Opera Software
Opera Software is a Norwegian software company best known for its web browsers. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Founding: Opera Software was founded in 1995 by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy in Norway.
- First Browser: The first version of the Opera browser was released in 1996. It was initially developed for embedded devices but soon became popular on desktop platforms.
- Mobile Expansion: Opera gained significant traction in the mobile market with Opera Mini, launched in 2006, which was especially popular in emerging markets due to its data compression technology.
- Acquisition and Restructuring: In 2016, Opera Software was acquired by a consortium of Chinese investors, which included Kunlun Tech and Qihoo 360. Following this, the company underwent a restructuring where its consumer browser business was spun off into a separate entity called Otello Corporation.
- IPO: In July 2018, Opera Software re-entered the public market with an IPO on the NASDAQ.
Products and Services
- Opera Browser: Known for its speed, built-in ad blocker, and unique features like a sidebar for quick access to social media and messaging apps. It's available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Opera Mini: A lightweight browser for mobile devices focusing on data saving, which compresses web pages before sending them to the user's device.
- Opera GX: A version of Opera designed for gamers, which includes features like CPU, RAM, and network limiters to optimize gaming performance.
- Opera for iOS and Android: Includes features like a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and personalized news.
- Opera News: A news aggregation app that uses AI to provide personalized content.
Technology
- Data Compression: Opera pioneered data compression technology for mobile browsers, significantly reducing data usage.
- VPN Services: Opera was one of the first browsers to offer a built-in VPN service to its users for free, enhancing privacy and security.
- Blink Engine: Opera switched from its own Presto engine to the Blink rendering engine, which is also used by Google Chrome, to improve compatibility and performance.
Business Model
- Monetization: Opera generates revenue through advertising, search engine partnerships, and through its Opera Ads platform, which offers advertising solutions across its suite of products.
- Market Expansion: Opera has focused on expanding its market share in Asia and Africa, leveraging its data-saving technologies to appeal to users in regions with limited internet infrastructure.
External Links
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