RealNetworks has signed software distribution agreements with Google and Mozilla Corporation; all three compete with Microsoft.

Those who install RealNetworks software - RealPlayer, Rhapsody music service or RealArcade game - will be given the option to install the Mozilla's Firefox browser and both the Google Toolbar and Desktop Search, reports VNUnet. The financial details of the agreement weren't disclosed. Real had already been distributing Google Toolbar for the past two years. Google has similar deals with Dell, Adobe and Sun Microsystems for its Toolbar.

Ensuring wide availability of its search software is part of Google's strategy to head off competition from Microsoft, Reuters points out. Microsoft will later this year or early next year release its Vista operating system, which has a built-in search feature.

All three companies compete with Microsoft. Mozilla's Firefox is the most popular web browser alternative to Internet Explorer browser.