgraded RealPlayer with Windows compatibility will be available for distribution later this year, and Linux desktop users will be able to play streaming media in all popular forms of audio and video in a single player. The latest RealPlayer for Linux will include Windows Media support with the already existing MP3, Ogg, RealAudio® and RealVideo®.

RealNetworks’ Helix Banshee music player is currently available as part of the new SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 from Novell®. Helix Banshee combines the best elements of the Helix DNA client universal media framework and the GNOME Banshee open source music player to deliver top-quality playback capabilities for most leading audio formats. In addition, the music player is the only Linux desktop software with the ability to burn MP3 files to CDs, making it the most complete music management application in the market today.

“SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is a giant step forward in out-of-the-box multimedia capabilities for Linux desktops,” said Jeff Ayars, vice president of product engineering at RealNetworks. “We are proud to have the Helix DNA Client form the foundation of both the Helix Banshee music player and the RealPlayer for Linux and are excited to continue to work with Novell to provide fully licensed multimedia features like streaming and local Windows Media support to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop licensees.”

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