As part of the agreement Cisco, will resell the RealSystem iQ and RealSystem Server Intranet software to enterprise customers and will include RealSystem Server 8 and Proxy 8 within its networking hardware products, the companies said in a statement.
The two companies also plan to market and sell streaming technology to Internet service providers and network service providers.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
The software broadcasts RealAudio and RealVideo streams, as well as other formats like MP3, MPEG1, MPEG2, Apple QuickTime and Macromedia Flash, according to RealNetworks.
The integration of RealSystem iQ will enable Cisco's business customers to deliver media using peer-to-peer networking while using Cisco's Content Distribution Manager and Content Engine products, the companies said.
The deal is the latest move by RealNetworks to sign up new corporate customers by teaming with giant technology players with large numbers of business customers. The company competes against Microsoft in the streaming media market.
Last month, the Seattle-based RealNetworks signed an agreement with Intel to ship its technology with the main circuit boards that power computers. Although the streaming media software maker already has deals with PC makers such as Dell Computer, the Intel agreement attempts to include its software in so-called white-box, or unbranded, computer makers, which command a large share of the PC market through resellers.
"Today's Internet and corporate intranets have grown beyond simple text to a world of rich media that requires a new approach to network architecture," said Mike Volpi, senior vice president and chief strategy officer of Cisco Systems. With this agreement, "Cisco and RealNetworks advance the delivery of...Internet business applications using digital media."
RealNetworks stock gained US$0.31, or 2.56 percent, to US$12.40 in morning trading. Shares in Cisco dropped US$0.62 to US$19.87.
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