Multimedia October 11, 2005 
RealNetworks had alleged that Microsoft forced PC makers to fit its rival’s Windows Media Player software at the expense of its own Real Player.
Microsoft is to pay $761m (£436m) to US software rival RealNetworks to end an anti-competition lawsuit over computer music players.
RealNetworks had alleged that Microsoft forced PC makers to fit its rival’s Windows Media Player software at the expense of its own Real Player.
Microsoft and RealNetworks said the agreement paved the way for future collaboration between the two firms.
Washington-based Microsoft has been hit by a number of similar lawsuits.
Back in July, it paid IBM $775m to settle a case.
It had earlier reached anti-competition agreements with the US government, and fellow companies Time Warner and Sun Microsystems.
A dispute with the European Union (EU) remains.
Access deal
“Today we’re closing one chapter and opening a new one in our relationship with Microsoft,” said RealNetworks’ founder and chief executive Rob Glaser.
