RealNetworks launches media package

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - RealNetworks launched its Media Commerce Suite Wednesday, directly taking on Microsoft's Windows Media DRM technology in the ongoing battle to turn online entertainment into a viable business by using digital rights management. The new product enables content owners to implement viable online business models in a way that RealNetworks says is flexible, secure and robust while incorporating digital rights management. There are about 200 million consumers using RealPlayer software, according to the company. All of these players can be upgraded automatically to incorporate the new security and commerce functions, giving MCS an impressive install base. Microsoft claims that more than 350 million Windows Media Players are in use, all of which already include Windows Media DRM.