RealAudio server software to be bundled with newest line of Apple Internet servers

Business Wire, Feb 27, 1996

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 1996--Progressive Networks(TM) (PN) Tuesday announced that a five stream version of its RealAudio(TM) Server 1.0 for the Macintosh(R) will be bundled with the Apple Internet Server Solution 2.0 (AISS).

This is the first time that RealAudio server software will be bundled with server hardware. The bundling agreement means that all future Apple Internet Server Solution customers will be able to serve RealAudio streams as soon as they are connected to the Internet.

"Apple's inclusion of the RealAudio Macintosh server software in this bundle is continuing proof that the RealAudio System is the leader in Internet audio solutions," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of PN.

"Progressive Networks is one of the leading audio vendors on the World Wide Web," said Larry Tesler, vice president of Internet products at Apple Computer.

"We're happy to partner with them to bring the innovation of real-time audio to the Mac OS(TM) platform. RealAudio server, coupled with the other Internet creation and publishing applications on the Apple Internet Server Solution, enables Web masters to publish attention-grabbing, multimedia-rich Web sites."

The RealAudio server software is part of the Apple Internet Server Solution 2.0, which consists of an Apple Workgroup Server and Apple Internet Server Solution software CD. Specific models include the Workgroup Server 6150/66, Workgroup Server 7250/120 and the Workgroup Server 8550/132. The RealAudio Server 1.0 will run on any Macintosh 68040 or Power Macintosh(R) running System 7.5 or better with Apple Open Transport.

The RealAudio server software is scalable, and additional streams can be added to support additional demand.

RealAudio Server 1.0 for Macintosh is the only software package available for Mac OS allowing delivery of audio-on-demand to the Internet. The RealAudio Server is part of an audio-on-demand delivery system for the Internet which allows publishers of news, entertainment, business and educational content to deliver audio through the Internet to users of multimedia computers.

The RealAudio System consists of the RealAudio Player, which allows Internet users to access audio for instant playback, and the RealAudio Server, which lets content providers distribute audio or audio-based content over the Internet. A RealAudio encoder converts audio into a file for distribution via the RealAudio Server and playback via the RealAudio Player.

RealAudio plays instantly, without download delays, through all types of Internet connections from 14.4 Kbps modems and faster.

On Feb. 28, Apple Computer Corp. will do the first Internet audio broadcast of the music industry Grammy Awards, live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST. The audio broadcast will use the RealAudio System. Coverage will include interviews and chats with nominees as well as the Grammy rehearsals and ceremony. There will be a hot link from the PN Web site (http://www.RealAudio.com/).

PN is also in final beta testing of the RealAudio Personal Server for Macintosh. The personal server product is for individuals who wish to join the RealAudio broadcasting world. RealAudio Personal Server for Macintosh can serve up to two simultaneous audio streams from a Macintosh connected to a TCP/IP network. It will have a suggested retail price of $99 and requires a Macintosh 68040 or Power Macintosh running Mac OS 7.5.x.

About Progressive Networks

Progressive Networks, based in Seattle, develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computer and other digital devices to send and receive audio and audio-based multimedia using the existing Internet infrastructure. -0-

NOTE: Progressive Networks and RealAudio are trademarks of Progressive Networks. Apple, Apple Computer, Macintosh and Power Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

CONTACT: Progressive Networks, Seattle

Frank Vaughan, 206/447-0567, ext. 295

or

KillerApp Communications

Katie Cotton, 213/938-7600