Microsoft drops RealNetworks like a bad habit

Microsoft Corporation today announced that it was immediately selling itsminority position in RealNetworks, makers of the RealAudio and RealVideo media programs for the Web. The two companies recently had a falling out when RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser erroneously testified that Microsoft'sMedia Player purposefully disabled his company's products. Microsoft laterproved that Glaser's comments were false.

"Microsoft and RealNetworks are each developing exciting technologies, butthe rapid pace of innovation and our competing visions for streaming mediameans our investment in RealNetworks no longer makes sense," said Greg Maffei, Microsoft's CFO. "RealNetworks will continue to be an effective developer for Windows as well as an effective competitor."

In other words, smooth move Rob