RealNetworks Inks Distribution Agreement with Novell to Deliver Universal Multimedia Support on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop

SAN FRANCISCO, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- RealNetworks(R), 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(R), which will support Windows* Media formats, and Helix(TM) Banshee(TM) music player as part of its SUSE(R) 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(R) and RealVideo(R).

RealNetworks' Helix Banshee music player is currently available as part of the new SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 from Novell(R). 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."

Jeff Jaffe, Novell executive vice president and chief technology officer, said, "To succeed in the marketplace, desktop Linux needs to be innovative and give customers an experience they don't expect, and we're doing that with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10. We have been and are working with RealNetworks to surpass the multimedia expectations of end users and open their eyes to the tremendous capabilities Linux brings to the desktop."

Helix Banshee and RealPlayer for Linux, as well as other popular streaming media players on Linux desktops and more than 80 million mobile phones, are built on top of the Helix DNA Client universal media framework. RealNetworks and Novell are working together to speed up the progress of ISV streaming media application development on Linux through this single media framework available on multiple operating systems and hardware platforms. Helix DNA Client is available today using the GPL and RPSL OSI-approved open source licenses as well as the RCSL commercial source license.

RealPlayer and the Helix Banshee media player are currently available as part of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10. The upgraded RealPlayer for Linux is slated for release in December 2006 and will be available for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop subscribers via the Novell Customer Center. For more information on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop from Novell, visit http://www.novell.com/products/desktop.

About RealNetworks, Inc.

RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody(R), RealPlayer(R) 10 and casual PC and mobile games. 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. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks' consumer software at http://www.real.com . RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers Software for the Open Enterprise(TM). With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of-breed, open standards-based software. With over 20 years of experience, 5,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environment while reducing cost. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com .

NOTE: Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks, and Banshee and Software for the Open Enterprise are trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. RealNetworks, RealPlayer and Helix are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.