AT&T's a2b music Incorporates RealNetworks' RealSystem G2 Streaming Media Technology Into the a2b music Player

Business Wire, Nov 13, 1998

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1998--a2b music(SM), AT&T's innovative online music delivery system, today announced an agreement with RealNetworks whereby the a2b music player will incorporate RealSystem G2 streaming media technology.

Users can sample streamed songs prepared with a2b music's compression technology, which has been rated as having the highest sound quality of music delivered via the Internet. In addition, a2b music products using RealSystem G2 technology will be licensed to third parties such as artists, labels and other copyright holders of music.

"We're pleased that a2b music has chosen to build upon RealSystem G2's open and extensive media delivery system," said Len Jordan, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks. "The a2b music player extends the reach of audio over the Internet, enabling millions of people to take advantage of a2b music's compelling solutions."

"RealNetworks is the recognized market leader in streaming media technology, and streamed audio is the preferred way to browse music samples on the Internet," said Howie Singer, a2b music chief technical officer. "By integrating RealNetworks' technology into the a2b music player, we're giving music fans access to both superior digital downloads and streamed music through the a2b music player."

About a2b music

a2b music (http://www.a2bmusic.com), an Internet marketing and technology company, is leading the music industry in innovative uses of secure digital audio distribution. a2b music enables clients to leverage unique Internet opportunities to create customized in-store and online retail sales and marketing promotions.

As the exclusive provider of AT&T Labs technologies for Internet delivery of secure digital music, a2b music also makes its compression, mastering and security software available through a licensing program.

Since its launch in November 1997, a2b music has been selected to create cross-media promotions for recording artists such as Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Tori Amos, Garbage, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Counting Crows, The Verve Pipe, Dave Stewart, Joe Walsh, SWV, Rocket From The Crypt and Gravity Kills.

a2b music customers include Almo Sounds, Atlantic Records, BMG, Camelot Music, Capitol Records, Fairwest Direct, Geffen Records, Inc., Interscope Records, N2K's Music Boulevard, RCA Records, Tower Records, Trans World Entertainment, TVT Records, Virgin Records and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which uses a2b music's platform to power a digital archive of 27,000 CD-quality songs.

Note to Editors: For further information, check out the a2b music online press room at www.a2bmusic.com.

a2b music is a service mark of AT&T Corp.