Opera Press Release

The Browser War Expands to More Platforms

Opera 5 continues its success with free releases for Linux and Mac

OSLO, Norway - Feb. 1, 2001

Opera Software today announces that the final releases of its Linux and Macintosh-browsers will be available for free to all users. The decision means that Opera's Web Browser for both Linux and Mac will be in the successful Version 5 series of the Opera family of Web Browsers.

The December 6th release of the free Opera 5.0 for Windows was met with enthusiasm from both users and critics around the world. Over two million copies were downloaded in the first month, in addition to the 10 million distributed in CD form to computer magazines.

"By releasing free versions of our Linux and Mac-browsers, we further escalate the Browser War," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. "We will now be present with free versions on all the major desktop platforms, and we expect that our unique Internet experience over time will capture a significant market share in all of them."

The status of the browsers for the two platforms is:

  • Opera 5.0 for Linux is in Beta 5, with a new Beta ready to ship shortly. The previous Beta versions have received an enthusiastic response from the Linux-community and are widely considered by critics to be the best browser available for the platform.
  • Opera 5 for Mac has still not been released for public testing.

Like the Windows version, Opera for Linux and Macintosh will offer two options for keeping the browser. The user has the choice to download a free, ad-supported version with all features and functionality enabled, or registering the browser at a charge of $39 that removes the ads, with various discounts applying.

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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.