Sandpiper and RealNetworks Team to Deliver Large Scale Internet Broadcast Service.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4,

1999--

Sandpiper Networks Standardizes on RealSystem G2, Expanding Footprint

Content Delivery Service to Now Deliver Rich Media Programming Over

the Internet

Sandpiper Networks Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive content delivery solutions for e-business, and RealNetworks(R), the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet, today announced that Sandpiper Networks is deploying RealSystem(TM) G2 across its Footprint content delivery network.

By integrating RealSystem G2, Footprint will provide e-businesses with fast and reliable delivery of live and on-demand streaming media programming.

"By teaming up with RealNetworks, Sandpiper will greatly increase the cost-effective management of quality streaming media to high-impact sites," said Leo Spiegel, president and chief executive officer of Sandpiper. "Because our customers demand fast and reliable delivery of RealAudio(R) and RealVideo(R) for online media events, the choice to standardize on RealSystem G2 was obvious."

This agreement with RealNetworks reinforces Sandpiper's commitment to provide Web publishers with all the tools and services necessary to profitably deliver and manage sites. The addition of streaming media support extends Sandpiper's ability to deliver Web content of all types -- including text, images, authenticated or dynamic content, and now, streaming audio and video.

"We're thrilled that Sandpiper has chosen to support RealSystem G2's open and extensible architecture and that Footprint allowed for fast and seamless integration," said Len Jordan, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks Inc. "Sandpiper's unique deployment of RealSystem G2 is a continuation of our focus to build out multi-tiered, standards-based, cross-platform networks that efficiently scale to provide media delivery from

narrowband through broadband."

Launched last year, the Footprint service speeds Web site performance 2 to 10 times by distributing content from a worldwide network of more than 375 servers, putting Web content closer to the consumer and shortening the delivery path. Additionally, Footprint gives e-businesses all of the services and tools they need to analyze current resources and track Web site usage patterns.

Sandpiper has deployed Footprint servers in the more than 20 networks worldwide, including America Online, Concentric Networks, Uunet, GTE BBN, Sprint, Cable and Wireless, PSINet, Frontier/Globalcenter, and TCG/Cerfnet. In addition, Footprint leverages the extensive software capabilities of the Inktomi Traffic Server cache platform.

"The combination of cutting-edge technologies from Sandpiper, RealNetworks, and Inktomi on the Traffic Server platform enables content providers to deliver a vastly improved experience for their customers," said Paul Gauthier, chief technology officer of Inktomi. "By incorporating these technologies into its innovative service, Sandpiper is helping to rearchitect the way content is delivered on the Internet."

Current customers using the award-winning Footprint service include CNBC.com, E! Online, Intuit, LATimes.com, Live On Line, MusicNow and University Netcasting. Other online events quickly and reliably delivered by Sandpiper include the 1999 Academy Awards, Woodstock.com's real-time photo gallery and the Starr Report. By leveraging RealSystem G2, Footprint will greatly extend Sandpiper's customer reach and provide the benefit of streaming media capabilities to existing customers.

"Sandpiper's extension of Footprint to RealSystem G2 multimedia experiences increases the range of content that E! Online can provide well beyond graphics and images," said Jeff Mayzurk, director of technology at E! Online.

About RealNetworks

RealNetworks Inc. (Nasdaq:RNWK), based in Seattle, is the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. RealNetworks can be found on the World Wide Web at www.real.com

About Sandpiper Networks

Sandpiper Networks is the world's first content delivery service provider for the Internet. Founded in 1996, Sandpiper has built the largest and most comprehensive Content Delivery Network (CDN). The company's initial service offering, Footprint, gives leading ebusinesses the power to deliver Web sites more efficiently and profitably while dramatically improving site performance. Footprint ensures the delivery of fresh Web content of all types while providing management statistics that are vital to Web-centric businesses. For more information, visit www.sandpiper.net. The network is changing. Adapt to it (SM).