WSJ.com - Microsoft, RealNetworks Are Near Settlement Of Antitrust Lawsuit

WSJ.com - Microsoft, RealNetworks Are Near Settlement Of Antitrust Lawsuit: "Under terms of the settlement, which could still fall through, Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft would provide a combination of cash and promotions for RealNetworks music and game services through Microsoft's online services and software, and the two companies would collaborate on technology initiatives in the future, these people said. The two companies were working on plans for a joint announcement of a possible deal, which could come as early as today. Participants may include Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and RealNetworks Chief Executive Rob Glaser, a former Microsoft executive who became an outspoken critic of his former employer following his departure, these people said."

This could in part explain why Microsoft terminated discussions with music publishers recently.