Opera Software in Breakthrough Localization Project

The Opera Web browser now available in the four Celtic languages

OSLO, Norway - Dec. 21, 2000

Opera Software and DART are proud to announce that its Opera 4.02 for Windows browser is now available in the four Celtic languages. The Opera Web browser is the first large-audience software available in Breton, Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.

Around 40 million European citizens on a daily basis use a language other than their country's official language, while their minority languages are almost totally absent from available software developing tools. As a result, minority groups have more difficulties accessing the Net, and working with its contents. Opera is the first IT company to answer the demand of a specific market, the minority languages, and to stress the concept of linguistic diversity for and on the Web.

"Part of Opera's mission is to preserve cultural diversity and to make the Internet easily accessible to all," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software," This release will lower the barrier to make use of the Internet for Celtic minority-speakers, and help the Celtic language flourish in the Information Age," he ends.

Bilingual schools and local administrations is now able to offer their pupils, employees, or users the possibility to work in their own language.

"DART offers minority language communities the possibility of having their language present in the new technologies sector," says Bertrand-Romain Menciassi, Information Officer, The European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages (EBLUL), "With DART, IT companies have a technically and commercially viable localization model that will be extended to other large-audience pieces of software, and into other languages."

You can read more about Opera and project DART, or EBLUL's own page. Download the browser today from www.opera.com.

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About DART

DART is a European consortium made up of the European Bureau for Lesser-Used Languages (UE), Sabhal Mor Ostaig (Scotland), Fiontar (Ireland), Ofis ar brezhoneg (Brittany), Trinity College (Wales), and Opera Software ASA (Norway) with the support of DG Information Society of the European Commission.

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.

Contacts

EBLUL

Bertrand-Romain Menciassi
Information officer, Brussels Office
Tel: +0032 2 2182590
E-mail: bertrand@eblul.org

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. 220 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.