Earlier today Microsoft announced a $761 million agreement with RealNetworks paving way for a new friendship and hope to tackle Apple – at least that’s what I think will end up happening. According to the Microsoft press release, �under the music and games agreements, Microsoft is scheduled to pay Real $301 million in cash and provide services over 18 months in support of Real�s product development, distribution, and promotional activities. Microsoft will earn credits at predetermined market rates to be applied to the $301 million for subscribers delivered to Real through MSN. Additionally, Real will take steps to support MSN Search, and Real and Microsoft will jointly promote use of Windows Media technologies with Rhapsody to Go.�