Rob Glaser: Facebook and iPhone are the new platforms |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
The rise of Facebook and the iPhone mark the "dawn of two new platforms" -- in the same league as the IBM PC, Windows and the Internet in their potential to support new types of applications and companies, RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser said yesterday at the FiRe Global West Coast 2009 conference in Seattle.
"Anybody who's an entrepreneur, leader of an existing company, involved in new product innovation in any form, if you don't immersively understand these two platforms, you are becoming a dinosaur," Glaser said during an on-stage interview with TechFlash's John Cook at the conference. See a video excerpt above.
RealNetworks is betting on the iPhone in part through its recently released Rhapsody app for the device. Glaser said the app has now attracted "nearly half a million" downloads, which would be up considerably from the approximately 200,000 downloads RealNetworks reported two weeks ago.
At one point later in the interview, John asked if RealNetworks would ever consider selling its stake in the overall Rhapsody music service, which is part of a joint venture with MTV Networks. BusinessWeek recently suggested such a move, saying that RealNetworks might be better off focusing on other parts of its business.
"How much you wanna pay?" Glaser joked in response.
He continued, "I would say, in the current economic environment, it's much more appealing, generally speaking, to be buyers of assets than sellers of assets," Glaser said. "In this particular business, the challenge is, we've tried a number of different ways to be partners with music companies. We are constantly looking out for ways to have more flexible relationships with them, and if there's a way to have a more flexible relationship with them ... we'd be open to doing that. But that would be the kind of thing I'd be thinking about, mostly."
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
Seattle University Graduate Programs Accepting Applications:
Seattle University now offers two graduate programs in computing. The evening Master of Software Engineering program builds upon the professional experience of its students and offers courses in a variety of technical and management topics, with an emphasis on teamwork and a disciplined approach to problem solving. The Master of Science in Computer Science program accommodates both full-time and part-time students and enhances students’ previous academic work in computer science, in order to develop technical depth and lifelong learning skills necessary for successful career advancement.