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20 million use Opera Mini worldwide

Oslo, Norway  Nov. 11, 2008 -- Opera today released a preview of Opera Mini 4.2, the newest version of the world's most popular mobile Web browser that works on almost every mobile phone. With this beta release, Opera celebrates Opera Mini being the browser of choice for more than 20 million unique monthly users worldwide. As part of the celebration, Opera Mini users in the United States and Asia-Pacific region can now experience faster browsing speeds, due to the addition of an Opera Mini server park in the United States.

Opera Mini is available to download for beta testing at http://www.operamini.com/beta// 

"The number of people using Opera Mini worldwide proves that there is a true revolution going on: people want to access all their favorite Web sites on the mobile phone they have today," says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera. "We constantly focus on developing a faster and more personal browsing experience. Opera Mini 4.2 beta is an update that takes mobile Web browsing to the next level."

Opera Mini 4.2 beta provides a more personalized experience with its colorful selection of new skins, improved support for YouTube and other mobile video services on a wider selection of mobile phones. Improvements in Opera Link allow users to share notes between their mobile phones and PCs, in addition to their bookmarks and recently-visited URLs.

"Opera Mini is a mobile application to be reckoned with," says John Jackson, Vice President, Yankee Group. "We have witnessed a 10% average growth in the number of Opera Mini users worldwide every month, with every indication that the trend will continue. As the browser keeps improving in speed and functionality and end-user awareness expands, Opera Mini's popularity to users worldwide should continue to grow."

"I love Opera Mini, because when it comes to functionality, there is nothing 'mini' about it," says Meri-Tuuli Fagerlund, a student from Finland. "I use Opera Mini daily to access the Web, and the best part is that I do not have to carry my laptop when I have Opera Mini in my pocket."

Opera establishes office in Taipei to get closer to customers and users

Oslo, Norway / Taipei, Taiwan  Nov. 11, 2008 -- In the wake of its recent Taiwanese customer announcements, Opera Software is expanding its presence by establishing a new office in Taipei, Taiwan. This office is part of Opera's strategic plan to grow business relationships in the market and to provide better customer service and technical support to key manufacturers and partners in Taiwan.

Opera team members are already in place and ready to learn more about local manufacturers and their products. Opera also plans to increase its focus on current customers in Taiwan, as the company currently has agreements in place with HTC, Asustek, Alpha Networks and ZyXEL.

Opera is investing in local talent and support capabilities to directly deliver its portfolio of Web browsing solutions to customers.

"Taiwan is a key strategic location for Opera, as it is an important OEM/ODM center and an integral part of the global IT eco system. In Taiwan, we are seeing that Web technology is increasingly a part of device manufacturers' strategies, which naturally leads them to Opera," said James Wei, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Opera Software. "By adding localized Opera support in Taipei, we are not only able to provide hands-on attention to our customers but we are also able to be an active member of the local Taiwan IT community at this exciting stage in its development."

Opera currently has a strong presence in the Taiwanese IT community. The Opera Mobile Web browser has been selected by market leaders including HTC, Asustek and Wistron NeWeb, due to its full-featured and fast Web experience for the small mobile screen. Opera Devices deployments with Alpha Networks and ZyXEL are a clear indication that Taiwanese manufacturers have embraced the use of Web technology on any device. By selecting Opera, these companies are now privy to a faster and less costly way of creating Web applications and user interfaces, as well as delivering the full Web optimized for any screen.

Opera's Taipei office is located on 5F., No. 285, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.).

Information Source:    Opera Software

Images courtesy of Opera Software