Opera browser for better business: Service sites supply Opera Mini to expand market reach

Oslo, Norway and Las Vegas, NV – April 5, 2006

Opera Software today announced online communities, Buzznet and Tribe, have partnered with Opera to distribute Opera Mini through their Web sites and other channels to enhance the availability of their online services. The companies now progressing Opera Mini's growing uptake, are set to offer users direct access to existing Web site services via their mobile phones through Opera Mini.

With companies pushing their services into the mobile space, Opera Mini immediately adapts and delivers the available PC Web experience to a mobile device. Opera Mini is Opera's compressed mobile Web browser able to render real Web pages and available for nearly every mobile phone in use today. Users can visit the same Web sites they can browse from their desktop and in the same way, using Web address formats they are already accustomed to. As Opera Mini is based on Opera's core technology, it is tried and tested and has everything users would expect from a browser including search, bookmarks and history. By offering Opera Mini directly to their members, online communities ensure optimal browsing and functionality of their online content.

"We're thrilled to distribute Opera Mini to extend our community content and experience from the Web to a broad array of mobile devices," says Marc Brown, president and co-founder of Buzznet. "Our popular photo and blog content from members and events such as the 2006 Coachella Valley Music Festival will be one-click away for Opera Mini users. With the immediacy of picture snapping and sharing or just being able to instantly post ideas while on-the-go and in the moment, Opera Mini can help make Buzznet.com become even more dynamic and live."

"We want Tribe members to be able to connect to their discussion forums and friend networks wherever they are," says Darian Patchin, VP of Advertising at Tribe.Net. "Our members are busy people who want access to their friends' ideas and opinions when they are on the go. Supplying Opera Mini is a quick and easy enhancement of our service availability and will allow our members to get access to valuable content whenever and wherever."

Opera Mini launched globally in January 2006. It has since been on a fast track to market acceptance with over 2 million people having used the browser and operator partners, T-Mobile, debitel and GrameenPhone, supplying Opera Mini for select carried handsets. Additionally, setvice providers PriceRunner, HT Telecom, Small Planet and UnwirePark, have also signed distribution agreements to provide their users with mobile access to their online services.

"We expect Opera Mini to play a role in mobilizing consumer behavior," says Jon von Tetzchner. "With its simple availability, virtually anyone with a mobile phone can now run their online activities without a WiFi connection. Opera Mini allows online businesses to offer their existing services to mobile users, expanding their reach to a growing market and retaining customer loyalty in the mobile space."

Availability

Opera Mini can be downloaded for free at http://mini.opera.com/. Customized versions are offered to operators, handset manufacturers and content providers that want to offer a full, branded Web browser to their customers.

About Buzznet

Los Angeles-based Buzznet Inc. creates and maintains Buzznet.com, a vibrant web and mobile social community experience based on multimedia content. Buzznet works closely with entertainment, publishing and media companies to provide powerful online communities of user-generated content. Founded in 2004, the company was created by Marc Brown, Anthony Batt and Steve Haldane, experts in software development, design and management of major content distribution networks. For more information visit Buzznet Inc. online at http://www.buzznet-inc.com.

About Tribe

Tribe is a locally-driven Web site enabling consumers to connect with people about what to do, where to go, places to live, jobs and services in their respective cities. Tribe's online community hosts member-generated content in the form of discussion groups, reviews, events, and classifieds and photos. Founded in 2003, Tribe uses patented technology to connect hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S., Canada and Europe. The site is set up based on city/region and member networks based on friend relationships, affinity groups, and geography.

Contacts

Opera Software ASA

Tor Odland
Communications Director
+47 2416 4242
toro@opera.com

Eskil Sivertsen
Public Relations Manager, Mobile
+47 2416 4213
eskils@opera.com

Michelle Valdivia
Marketing Communications Manager
+1 786-312-1717
michelle@opera.com

Buzznet
mPRm
Stephanie Tannenberger, 323-933-3399 x 4252
stannenberger@mPRm.com

Tribe.Net
Darian Patchin
VP Advertising
415-861-2286
Darian@tribe.net

About Opera Software ASA

Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.

Find Opera on the Web

Back to Press Releases

Opera

Opera Press Releases