Oslo - Norway and Sydney - Australia, Wednesday 22nd August, 2007: Fluffy Spider Technologies (FST), a world-leading provider of software development platforms for advanced Graphical User Interfaces in embedded devices, and Opera Software (Opera), the only company to put the Web on any device, today announce a joint research, development and marketing alliance.
This benefits OEMs and end-users of consumer, mobile, commercial, industrial and other devices with graphics screens.
FancyPantsTM is the award-winning platform, created by FST, for embedded application development. It enables OEMs to quickly and easily develop innovative and feature-rich devices with advanced Graphical User Interface capabilities and high-performance Multi-Media, while also reducing hardware resource requirements and development costs.
Opera's embedded web-browser solutions have shipped on almost 100 million mobile phones from the major manufacturers and operators worldwide and also deliver the power of the Web to set-top boxes, portable media players and other devices. Based on the same core engine as the renowned Opera desktop browser, these accelerate the development of devices and ensure the highest quality Internet experience.
FST has initially ported Opera for FancyPants running on ARM processor-based devices, with release subject to specific business opportunities. The integration is readily demonstrated on a desktop environment and initially focuses on embedded Linux operating systems, while FancyPants is also readily ported to other operating systems and display subsystems.
This enables developers of products such as Smart Phones, TV Set Tops, Point-Of-Service terminals, Electronic Advertising, In-Car systems and Building Automation devices to leverage the power of the Internet as part of the FancyPants platform. The alliance also offers OEMs the option of outsourcing the complete software development lifecycle of these next generation products.
"We look forward to the ongoing collaborative delivery of products that enable OEMs to further differentiate themselves and offer better end-user service with highly innovative devices," said Robi Karp, CEO, Fluffy Spider Technologies.
"FancyPants offers an unparalleled user experience, enabling OEMs to create embedded applications with a breathtaking look and feel, while meeting the rigorous demands required in embedded environments," said Mr. Karp.
"FancyPants plug-in architecture readily delivers the benefits of Opera, which is also the fastest and most secure cross platform browser, available for a wide range of mobile handsets," said Scott Hedrick, SVP, Opera Software.
FST specializes in providing advanced GUI and high-performance Multi-Media products for embedded application development, backed by comprehensive custom development services. Since 1995, clients include Toshiba, VeriFone, Ericsson, HP, Optus, Vodafone and GEC. FST also has a joint research and marketing agreement with NICTA - Australia's ICT Research Centre of Excellence. For more information on FST and its products, visit www.fluffyspider.com or email info@fluffyspider.com
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/
| Stan Ghys |  |
| Business Development Manager | |
| Fluffy Spider Technologies | |
| Phone: +61 2 9281 9055 | |
| Email: pr@fluffyspider.com | |
| www.fluffyspider.com | |
| Tor Odland (Norway) |  |
| Opera Software | |
| Mobile: +47 2416 4242 | |
| Email: toro@opera.com | |
| www.opera.com |