Opera more than doubles download numbers in Europe after Choice Screen introduction

Oslo, Norway — March 18, 2010

Following the introduction of the Choice Screen in Europe, Opera Software is experiencing a dramatic uptake on downloads of its latest browser, Opera 10.50. After the Choice Screen launch in early March, on average, more than half of the European downloads of Opera’s latest browser come directly from the Choice Screen.

“This confirms that when users are given a real choice on how they choose the most important piece of software on their computer, the browser, they will try out alternatives,” said Håkon Wium Lie, CTO of Opera Software. “A multitude of browsers will make the Web more standardized and easier to browse.”

The increase represents more than a doubling from the normal download numbers, even only after a short period with the Choice Screen. According to plan, the rollout of the Choice Screen will continue well into May for existing Windows computers and for five more years on new installations.

The following numbers are the percentages of country downloads of Opera’s latest desktop browser that originate from the Choice Screen, as part of the total Opera 10.50 numbers for desktop.

Country	Choice Screen increase	Choice Screen as % of total DL
Poland	328%	77%
Spain	215%	68%
Italy	202%	67%
Denmark	198%	66%
Netherlands	157%	61%
Portugal	157%	59%
Belgium	123%	55%
France	117%	54%
Sweden	111%	53%
Switzerland	109%	52%
Greece	93%	48%
Austria	85%	46%
United Kingdom	85%	46%
Czech Republic	64%	39%
Germany	64%	39%
Norway	57%	37%
Hungary	53%	35%
European average	130%	53%

The increase percentage due to Choice Screen was found by comparing downloads from Choice Screen to all other downloads for each country. Other downloads includes downloads of new installations outside Choice Screen and manual upgrades of the 10.50 browser. Numbers were collected from Opera download statistics, over three days, March 12 - 14.

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. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.