• by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, August 3, 2006

Google, RealNetworks and Mozilla have forged a distribution deal that should result in Google's toolbar, and Mozilla's fast-growing Firefox browser, landing on even more PCs.

The pact involves RealNetworks offering to install Firefox to consumers who download the multimedia player RealPlayer, music download service Rhapsody and gaming platform RealArcade.

The new agreement, which comes closely on the heels of Google deals with Dell, and Adobe Systems, obviously will further extend Google's reach.

Not that the company needs help. The Mountain View, Calif. search giant currently drew 8.8 billion search queries in the second quarter--nearly 50 percent of all searches, according to comScore.

But that doesn't mean Google is safe from challenge. Executives must surely remember that Netscape was once the dominant browser, until Microsoft muscled in. And now that Microsoft is coming out with a new version of its browser--which will likely include a search tool--Google execs appear threatened.

It was reported in May that Google unsuccessfully lobbied the U.S. Department of Justice to examine whether Microsoft's upcoming browser violates antitrust laws. Marissa Mayer, vice president for search products at Google, complained about MSN's default settings to The New York Times. "We don't think it's right for Microsoft to just set the default to MSN. We believe users should choose," she told the Times.

Now, with prospects of an antitrust action dim at best, Google apparently has taken matters into its own hands, by amping up its distribution deals.

Hey, All You Stars... It's that time again: MediaPost seeks nominations for the Online All Stars. We are seeking individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in online media, marketing and advertising. Media company executives and online ad technology providers/vendors will not be considered. The editors will select three marketers, three media agency strategists and three creative directors who passionately evangelize and deploy digital media and marketing strategies. The All Stars will be feted at a party on Sept. 25 during the OMMA Conference & Expo and honored in the pages of OMMA magazine's October issue. Send all nominations to telkin@mediapost.com with "All Stars" in the subject line by Aug. 4.