RealNetworks Provides Streaming Media for AOL Plus

RealNetworks (http://www.realnetworks.com) said Wednesday that America Online ( http://www.aol.com) is using its streaming solution in its AOL Plus broadband offering.

AOL users running AOL 5.0 with a broadband connection get AOL Plus, with lots of multimedia content. AOL even gets an AOL-branded RealPlayer.

"We are thrilled to work with AOL in providing technology for AOL Plus," said Jeff Pancottine, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks, Inc. "RealSystem G2's extensive broadband capabilities allows content providers to deliver a truly compelling broadband multimedia experience to AOL Plus users."

Now that the secret is out about who's behind AOL's broadband service, it's no surprise. Netscape and RealNetworks have been close for a long time and RealPlayer even sported AOL's Instant Messenger button some time ago. No mention was made when it disappeared from the player in the latest RealPlayer 7, however.

AOL Plus was launched in early May.