Opera 5 for Windows- Going for Gold

Opera Software reports 2 million downloads in first month

Oslo, Norway -Jan. 9, 2001

Opera Software today announced that around two million copies of Opera 5 for Windows have been downloaded worldwide since its release on Dec. 6, 2000. This number includes all downloads from Opera's Website, as well as from reporting download partners. Opera 5.0 for Windows is the first free version of Opera's critically acclaimed Web browser.

Despite being released only in the last weeks of 2000, Opera made it into 5th place on CNet's Download.com's wrap-up of the past year, "The Best Downloads of 2000".

"We are very excited about the response Opera 5 received when it was placed on the Tucows worldwide network," says Dave Keating, Tucows Inc. "Opera is definitely a top product offering our users a smaller, faster, and widely compatible browser that conserves system resources."

The free version of Opera has been very well received by both press and users. Opera has had extensive favourable press coverage worldwide since the launch, both in print and on TV.

"What has been most positive in the last couple of weeks is the warm reception we have seen the world over for the Opera browser," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software, "Both users that have supported us for years, as well as the thousands more that have tried out Opera for the first time in the last month, have all been very positive."

In addition to the 2 million downloads, Opera has signed for distribution of around 10 million copies through agreements with numerous publications worldwide. More distribution agreements are pending.

Opera has now started shipping localized language versions of the browser, lowering the barrier to access for millions of non-English speakers.

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About Opera Software

Opera Software ASA is an industry leader in the development of Web browsers for the desktop and embedded markets, partnering with companies such as IBM, AMD, Symbian, Canal+ Technologies, Ericsson, Sharp and Lineo (now a division of Embedix). The Opera browser has received international recognition from end users and the industry press for being faster, smaller and more standards-compliant than other browsers. Opera is available on Windows, Mac, Linux/Solaris, OS/2, Symbian OS and QNX. Opera Software ASA is a privately held company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 250 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.