Opera announces official April Fool’s policy

Oslo, Norway — April 1, 2007

Opera Software ASA, makers of the best browser in this, or indeed any, universe, today revealed the results of a five month process to determine this year’s April Fool’s joke. After considerable competitive analysis, structural synthesis, skilled observation, educated prognostication and blind luck, the management along with Opera’s Corporate Relations and Prevarication department determined there will be no April Fool’s joke for FY07.

“It became too much,” said a frustrated Torgrim Odland, director Opera’s Corporate Relations and Prevarication department. “First it was the obviously fake SoundWave digital voice P2P technology and then we turned our employees into models. I cannot imagine what tomfoolery would be next: are we hiring penguins as Linux developers? Perhaps we’ll have our CEO go skydiving dressed as a nun. I didn’t see where this would ever end, so I ended it.”

Worldwide, corporations embracing April Fool’s Day as their only official excuse to have a bit of fun skyrocketed 6000% in 2006, somewhat muting the overall enjoyment of the day, according to a reputable firm whose research, Opera’s promises, was in no way paid for by Mr. Odland or anyone connected to Opera Software ASA and certainly not used to sway executive decision on this matter.

“It’s not often I get to break out of my shell, let alone my basement,” said Olafur ‘Olli’ Arnason, QA Manager for Opera’s Desktop browser. “I really wanted to laugh at a silly press release and pass some scandalous pictures around, but now the suits have ruined it. I guess I’ll just spend my Sunday in Second Life with everyone else I know.”

Official leaked memo here.

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.