20 Business Decisions That Lost Companies Billions

Long before Spotify dominated streaming, RealNetworks was one of the companies shaping internet audio. Its RealPlayer software was installed on millions of computers, giving it an enviable early position in digital media. But proprietary technology, consumer frustration, aggressive bundling practices, and increasingly formidable competitors weakened its influence. Apple ultimately transformed digital music with the iPod and iTunes, while later streaming services captured subscription listening. RealNetworks had arrived early enough to help create the market, yet failed to own the future it previewed.