Microsoft, RealNetworks face tough road versus Apple

Microsoft faces a rough road if it wants to take a sizable chunk of Apple's market dominance. Along with the news that Microsoft settled with RealNetworks, a potential partnership could form from the settlement that will strengthen Microsoft's position as well as RealNetworks' offering, according to a report from eWEEK.com. Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg said that despite having more power through the partnership to compete against close competitors, Microsoft will find it difficult to gain even a portion of Apple's market share, according to the report. "Microsoft has been in a position where they've been licensing the technology, but it hasn't taken off. They have the steak but not the sizzle," Gartenberg said. Microsoft will have to deal with new challenges when facing Apple, because it will have to balance the needs of multiple partners, according to the report.

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