RealNetworks develops software products and services that enable people to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. The company has been in a bitter digital race with Microsoft in which both are competing to take a foothold in the market for streaming video and audio.
The Seattle-based company said the layoffs, which are the first for RealNetworks, affected 140 out of 950 employees.
A spokesman said the affected employees were notified on an individual basis. The remaining employees, he said, were asked to leave the building so that the company could conduct meetings with the affected employees regarding severance packages.
